Having A Baby

Work, Money And Budgeting

When you find out you are pregnant there is a lot to think about;

What do you need to do about work / your benefits?
How will you afford everything you need?

It is exciting planning for your baby but can sometimes feel a lot to deal with. It’s never too early to work out your budget. Don’t put it off until after the baby is born.

Knowing exactly what money is coming in and going out each month is essential to help you figure out what you can afford. Knowing how much everything costs will help you prepare for your new arrival and avoid any unexpected expenses.

You can save on unnecessary purchases by asking friends and family what baby items they actually needed and used, and also what purchases could wait.

You could start to work out what your baby may need and how much it will cost with this baby costs calculator.

Dive Deeper

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Money Worries

If you already have money problems now is a good time to get in touch with Citizens Advice. They can help make sure you are getting all the benefits you should be. They can help you make a plan to manage any debts you might have. This can really help reduce any worries and stress about money this is better for you and your baby. You can talk to your midwife or health visitor about this too – they can signpost you to support.

You may be worried about the cost of having a baby and buying everything you need. It can feel that there is an endless list of things you need to buy. Babies do not need as much as you might think when you see adverts and social media. Look at our pages on What do I really need for my baby and What to pack in your hospital bag to help you decide what to buy for your new baby.

Whatever your financial situation expecting a baby is a good time to look at your money situation.

If you are in a relationship doing this as a couple can help you both decide who will be responsible for what. Set time aside when you are calm and not tired.
Look at the money that comes in, and goes out, of your accounts each month. What will change now a baby is on the way?
Talk about how you can share the costs and be honest about the difficulties you might face.
Agree to talk again and set a time to do it.

If you are a single parent, both parents still have a responsibility to financially support their child. You may be able to work this out with each other. If you are not getting along with each other it can be trickier;

Is there a person you both trust who can act as a ‘go between’ to discuss the practical side of sharing parenthood?
Contact the Child Maintenance Service if you will need outside help to you sort out the finances.

Whatever your situation if you feel worried about debt or how you will pay for things or bills there is help available. Money worries are stressful and not good for you, your relationship or your baby.

Work & Benefits

You may not want to tell your employer or your benefits team that you / your partner are having a baby straight away. This is your choice – but pregnant women must let employers know by 15 weeks before their baby’s due date.

Once your employer knows you are pregnant, the law says they must treat you fairly.

They must make an assessment to be sure your job is safe for you to continue in pregnancy exactly as before, and make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for you.
You must be allowed paid time off for appointments, and partners are entitled to paid time to attend two pregnancy related appointments with you.
Your employer / benefits team should help you work out the earliest date you can begin maternity leave and the pay you are entitled to.

There is good information about your rights in pregnancy online. You will also find information on maternity pay / allowance and leave.

Try these pages for up to date information. They have information for both parents so you can be confident of what you can expect and when.

Citizen’s Advice - Pregnancy pages.
The GOV.uk - Pregnancy and Birth pages.
Turn2Us - Benefits and Grants Calculator.

Who Can Help?

If you feel worried and would like more advice you can speak to your midwife throughout your pregnancy and up to 28 days after the birth of your baby.

If you live in Norfolk

You can contact the Healthy Child Service team for advice and guidance by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text Chathealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of the team.

If you live in Suffolk

You can contact the health visiting team by calling 0345 607 8866, texting 07312 277020 or emailing childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk. Our opening hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays).

You can speak to other Norfolk parents and carers by clicking our online community forum below.