What you should know about Building a Postpartum Recovery Budget

Building a postpartum recovery budget is a great thing to try to get done during pregnancy.

You never know what expenses might crop up after you have your baby. 

Putting the baby aside you will need to make sure you have enough money to cover your own self-care during postpartum recovery. 

How long does it take to recover after pregnancy?

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine it takes 4-6 weeks to recover from a normal delivery.

This may be longer if you have a c-section or complications during delivery.

What expenses should I prepare for postpartum?

Aside from baby costs you should prepare for costs involved in your postpartum recovery including:

• Hospital bills and postpartum medical expenses
• Breastfeeding equipment and supplies
• Supportive clothing while you recover
• Childcare expenses if you need extra help with older siblings or have to return to work

How can I afford postpartum expenses?

You definitely should start planning for postpartum expenses as soon as possible.

It can be hard to get caught up with unexpected bills related to your pregnancy or postpartum recovery after the baby arrives.

We got hit with a $10,000 hospital bill right after the birth of our 3rd baby. Even with good insurance these things can and do happen.

Prepare during pregnancy or even before if you are planning to get pregnant. Just so these costs don’t come as a surprise to you if they do come up.

• Budget for postpartum medical expenses– Look over your insurance plan to see what charges you might incur from your delivery and pregnancy doctor visits.Does your insurance cover postpartum doctor visits?
  
  Cut out your morning coffee, have a yard sale, and start a savings account to put away the money you’ll need to pay these bills. Your health care is important especially postpartum!
  
  Look over all medical bills to make sure you weren’t overcharged. Discuss any overcharges with your insurance company and doctor’s office. With so many patients it can be easy for something to get overlooked.

  If you are really struggling financially check to see if your medical provider or hospital has a finance plan for low income families.

• Budget for breastfeeding equipment and supplies– Having proper breastfeeding equipment and supplies is crucial to your postpartum health especially if you plan to breastfeed.
  
  Making sure you have a high quality breast pump not only helps you to maintain a backup milk supply for your baby, but it can also help you relieve clogged milk ducts in a pinch. Luckily you can qualify for a free high quality breast pump through most insurances.
  
  Aeroflow Breastpumps is my favorite company to go through because they do all the legwork for you. Plus they will keep you stocked with breastfeeding equipment you need to keep your pump running while you breastfeed.

• Supportive recovery clothing – You may need supportive garments to help you recover postpartum. Especially if you’ve had a c-section! Aeroflow Breastpumps can also help you qualify for supportive postpartum recovery garments and even supportive maternity items if you are still pregnant.

• Childcare Expenses– Childcare costs can definitely come up during postpartum recovery.
  
  If you need help watching your kids while you recover from a complicated delivery, while you attend postpartum appointments, if you need extra time to sleep while the baby is sleeping.
  
  Beyond that you may need a daycare, nanny, or baby sitter to watch your children if you decide to go back to work.

  While you are pregnant prepare for these expenses.

  1. Speak with friends and family members to see who might be available to watch your children for free or at a low cost.
     
     
  2. If you can arrange or afford it see if your husband can take paternity leave or arrange a flexible work schedule to help out at home while you recover.
     
     
  3. Look for cheap daycare solutions at church, local co-ops, mom support groups, or through local government assistance. 

Saving Money on New Baby

Of course your baby is going to bring a list of new costs to your family.

I’ve written a great guide on baby budgeting, which can help you figure out how to save on everything from formula to their college fund.

Also, take some time to see what free baby samples are available to you. You’d really be surprised at the amount of companies offering free full sized baby samples.

Spending a few minutes to apply for these freebies can save you a lot of money on baby essentials you need anyways.

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Start planning your postpartum recovery early on. Make plans for any unexpected costs so you can focus on your newborn and recovery!