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12-03-2012 at 3:39 PM
froggystom...
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I can't do this.

Vent

I have no PTO of any sort and have been trying to save (which let me tell you is not possible in such low paying work) to try to cover my unpaid six weeks of maternity leave. Last week my car broke down, half that money I saved went right out the window and into the car. Today week our other car which was a beater at best but very needed to keep both of us working and attending appointments (he works two jobs, I work one plus all the appointments with this high risk pregnancy) is damaged beyond repair and is heading for the junk yard as soon as I find the title.

HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO THIS.

We both make BARELY above minimum wage, half our savings is gone, we're out a car, and baby girl is like two months away. Oh did I mention I was told there would be a baby shower from his side of the family (mine decided not to, awesome huh?) which hasn't happened and I'm hosting my own for my work friends. I have no family help available and NO NURSERY YET. I have some clothes, a bouncer rocker, a tub, and a few packs of diapers. That's it. We were (foolishly) waiting for the family shower since there is so many children in that family, but alas, I have heard NOTHING about it still happening. I've even been rude enough to ask once or twice and it was totally skirted so I'm just assuming the worst.

I knew we weren't financially stable enough for a child when this happened but frankly you don't really plan on pregnancy when you have an IUD (which is still in there). After been told since I was a preteen I wouldn't be able to have children not keeping her seemed like a HORRIBLE option. I still contend it wasn't an option to not keep her, but how am I supposed to provide for her? I'm sure I'm blowing everything out of proportion but there is so much BS on my plate right now I don't even know where to start shoveling.


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12-03-2012 at 3:51 PM
Justinlove
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In all honesty, your baby doesn't need a lot and certainly doesn't need a nursery.  Of course it is nice, but if money is as tight as you describe, then it is not something worth stressing over.  Baby can sleep in a pack-n-play or inexpensive crib in your room.  You don't need a changing table or a rocker/glider.  Babies only need a few clothes and diapers.  Do you plan to breast feed? If not, you might qualify for formula through WIC or other government assistance.  Shop second hand and Goodwill.  Look to see if there is a pregnancy education center in your area.  I donate regularly to one that offers "mommy dollars" to spend in their secondhand store in exchange for parenting class attendance.

 

Easier said than done, but try not to stress about all the frivolous extras that your child might not have.  Focus on the absolute necessities and start looking around for programs that can help. 


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12-03-2012 at 3:56 PM
mhbraymer
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This pregnancy wasn't planned either. But like pp said check out if you qualify for WIC. I do it and its been a great help for us and the people are very supportive. And I know that people don't like to go to government asstiance but sometimes you just need to.
Consignment stores are amazing. I take all it dds old clothes there to sell and I just build up a good amount if cash there that I can spend in store or they will send you checks in the mail.

And maybe your getting a surprise shower from the family.

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12-03-2012 at 3:58 PM
katelyn143...
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That is really tough. My suggestions for you would be to look on craiglist or second hand shops for a pack and play/bassinet and use that and not to worry about getting the nursery ready until you have some money/go back to work. The baby won't need much when she first gets here (of course BRU and the like will have you believe otherwise!). Ikea has cribs (if there is one near you) for $99 and you could always do layaway at stores like Kmart, Sears and Walmart (not sure of any others that have layaway). I'd also suggest that when you are admitted to the hospital to have the baby SAY SOMETHING!! Tell the nurse that checks you in at labor and delivery that you are struggling finanicially to make ends meet and do not have the funds to provide basic needs for your baby. It will trigger a Social Service Consult, which should be able to give you guidance as to what programs you qualify for. Programs like WIC are available to help and quite possibly, the hospital may be able to provide you with a carseat. I work in L&D/MIU so I know they are sometimes available based on donations and whatnot. I'd also mention all of this to your OB at your next appointment. They may have their own Social Service department that could start getting the ball rolling for you. I wish you good luck!
 
12-03-2012 at 4:01 PM
lbonga1
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I know how you feel. I work as hard as I can, but my boyfriend has been having a really hard time finding a job he unfortunately has a felony background. I'm just focusing on the things that baby really needs, and I'm going to be breast feeding as long as possible. I only really put essentials on my registry too. Try looking into state funded programs...there's a lot of help available for low income families if you just ask.

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12-03-2012 at 4:13 PM
froggystom...
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Apparently there is little to no assistance in town if you make over 400 a month. I've already been referred through social services. How is 400 a month supposed to provide anything? It doesn't cover rent even? I am on WIC and plan to breastfeed so at least I know she has food covered. I have heard about the WIC car seat thing too, my 3rd tri check up is next week so I plan to talk about it. I didn't think of the pack and play as a possible baby sleeping area but it certainly isn't a bad idea. As far as things I NEED go I think we're almost there aside from she doesn't have a crib. I'm mostly terrified of leave right now. 6 weeks with out pay? How do I keep a roof over her head? Like I said the Daddy is doing everything he can and working two jobs now, but with the other car gone now, I'm not sure how to keep both of us working days right now. I'll have to look into the bus schedule or something for him but I can't imagine that's cheap either. I'm just so tired of panicking all the time, I just don't know how to do this. Thank you for the ideas ladies, I just wish I hadn't done most of them already.

