Let’s Talk About Babies And Money!
Those of you who follow me will know that I love to shed light on the difficult things about pregnancy and the early years of parenting. Money and budgeting is no exception!
There is no shortage of opportunities to spend money when preparing for the arrival of a baby, but many of those opportunities are NOT ESSENTIAL! There I said it. (oops sorry I shouted).
Modern day postpartum has become consumed with expensive stuff and things.
A pram with all the bells and whistles
The most beautiful nursery
A brand name nappy bag with all. the. pockets (I love pockets)
A baby shower/big event or party to celebrate baby
All the small things that add up - clothes, bedding, creams and lotions, breast or bottle feeding paraphernalia ++++++++.
It is a beautiful nursery
There is nothing wrong with prioritising and spending your budget on these things but not if it is instead of the care and support you will NEED after your baby is born!
The value of postpartum care and support, especially the care of a new mother’s mental and emotional health, have been overshadowed. Pushed to the bottom of the list like so many important women’s issues.
Now I could go on here about all the historical reasons for pushing postpartum care under the nursery rug (the one in the picture above probably costs more than half what you need to care for your emotional health in the 4th trimester!) but instead I want to focus on what we can do differently.
It is time we started valuing the transition to motherhood (or adding another child to the family) in the same way (or preferably higher!) than we value life’s other big transitions, memorable moments or important experiences.
How much did you or would you pay for a wedding?
How about an overseas trip?
Your 18th or 21st birthday celebration?
A car? A renovation? A new couch?
How we spend our hard earned money in late pregnancy and the first year of a babies life can be absolutely LIFE CHANGING.
If as a society we prioritised saving for and / or directing some of our funds to honoring the transition to motherhood, caring for the emotional and mental health of new families and preparing for the immense experience of caring for a tiny human, we could literally change the shape of not only the experience of parents but our children’s lives and the lives of all of the generations that come after.
What is most important to a newborn is a well supported, well mother (or primary caregiver).
What is most important to a young child is a well supported, well mother (or primary caregiver).
Well supported mothers find it easier to tune in to and bond with their babies.
Well mothers find it easier to meet the needs of their babies and the demands of parenting.
A pram can’t do that, expensive nursery rugs can’t do that, even all. the. pockets can’t do that.
What can do that, is prioritising YOUR need for care and support in the early months and years with a new baby.
Think about directing more of your budget (and what to ask for as gifts from family and friends) towards practical support, mental and emotional health, reducing isolation, bonding with your baby, caring for your important relationships AND getting clear on how to parent from your values.
You truly can’t afford not to. xx
Read about more important postpartum topics in my free guide -
‘The 3 Secrets to Raising a Happy, Secure Baby’
Join The Under One Mums Circle
The Under One Mum’s Circle is a new mother’s group with a focus on
Building your confidence as a mother.
Growing your village and reducing isolation.
Tuning in to your baby and your instincts as a new mum.
Enrolments are now open for those from 32 weeks pregnant to 6 months postpartum who live in the Southern suburbs of Adelaide and the Fleurieu.