Are you in the process of choosing and OB/GYN? Check out these 8 questions that will help you get it...
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Same Day Appointments Available
Let’s just think about it . . . and let’s not base what we’re thinking on what we’ve seen on social media. We’ve all seen the elaborate baby showers, outrageous gender reveals, and immaculate baby nurseries stocked with more gadgets than we can name. You may be so overwhelmed with these images that your first thought after taking a pregnancy test is, “Can I even afford a baby?” But does a baby really need all of that?
Babies need the same things we all need. Babies just need the basics: food, clothing, shelter, safety, and love. We should be careful not to confuse what a baby needs with what a parent wants.
You may not be able to afford your name-brand wants, but that doesn’t mean you can’t afford a baby. Babies don’t care about brand names. Babies don’t care about how many likes we get on our social media posts displaying the biggest or best shower or gender reveal, either.
If you’re wondering if you can afford a baby, first know that what a baby needs can be put into two main categories:
So, what do we mean by “health”?
Babies need nutrition. Nutrition can come naturally from the mom, as breastmilk, or can be provided in the form of an infant formula. Some moms choose to breastfeed and bottle feed using infant formula.
One wonderful thing about breast milk is that it is free and available on demand. Breast milk can also be pumped and stored for future use. This is a great choice for working moms who want to continue breast feeding. If you’re concerned about whether you can afford a baby, choosing to breastfeed is a great way to make a baby more affordable in this early stage!
Even more valuable, though, may be the long-term health protection you can give your baby by breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can provide protection against some illnesses and diseases. According to the CDC, breastfed babies “have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome . . . [and] are less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.” That means breastfeeding may even lower future medical expenses!
If you feel like formula is the choice for you, that’s okay too. If you’re concerned about the cost of formula, check into the Women, Infants, and Children program which provides supplemental assistance for pregnant and nursing mom and their babies to receive formula, baby food, fresh vegetables, whole grain foods, and dairy products. This program is FREE and is available across the United States.
For more information about how the WIC program can help you afford a baby, click here. There is also a nationwide network where parents can connect with other parents to request and/or donate infant formula. If you’d like to learn more, click here.
Babies also need safety.
Babies are safe when they are cared for and protected from harm. You may be thinking, “But I don’t know how to take care of a baby.” Don’t panic, we can help with that.
Here at Alcove Health Women’s Clinic, we provide our clients with access to online parenting courses, and it doesn’t cost them anything. That’s right, you can participate in courses that teach you about infant care and safety for FREE. There are also classes available at local hospitals and other agencies to help parents prepare to care for their little one.
Additionally, there are local programs that focus on safety and will provide information and training on infant safety seats and the safest way for infants to sleep. We can help you get connected with them.
Now let’s talk about bathing and diapering.
Bathing. I’m sure you’ve seen the cute little infant towel sets with embroidered designs. While these items are cute, they are not needed. It is perfectly okay to bathe your baby with a regular washcloth and drying towel.
Now, you will need to use a soap that is gentle enough for your baby’s delicate skin. However, according to Healthychildren.org, soaps can dry out a baby’s skin and should be used sparingly. Click here to learn more about bath safety for babies.
Diapering. There are many diaper brands to choose from. Remember all the diaper commercials with the adorable babies lying and crawling around? Every commercial says that their brand is the best. As a mom, the best brand for me was the one that didn’t irritate my baby’s skin and wasn’t overpriced.
Don’t pay more than you need to. One way to afford a baby is to save on diapers. Check out diaper manufacturer websites for coupons and rewards clubs. Parents can also call a local diaper bank to receive free diapers, and sometime wipes.
So, if you’re wondering if you can afford a baby, don’t get overwhelmed or discouraged by what you see on television or social media. Keep it simple.
And if you’re wondering if you’re pregnant, we can help with that, too. We offer no cost pregnancy confirmation, options consultations, ultrasounds, parenting courses, and information and referrals for local organizations that provide parenting resources.
Call or click here to schedule your free and confidential appointment with Alcove Health.
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