6 Surprising Costs of Motherhood

Bringing a baby into this world is an exciting and fulfilling experience, an adventure like nothing else. We planned and prepared for the change to our income and expenses; we discussed the necessary adjustments to our personal and professional lifestyles; basically, we did everything we thought we were supposed to do before their arrival. However, as the dad of 3 kids under 8, I can confidently say that my wife and I overlooked some financial implications of having children.

According to the Pew Research Center, while women in the U.S. are waiting longer to have children than before, they are “still starting their families sooner” than women in other developed countries.¹ In fact, the average age of women in the U.S. becoming first-time mothers is about 26-years-old.¹ Additionally, compared to the 1990s,²parents are now spending more time and money on child care,³ signifying a heightened concern for children’s overall well-being during their developmental years.

From child care to sports/extracurricular activities to higher education, there are many expenses to consider before starting your own family. While motherhood could add more meaning and purpose to your life, evaluating your financial position before conceiving could allow you more time to enjoy the experience rather than worrying about it. When it comes to motherhood, here are some surprising costs you want to be well-prepared for before you enter the delivery room and become responsible for another individual.

Surprising Cost #1: Income Decrease

Often called the “motherhood penalty,” a study found that children born to or adopted by a woman left the mother with an income decrease of four percent.⁵ While this number may not seem substantial, four percent can add up quite quickly when paying for food, diapers and baby sitters. That same study found that the father’s income rose by six percent, often referred to as the “fatherhood premium.”⁵

Surprising Cost #2: Hospital Delivery Fees

Like my wife and I did, many expectant parents assume insurance will cover most of the hospital bill for delivery. Depending on your policy, you will likely have a deductible to pay before your insurance covers costs, which could amount to well above a hundred or even thousands of dollars. Many families are stupefied when they receive the hospital bill post-birth. And considering how many new costs you incur when you become a mother, every dollar counts. To be as prepared as possible, ask your chosen hospital beforehand what your out-of-pocket expenses will be and verify your remaining deductible for the year.

Surprising Cost #3: Breastfeeding

While you may think breastfeeding is technically free, there are accessories associated with the practice that you wouldn’t necessarily expect. Breast pumps, nursing bras and special pillows all have a price tag attached to them, and if you’re serious about breastfeeding, you’ll likely want to have all three just in case. And while we all hope there are no issues, trouble with breastfeeding can be a cost-inducing factor as well. Consulting with a certified lactation specialist can quickly add up as well, with appointments costing between $200 and $350.⁶

Surprising Cost #4: Varying Schedule

Even when your child is being taken care of by your spouse or a trusted friend, you never know what could happen while you're away. From unexpected illnesses to sudden dietary needs, a baby could have you leaving work for more than just your average lunch break. While some employers are understanding, not everyone understands the unpredictability that goes along with having a child.

As your child grows older, there are more moments you may not want to miss, like lacrosse games, dance recitals, and school presentations. Some of these events take place during working hours, and you cannot always fit them into your schedule. However, if your job already offers more flexible work options — such as working remotely — you may not have as many scheduling conflicts to navigate as you raise your child.

Surprising Cost #5: Less Opportunity for Advancement

Even if you're not expecting a child, even just the impression that you may be having a baby soon could prevent your employer from assigning you to higher-level, more time-consuming projects. And once you have a child, your employer may not consider you for promotion as seriously as they would when compared to a woman without a child (terrible, but we know it happens). According to a study by researchers at Cornell University, “mothers were penalized on a host of measures, including perceived competence and recommended starting salary.”⁷ Interestingly enough, “men were not penalized for, and sometimes benefited from, being a parent.”⁷ It's unfortunate for many women that with more responsibility in their personal life comes a diminished perception of their workplace potential.

Surprising Cost #6: Child Care

Child Care cost is the one that continually surprises my wife and me. Although most parents plan for childcare costs, many may not realize that the costs for childcare are rising steadily each year, and the pandemic has made it worse. According to Child Care Aware of America (CCAA), “Parents across the country spent $9,000 to $9,600 annually for one child’s daycare in 2017, up roughly 7.5 percent on the year.”⁸ In fact, these expenses can eat up almost 40 percent of a single parent’s household income.⁸ And while you may expect your child’s college tuition to be the largest cost, CCAA reports that childcare can actually add up to be “roughly double the price of a year’s tuition to an in-state public university.”⁸So, before worrying about where they're going to go to college and how you will pay for it, be sure to factor in childcare costs.

Planning Ahead is Key

While motherhood comes with unique costs (tangible and intangible), raising a child can be an enriching experience. To make the most of parenthood, take some time to educate yourself so you're well prepared for what lies ahead. From online articles and forums to your friends and family members, you can take a variety of avenues to gain more insight into motherhood and the financial implications of this exciting new chapter. Even certain financial advisors - ahem, Overman Capital - can help you prepare for the costs of parenthood.

If you're concerned about the costs of parenthood, please take some time to reach out to us. We strive to create financial strategies based on individual goals, time horizons, and risk tolerance, and we do our best to prepare you for exciting events along the way, like the birth of a child.

Overman Capital is here to help. Connect with us online, call at (252) 635-6666, or stop by the office in historic downtown New Bern, NC, to learn more.