For us, we held off until we were in a position where one income could keep things afloat after doing a major reevaluation and redesign of our budget. Even with the drama that happened when Paul lost his job (and believe me, that really messed things up financially), we had saved enough to handle most things for the most part.
I had planned on working part time doing grant writing and consulting, but it seemed like I couldn't make it happen, so I completely let go of all my contracts for that type of work and focused on raising a newbie and taking care of the house and switching horses and going from the Master's program to education.
We owned a house when we got pregnant and have rented up until now -- it seemed like the smartest thing to do.
Family helps a little by watching her and buying her "things", but overall, there's been no financial help from family.
My best advice to you is to look at your budget and be realistic about what you can and can't give up. You may plan on breastfeeding (free!) and doing the cloth diaper gig if you decide to stay at home (big initial investment, but ends up being way cheaper than disposables over the pre-potty-training-life of your child) to save funds, but what happens if (for whatever reason) you can't do either?
I'd say budget for the worst case and see how bad that would be (formula and diapers add wayyyyyyyyyyyy up).
Tips for "affording" the newbie:
- start buying things now: there's nothing wrong with buying some basics way way way ahead of time.
- allow everyone you know to throw you a shower if they're inclined.
- remember that cheap isn't always best...research your stroller, car seat, crib, sleeping options to see what will work best for you.
I do cloth diapers during the day and a disposable at night. The disposable sometimes gives Charlotte a rash so I feel guilty about it but they don't leak and cloth ones sometimes do and Charlotte sleeps in our bed. The type of cloth diapers called "prefolds" are pretty inexpensive. Some of the fancy diapers cost TONS. With prefolds you also have to buy waterproof covers, and if you're willing to get used ones they're pretty cheap. They come with either velcro or snaps. We don't use diaper pins at all. I can show you if you're interested.
Breastfeeding hurt like hell for a few weeks (both times) but once I got um... used to it... it is great. Charlotte is 8 months old and she's just starting to eat a bit of food here and there.
P.S. don't buy anything until I've had a chance to offer you stuff! I have tons of stuff that Charlotte either already outgrew or will have outgrown before you deliver.
I had planned on working part time doing grant writing and consulting, but it seemed like I couldn't make it happen, so I completely let go of all my contracts for that type of work and focused on raising a newbie and taking care of the house and switching horses and going from the Master's program to education.
We owned a house when we got pregnant and have rented up until now -- it seemed like the smartest thing to do.
Family helps a little by watching her and buying her "things", but overall, there's been no financial help from family.
My best advice to you is to look at your budget and be realistic about what you can and can't give up. You may plan on breastfeeding (free!) and doing the cloth diaper gig if you decide to stay at home (big initial investment, but ends up being way cheaper than disposables over the pre-potty-training-life of your child) to save funds, but what happens if (for whatever reason) you can't do either?
I'd say budget for the worst case and see how bad that would be (formula and diapers add wayyyyyyyyyyyy up).
Tips for "affording" the newbie:
- start buying things now: there's nothing wrong with buying some basics way way way ahead of time.
- allow everyone you know to throw you a shower if they're inclined.
- remember that cheap isn't always best...research your stroller, car seat, crib, sleeping options to see what will work best for you.
:)
xopxoxo
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Breastfeeding hurt like hell for a few weeks (both times) but once I got um... used to it... it is great. Charlotte is 8 months old and she's just starting to eat a bit of food here and there.
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