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Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be a stressful experience. If you are living in Tennessee and facing this situation, you may be wondering: How much does having a baby cost in Tennessee? From the unexpected life change to the financial expectations associated, you might be feeling overwhelmed right now. It is important to remember you have options. One option is adoption. Placing a baby for adoption in Tennessee is a loving decision – and one that can offer the resources and financial support that you need.
The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. from birth to age 18 today – on average – is about $310,605. This does not include college tuition. Recent studies show that it costs an average of $19,000 just to give birth to a baby in the U.S., accounting for pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care. Medical complications can increase these costs to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
While parenthood can be a rewarding experience, it can also be an incredibly challenging journey – particularly for those who are not in a financially stable situation. From medical bills and prenatal care to baby essentials and childcare, the total cost of raising a child might be more than you can handle right now. This is completely understandable. Children are the most expensive endeavor that a person can experience next to home ownership. Adoption is a positive choice for those unable to take on the financial responsibilities of parenthood.
If you have been researching the cost of having a baby in Tennessee, you have come to the right place. Read on, as we break down the costs involved with parenthood, as well as the financial assistance that adoption can provide.
Factors Influencing the Cost to Have a Baby in Tennessee
Location of Birth
The costs associated with childbirth vary throughout the State of Tennessee. If you want the simplest answer to your question, “How much does having a baby cost in Tennessee?” the answer is- on average – $13,261 – making it one of the most expensive states in the country to give birth.
Type of Delivery
The cost to have a baby in Tennessee also depends on the type of birth experience you have. A vaginal delivery – without any complications or an epidural – costs significantly less than a cesarean-section delivery. The birth setting also has an impact on baby cost in Tennessee. A home birth, for example, typically costs less than a hospital birth.
Insurance Coverage
Medical insurance is a significant factor that will impact the cost to have a baby in Tennessee. Without insurance, childbirth costs are significantly higher.
Prenatal and Postpartum Care
It is also important to factor in the medical care required with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Routine prenatal appointments are critical for a healthy mother and baby. Health insurance typically covers the bulk of prenatal and postpartum appointments, with nominal copay required. Pregnant patients deemed “high risk” may require additional visits and/or testing, which can also add to the cost of baby in Tennessee.
Additional Costs to Consider
Childcare
Once the parent and child are home from the hospital or birth center, the real costs begin to add up. Childcare is one of the most burdensome costs for parents today. In Tennessee, the average cost of infant care is $11,985 per year – or $999 per month. Childcare for a 4-year-old costs $10,389 per year.
Maternity Clothes and Accessories
With an unplanned pregnancy comes unexpected expenses. It may seem unimportant, but a growing bump requires comfortable clothing. Maternity clothes can be surprisingly costly and amount to hundreds of dollars. In addition to maternity clothes, other accessories are helpful for the comfort of expectant/birth mothers, such as belly bands, body pillows, and nursing bras. These costs can be significant – particularly for someone who is financially strained.
Baby Essentials
While a newborn is tiny, their needs are extensive. At a minimum, there are bare basics required for bringing home a baby, such as:
- Diapers and wipes
- Formula (if formula feeding)
- Car seat
- Clothing
- Crib or bassinet
Other basic baby items are needed to support a growing infant. While there are many items that can be helpful, some of the most basic include:
- Baby bath and gentle soap
- Burp cloths
- Baby carrier or stroller
- Infant-friendly first aid kit
- Swaddling blankets
These are just a few of the essential items needed for growing infants. As children grow, so do their needs. It costs thousands of dollars to support a growing baby in the first year of life, even without the hefty cost of childcare.
Adoption is an Option in Tennessee
When the timing and circumstances are right, parenthood can be an incredibly joyful journey. For many expectant parents, however, the reality is that the cost of raising a child in Tennessee is simply too much. This can make the road through parenthood an incredibly difficult one. The good news, if you want your child to have a safe, healthy, and happy life, is that there is another option: Adoption.
Adoption is not always the right choice for everyone, but it can be a positive decision for anyone who is not yet ready – or able – to raise their child. Thanks to open adoption in Tennessee, it does not have to be a “goodbye forever.” Adoption is the beginning of a new chapter. With the right Tennessee adoption agency, you can choose your child’s adoptive family, custom design an adoption plan that meets your needs, and even look forward to a future building meaningful relationships with both your child and their adoptive parent(s).
Since 1986, Adoptions With Love has been supporting expectant/birth mothers in Tennessee. As a private, full-service, fully licensed adoption agency, we can support your needs throughout the adoption process. Our team of compassionate counselors will work with you – free of charge – throughout the pregnancy and up to a year following the adoption. There are never any fees related to adoption for expectant/birth mothers. You can, in fact, receive financial support throughout the pregnancy. Some of the financial assistance offered includes:
- We can offer a deposit and several months of rent.
- Other living expenses. This includes utilities, phone bills, food, transportation costs, and even maternity clothes, as needed.
- Medical coverage. We can help you find a doctor or midwife with whom you feel comfortable, and cover any uninsured medical expenses related to pregnancy and birth.
An unplanned pregnancy in Tennessee can turn your world upside down, but it can help to know there are resources to assist you. You should never face this journey alone. Adoptions With Love can support you and guide you every step of the way.
Learn More About Adoption in Tennessee
To learn more about Tennessee adoption options, reach out to Adoptions With Love. We are here to support you and can give you the empowering information you need – free of commitment. Call – any time – 800-722-7731, text (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact us online.