Deciding whether or not to return to work following maternity leave can be a tough question for every family to answer. While the issue is a highly personal one there are some financial issues to consider.  In part one of this post we discussed financial issues, increased insurance/ medical costs and those ever important diapers.  Today, we’ll look at increased grocery and clothing costs and the big one- child care.

1-     Nursing and/or formula- When I gave birth, I was adamant; I was nursing and nothing else.  After meeting with the lactation consultant, and deciding that since I work from a home office, I would be ok with an Avent Isis hand pump (I’d be pumping little if at all since I work from a home office) home we went.  Fast forward 1.5 months.  Baby is nursing constantly and screaming after every feed.  Dx- REFLUX.  Ugh oh.  The pediatrician instructed us to thicken her feeds with 1 tsp. of rice cereal with every two ounces of breast milk.  The hand pump I bought worked great for in between pumping, but not so well when you need to pump for every feed.  I ended up nursing and supplementing with formula in between.

A good breast pump, the kind nursing mothers who are planning to return to work will need (electric, double pumps) can cost up to $350.  Renting a pump from the hospital can cost up to $70/ month. 

In addition to the cost of the pump, you’ll need the extras, breast milk storage bags or containers, ice packs, and if you’re returning to work, a handy carrying case.  (Many pumps come with a case that is lined and helps keep the milk cold.

Don’t forget that nursing moms will want and need nursing pads.  (It can be embarrassing going to the store to look down and realize that you look like you joined a wet t-shirt contest in the middle of the produce isle.)  You can buy a disposable version or washable (costs vary by brand).  Many nursing moms buy nursing bras and other nursing clothing that allow you to feed your little one without hiking up your shirt in public. 

Formula- There are so many options available that the cost here can vary wildly.  There are pre-made liquid formulas, powered, and those made for babies with sensitive systems.  Since powered formula is the most popular (the price per serving is the cheapest here) we’ll use that option.  If you use the store brand powder, the larger size will cost around $13/ can.  At 10 cans a month, you’re looking at $130/ month or $1,560/ year.   The older your baby, the more formula they consume.  When my daughter was really battling her reflux, we had to use Enfamil (she threw up all other brands), cost of a big can $25, or at the 10 cans per month $250/ month.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, my neighbors have a daughter three months older than mine, they were spending $25 on a small can (yup, that’s 20 cans a month) of the specialty reflux formula their pediatrician told them to use.  Oh, and don’t forget bottles, bottle brushes and a handy bottle drying rack.

2-     Grocery bills- Sometime between 4- 6 months your little one will be starting on solids.  Rice cereal (unless you were like our family and went through two large boxes a week) is reasonable.  You can bank on spending an extra $15/ week on jarred baby food.  More as your child gets older!  (Mom tip, buy a mini food processor.  After getting upset by the high cost of baby food, I broke down and made my own.  It’s easy, steam the fruit or veggie to a pulp, place in food processor add a little water to reach desired consistency and you’re set.  An ice cube tray is a great way to store the food in perfectly portioned sizes.  Defrost one or two and you’re off!  The best part you’ll know that what your child is not getting any added sugar or preservatives)

3-     Child care.  There are many options available.  A family member, nanny, traditional day care. 

·        Traditional day care facilities will run between $4,400 to $14,600 year per child (depending on where you live), according to data from the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA).  The younger the child, the more expensive day care will be.  On average, a new born will cost you around $679 per month at a traditional center. 

·        Nanny.  Whether your nanny lives with you our outside the home the cost can vary.  This number also varies with the number of children the nanny will care for.  According to NannyLocator.com (www.nannylocator.com), average nanny salaries can range from $400- $600/ week for a live-in, $500- $700/ week for a live-out (at an average of 45-50 hours per week).

As I mentioned before, your decision to stay at home or return to work is a highly personal one everyone has a different situation to consider.  Finances aside, you’re in for a fun ride!

Related Posts:

• Second Pregnancy- The halfway point
• To Work or Not to Work after baby…Can you afford it? Part 1
• The Princess and the Pea
• Manage Maternity Leave (Before You Go)
• Starting your at home business