The cost of childcare, especially during the first three months after your baby is born, can be astonishingly high. Many parents feel the need to invest in extra help during this time, known as the fourth trimester, due to the challenges it brings. The fourth trimester can be particularly tough on mothers who might face physical recovery challenges and severe sleep deprivation as newborns typically wake every one to three hours.
One mother I spoke with shared that she’s expecting her second child soon and the anticipation of juggling a toddler and a newborn is daunting. She and her husband plan to spend around $40,000 on various forms of assistance, including a birthing doula, day and night doulas, and a babysitter to help manage this intense period.
Breaking down the costs, a birthing doula might charge a one-time fee of $2,000 to support the mother through labor. Daytime help for the baby could cost about $3,200 per month, while a night doula, who handles overnight duties, might cost around $9,600 per month. Additional babysitting help could add up to $1,200 monthly. In total, this family could spend as much as $44,000 during the fourth trimester.
While the financial strain is significant, the potential benefits for hiring help are compelling. This assistance can provide much-needed rest for parents, reduce household stress, and offer better care for both the newborn and the toddler. It’s a considerable expense and not a decision made lightly, but for those who can afford it, the investment in hired help can preserve both marital harmony and parental well-being.
Considering all this, it’s clear that while the cost is high, the return in terms of reduced stress and better overall family health can be invaluable. The debate continues about whether such an expense is necessary or excessive, but for those facing this challenging period without family support and with significant responsibilities, it might just be a worthwhile investment.
