Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
The Cost of Having a Baby | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
What is the estimated cost for a normal delivery of a newborn?— Budgeting Mom-to-Be in Austell, Georgia | | | ANSWER |
July 18, 2001 | | | Dear Budgeting Mom-to-Be,
This is a great question that took some research! With marked regional variation, estimates of the cost of having a baby in the U.S. range from $6,000 to $8,000 for a normal vaginal delivery and $10,000 to $12,000 for a cesarean birth (on up to as much as $14,000 in certain parts of the country). If you are covered by insurance, it may take care of virtually all of the cost or only a fraction, depending on your plan and whether your doctor and hospital are preferred providers. Care with a nurse-midwife may cost less, and of course, a complicated pregnancy will cost more. Some practitioners and hospitals may offer a sliding scale based on family income.
Keep in mind that this is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to estimating your expenses in the first few years of your newborn's life--parents can spend almost an infinite amount on supplies, furniture, diapers, food, and childcare. And if one parent is staying home with the baby, the loss of income also must be taken into account.
On the other hand, what could be better to invest in than your family? And with a good insurance plan, the expenses can be within economic reach of most couples. Good luck and take care!— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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