7 Tips To Help If You’re Pregnant & Struggling Financially
October 22, 2018When you find out you’re pregnant, it can bring about a wave of emotions, both positive and somewhat stressful. You feel excitement about your little bundle of joy. You also might wonder how your life will change, worry whether you can handle all the changes, be concerned if you have enough people in your circle to help you, and the list goes on.
Feeling financially unprepared
Then, there are some that have the added stress of not feeling like they are in a position to financially handle what comes along with having a baby. That includes not only taking care of the baby, but paying the doctor bills, formula, diapers, etc. When a colleague recently asked me for ideas on this since I’d just had a baby and it’s been decades since his daughter was born, I figured the information I shared with him could help others as well.
Help is out there, but you have to ask
Be encouraged that there are many programs in place to help lighten the load. There are typically state and local organizations that can help. It can get overwhelming with where to begin. Here are some resources that are a great place to start.
1) Contact your local United Way and other local charities – Dial 2-1-1 from your phone in order to reach your local United Way. They can save you some time researching as they have knowledge of the various programs and options available in your area that could offer you some assistance.
The United Way can help with finding shelter, food, supplies and other necessities. They are an excellent resource, but essentially give you a list of organizations and contact numbers for you to reach out to on your own. Among some of their ideas, they may suggest contacting The Salvation Army, local religious organizations, and hospitals, who tend to have discounted or free diapers and clothes, among other baby needs.
Some people find making multiple calls to be overwhelming. Consider sticking to calling one or two of their suggestions each day to keep it manageable.
2) Find help paying for formula and food – Your local food pantry/bank, coupons and samples could save you money here as well. Low income families might also be eligible for their local WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program, which may provide food for the baby as well as mom.
3) Get free diapers or at least discounted – The average baby goes through six to 10 diapers per day. Add that up for the year and that’s over 2,000 diapers a year. Find ways to take advantage of coupons, free samples and programs like the National Diaper Bank Network and more here.
4) Look for other free stuff – Secondhand clothing and toy stores typically have new or gently used items to help care for your baby. You can find free or discounted baby clothing, car seats, cribs, and other baby supplies to ease your financial burden.
5) Get help paying for child care – You may be eligible for funds to help lessen the hit of child care expenses, or qualify for Early Start and Head Start programs to support your child’s development.
6) Prepare for your prenatal and postpartum care – Contact your health insurance provider in order to find out exactly what type of services are covered for pregnancy and delivery. Some plans offer access to a nurse via phone to ask any questions you might have. You might even be able to get pregnancy related items like a free breast pump. Most health insurance companies have special programs for expectant mothers, so make sure you enroll.
7) Manage the money you have – It will help to have a plan to manage the money you do have, whether that amount feels significant or not right now. Consider the likely expenses from pregnancy to delivery. Check out some tips on what to do when you’re expecting, like putting together a budget while you’re on maternity leave and when you return.
If you or someone you know is finding it challenging to meet their needs during pregnancy or even after giving birth, share these ideas with them. Getting the help they need could allow them to feel more in control and free to celebrate their journey.