How Much Does It Cost to Have a Baby in Maine?

It is no secret that children are expensive, yet it is still common for expectant/birth parents to consider raising their child – even when facing an unplanned pregnancy. If you are living in Maine and facing this situation, you may be weighing your options. You may find yourself wondering: “How much does a baby cost in Maine?”

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.

Parenthood can be a joyful and rewarding life experience. Parenthood is a lifetime of love and happy memories. For parents who are unprepared for the journey, however, it can be incredibly challenging. Parenting is a life-long commitment. It can be overwhelming, especially considering the costs of childcare and activities. The necessities alone – such as food and clothing – can become a stressful burden. The cost to have a baby in Maine may surprise you, but it can be helpful to know before taking the leap.

If you are wondering “How much does having a baby cost in Maine?” continue reading. In this short guide, we will share the costs you can expect. From prenatal care to daycare tuition–and everything in between–we will empower you with the information you need and give you alternative options to consider.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Having a Baby in Maine

Location of Birth

Birth costs vary throughout the State of Maine. If you are simply looking to know “How much does having a baby cost in Maine?” The simple answer is $9,623, on average. While that number may seem high, it is only around 64 percent of the national average.

Type of Delivery

The cost of childbirth in Maine also depends on the type of delivery you, the birth mother, experience. A vaginal delivery, without an epidural and without any complications, costs significantly less than a cesarian-section delivery. The birth setting also impacts the cost, such as hospital vs. home birth.

Insurance Coverage

Medical insurance is another factor that will impact the cost to have a baby in Maine. Without insurance – or birthing at a facility that is out-of-network – childbirth will cost at least $10,000 more in Maine.

Prenatal and Postpartum Care

Another important factor to consider is medical care. Routine visits and tests are vital for the health of an expectant mother and her baby. Prenatal care refers to appointments before birth, while postpartum care happens after birth. Copays often cover most of prenatal and postpartum care, with health insurance. Patients “high risk” pregnancies or experience complications after birth may require more frequent visits and/or testing. This can add to the cost to having a baby in Maine.

Additional Costs to Consider

Maternity Clothing and Accessories

An unexpected pregnancy means unexpected costs. This includes maternity clothes and other items used to bring comfort to an expectant mother. While a growing bump may not seem like a big problem, the costs can add up to hundreds of dollars – at a minimum. Aside from the stretchy pants and belly-friendly tops, expectant mothers often find themselves needing belly bands, nursing bras, and body pillows for their changing bodies. These costs can put a financial burden on anyone who is not prepared for pregnancy.

Baby Essentials

A newborn baby is small, but their needs are quite significant. New parenthood means new items that can help a baby grow and thrive. At a minimum, baby purchases must include items such as:

• Diapers and wipes
• Formula (if formula feeding)
• Clothing
• Crib or bassinet
• Car seat for transportation

These are the most basic items that are needed to support an infant. There are many other items that can be immensely helpful to new parents, as well, such as:

• Infant-friendly first aid kit
• Baby bath supplies
• Burp clothes
• Baby carrier or stroller
• Swaddling blankets

These are just a few examples of the items that new parents often need for childcare. As babies grow, so do their needs. Depending on your location within Maine, you may find that you need to stock up on essential items, such as diapers and wipes. It costs thousands of dollars to support a baby through the first year of life.

Routine Well-Baby Visits

During the first year of life, babies typically have 7 to 9 recommended well-baby checkups, including screenings, vaccinations, and growth monitoring. If you’re insured, many of these preventive visits are fully covered under the Affordable Care Act. However, for families paying out-of-pocket, each visit can cost between $100 and $200. Vaccinations may be included, but some may come with additional charges, especially if you’re outside a bundled care plan.

Sick Visits and Urgent Care

Babies are prone to common illnesses, especially in their first year. Sick visits to a pediatrician typically cost $100 to $150 without insurance, and more if diagnostic tests or prescriptions are required. If you end up at an urgent care clinic or emergency room, those costs can climb to $200–$500 or more, depending on the level of care needed and whether the visit is after hours or on a weekend.

Costs for Special Medical Needs

If your child has ongoing health concerns such as a chronic condition, developmental delays, or requires physical or occupational therapy, costs can quickly add up. For example, specialist visits in Maine can range from $200 to $400 per appointment without insurance, and therapies often cost $100 to $250 per session. Many families rely on private insurance or programs like MaineCare (the state’s Medicaid program) to help offset these expenses.

NICU and Premature Birth Expenses

For babies born prematurely or with complications, a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can result in substantial costs. A NICU stay can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per day, and more for advanced care or longer hospitalizations. A month-long NICU stay could easily exceed $100,000, though insurance typically covers the majority of these expenses. However, out-of-pocket costs can still be significant depending on your plan’s deductible and co-insurance.

Childcare

Childcare is one of the most burdensome cost factors for parents today. In Maine, the average cost of infant care is about $13,702 per year. For a 4-year-old, the average annual cost is $10,920.

Adoption is An Option

When the timing and circumstances are right, parenthood can be a rewarding experience. For many expectant parents, however, the reality is that the cost to have a baby in Maine is just too much. The good news is there is another option: Adoption.

It may not be the right path for everyone, but adoption is a positive choice for anyone who is not yet ready – or able – to commit to parenthood. Thanks to open adoption in Maine, it does not have to be a “goodbye forever.” It is, in fact, the beginning of a beautiful journey. You can choose your child’s adoptive family, make an adoption plan that meets your needs, and spend your child’s upbringing building a relationship with both your child and their adoptive parent(s).

Adoptions With Love has been working with Maine expectant/birth mothers since 1986. We are a private, full-service, fully licensed adoption agency that can support your needs throughout the adoption process. We offer compassionate counseling – 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 assistance to help you throughout your pregnancy.

An unplanned pregnancy in Maine can be overwhelming, but you should know that there are resources available to help you along the way. You should never have to face this alone. You can find a reputable, trustworthy Maine adoption agency that will work with you, support you, and guide you every step of the way.

Learn More About Adoption in Maine

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to learn more about the adoption process in Maine, reach out to Adoptions With Love. We are here to support you 24/7 and can answer your questions – commitment-free. Call 800-722-7731, text (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact us online.