You may want to parent and still have no idea how the numbers are supposed to work.
Maybe your paycheck is already stretched with rent, groceries, and bills. Adding diapers, childcare, a car seat, and medical expenses can make having a baby seem financially challenging before you have even looked at what help is available.
The better question may not be, “Can I pay for everything myself?” but “What would I need help with?” You may find that parenting is possible with the free support and programs available.
Schedule a free, confidential appointment with Choices Pregnancy Center to learn about parenting resources and assistance available in your area. We’re here to help.
Put Names to the Expenses
Start with the parts of parenting that you are thinking about the most. If you are worried about housing, for example, your first few steps may look different from someone who mainly needs everyday supplies.
Choices can provide community referrals for childcare, housing, food and nutrition programs, prenatal services, counseling, legal aid, financial assistance, and more.
Missouri families may also qualify for programs such as WIC or MO HealthNet, depending on income and other eligibility requirements.
You Don’t Have to Buy Everything Yourself
The financial side of parenting may look especially overwhelming, but that’s where we come in.
Choices offers pregnancy, parenting, and life-skills classes covering topics such as prenatal and infant care, nutrition, relationships, and parenting.
As you complete classes, you can earn maternity and baby supplies such as diapers, wipes, baby clothing, car seats, cribs, and play pens.
By the time your baby arrives, you may already have collected several of the bigger items that initially made your budget seem daunting.
We can also talk with you about programs, other community resources, and options for making parenting feel sustainable in the long term.
Look at the Next Few Months, Not Years
You do not need to calculate every expense your child could have through high school.
Focus first on pregnancy, delivery, the newborn months, and what your household may need during that period. One-on-one mentoring at Choices can also give you a place to work through budgeting, parenting concerns, relationships, and other adjustments that may come with having a baby.
Your financial circumstances can change over time, especially with a plan.
Find Out What Support Is Available to You
As you consider parenting, don’t let money hold you back. Learn about all the help available to you to get a more realistic picture of what parenting would look like financially.
Schedule a free, confidential appointment with Choices Pregnancy Center to get started. We can discuss your specific situation and help you learn what support can make you feel more confident.