Whether you’re leaning towards parenting your child or still considering other options, it’s helpful to know and understand what all comes with parenting a child – from doctors to diapers to daycare. And, it’s never too early (or too late) to start making plans and preparations!

As you read this, you may feel overwhelmed as you consider and understand the preparation that needs to takes place when welcoming a new baby into the world. Just remember to take a deep breath and take things one day at a time. If you are working with a Many Hearts pregnancy counselor, they will help guide you through the major things you’ll need to know and do before your baby is born to set you up for parenting success.

1. Prenatal Care

One of the most important parts of preparation is prenatal care for both you and your baby. Prenatal care involves seeing a physician or asking your pregnancy counselor for a health care clinic recommendation. This step is essential for the health and safety of your baby and your pregnancy. If cost is an issue for this step, there are many ways that you can receive assistance. We recommend that you contact a Many Hearts pregnancy counselor to find a physician that will meet your needs.

2. Health Insurance

Labor and delivery can rack up some pretty large hospital bills; even more so if there would be any complications with delivery or special care needs for your baby in which they would be transferred to a PICU or NICU. Now is the time to find and enroll in some type of health insurance if you do not have any. You can get health insurance through your place of employment if you are employed full time. You can also pay for private health insurance through an insurance broker. And, there are other options through the government such as Title XIX or Medicaid or enrolling in insurance on Healthcare.gov. Make sure that you understand your health insurance coverage. Some plans may only cover expenses from in-state or in-network providers. Some plans may have hefty deductibles. In the first year of life, a baby will need to go to the doctor six times on average. And, you might need to make unexpected visits for sicknesses or emergencies. Your Many Hearts pregnancy counselor can help steer you in the right direction once they better understand your current situation.

3. Income & Budget

As you already know, it costs a lot to live. And, with a new baby in your household, there will be additional costs – estimates say around $13,000 per each child each year. Important things will be making sure that you have a steady income and that you have a budget you stick to. A good way to analyze your current financial standing and how it will be affected with a baby is to talk to a parent you know about the costs they had with their children. You will learn that some of the costs will only be one time: stroller, car seat, highchair, and crib. Other costs will be monthly and even weekly: diapers, wipes, clothes, formula and food. There are also assistance programs for women and infants for things like formula, milk, juice and more. Your Many Hearts counselor can help you find and apply for these programs in your area.

If you plan to work, you will likely need childcare if you don’t have family around to care for your child. There is childcare assistance, so don’t be too shocked at the cost until you better understand what assistance will cover. If you currently work, are you able to take paid time off or unpaid time off? If you have a boyfriend or spouse, will they continue working to provide a steady income stream?

4. Housing

What does your living situation look like? Is it safe? Is it stable? Are there other people living with you that may contribute to an unsafe or unstable apartment or home? Before your baby comes into this world, you will need to have a safe, clean and stable place for you and your new baby to live. If you pay rent each month, how will you ensure that continues to get paid? There are special apartments that are geared for lower income individuals and families. Your Many Hearts counselor can assist you in finding a place to live that is more affordable if that is something you would need.

5. Support

Who will be there for you when things are tough? Who will provide you with emotional support? Who will you turn to for parenting advice? After the arrival of your baby, things may be a bit hectic for a while. Your baby is going to be fully dependent on you and your care. A support system is where you can turn to for parenting advice, childcare in a pinch, or possibly financial assistance. Consider who you have around you that would be willing to fill those roles and discuss what that may look like with them. Also remember that those close to you will most likely feel a portion of the stress you do as they help you prepare for the baby. As they help you plan for the baby remember to show your appreciation for their assistance. Many times a community will have a “mom group” of some sort. There are groups for single moms, for parenting advice, and for those struggling with substance abuse. Your Many Hearts pregnancy counselor would be happy to help you find out what groups might be available near you.

6. Birthing & Parenting

We encourage you to sign up for birthing classes as soon as possible! These classes are typically free and will help prepare you for labor and delivery. Your physician will give you many of the details you need to know, and they will help you create a delivery plan. The delivery plan consists of choosing a hospital to deliver your baby at, the birth plan, who will be present during labor and delivery, and more. You may not be sure what your preferences are for the delivery or birth plan and that’s what your physician and Many Hearts pregnancy counselor are there for. Do some research, ask questions and we will work with you to create a delivery plan that is right for you.

In addition, we also encourage you to sign up for parenting classes as soon as possible as well. At these classes, you have the opportunity to build a stronger relationship with a boyfriend or spouse who may accompany you. In addition, these groups might be a source of socializing and friendship with other women and couples going through a similar situation as you. Although you will learn as you go once the baby is born, it is very smart to build your parenting knowledge now to set you up for success and assist you later. You can also ask those you know who are good parenting role models for their advice. Most women are happy to share their parenting tips!

Stressed or overwhelmed? Take a deep breath. Let’s take it one day and one step at a time. Depending upon how far along you are in your pregnancy, that will dictate the speed at which tasks will need to be completed. Don’t be afraid to turn to your support system for help or advice – including your Many Hearts pregnancy counselor. As you start to take steps to prepare for your baby you will become more excited and reassured.