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12-03-2012 at 4:17 PM
+adamwife+
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I agree with PP.  You don't need much for the baby.  Just focus on the essentials and see what you can get secondhand or even borrow from friends/family. 

Are you a member of a church?  Most churches have benevolent funds set up for just this type of thing.  There may even be another church member with a car they would be willing to let you borrow or even have right now.

12-03-2012 at 4:22 PM
Suz+Mo
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+adamwife+:

I agree with PP.  You don't need much for the baby.  Just focus on the essentials and see what you can get secondhand or even borrow from friends/family. 

Are you a member of a church?  Most churches have benevolent funds set up for just this type of thing.  There may even be another church member with a car they would be willing to let you borrow or even have right now.

I agree with the church idea or a pregnancy center that helps pregnant moms who are in need of some extra help. I'm so sorry you are going through this! 



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12-03-2012 at 4:41 PM
GeeksWithS...
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I'm sorry your having a rough time. But I can tell you there are plenty of us who can relate so im glad your letting it out so that you have an extra support system!!!  And as to where to start shoveling I can answer that, a day at a time, pick one of the smaller things and deal with it, or make a plan to deal with it, and then another and another and eventually it will help even if it's just in a sense of control.

Dh and I were told that it would take us 3-5 years to get pregnant (it took 6 months),  He is completing an unpaid practicum, and the pregnancy wasn't tolerating me working so I have had to quit. So we have no money coming in, and our wedding money went to bills and getting some of the basics for baby. The rest is family help mainly his.

So I understand the panic that sets in, especially when more things keep chipping away at what little you can do (ive had to give my dad about half of our savings just so he and I didn't get evicted, or so I can eat more then a meal a day). I have things but I cant set them up because my dad refuses to clean his mess, and I cant do the lifting so till DH can help when he visits I have no nursery, and my family wont help...and aren't throwing a shower for me either, his is when I can move back up but that will be when LO is like 4 months. But like PP have said baby's DON'T NEED a whole lot of things, and there are things that can make do till they are a bit older.

Like a laundry basket, I have four friends that instead of buying cribs right away used these since they travel so much, and since it was easier to move the baby room to room with them as needed, and there little ones are fine. Another made her own sling out of sweaters and tshirts for when shes around the house. Check consignment stores, I got a stroller for 100 bucks, and a bunch of clothes for 20 when it would have cost more. And have you thought about doing a mommy swap, were you invite friends and family to bring items they dont use for the baby and they can swap with other moms for different items or new moms can even buy stuff really cheap, its a great way to get some of the token items. 

There are always ways to the shoveling started, like posting on here for great money saving tips causes their are some smart mama's on this board (FTM here and still cant believe how much I have learned already just from reading) and another and this at least for me is a big one, on the days where I just want to cry because I cant find the light of day threw it all talk to your SO, I couldn't do it without my DH, he makes plans with me, reminds me that tough times dont last for ever and tells me ideas he has to help, you would be surprised how much just having a partner in the mess helps you sort out your thoughts.

Hope it helps, and if you need any vent time, I know im around and im sure others are to. T & P are with you  


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12-03-2012 at 4:43 PM
July_2009
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froggystomper:


I knew we weren't financially stable enough for a child when this happened but frankly you don't really plan on pregnancy when you have an IUD (which is still in there).

What the What?! You still have an IUD while you are pregnant?!!!!        


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12-03-2012 at 5:17 PM
tulipbloss...
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What state do you live in and do they count pregnancy as a disability? If so you should be able to get some $$ from the state to cover the time you need to take off work while having your baby. I know in CA its something like 55 or 60% of your wages. Its not a lot but something is better than nothing.

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12-03-2012 at 5:18 PM
Jaci85
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I'm so sorry!!! I heard a lot of crap is not essential. Just get what is reallyyyy needed. I am a FTM so I don't really know but I am sure most of these ladies know what is best to buy. I shop at Goodwill for sure and it is great. Hopefully your family does a surprise shower. That would be better than no shower for that. I am sorry and I hope things get better for you.
 
12-03-2012 at 6:29 PM
Rynleigh
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You need to contact your local department of human and health services. I can't think of a single state where the cut off is $400/mo income for a family of 2 with a baby on the way.... If you both make less than 180% of the poverty level, you are practically guaranteed some form of assistance - including medicaid, WIC, TANF, and food allowance. 

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12-03-2012 at 7:00 PM
DC2London
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PP's have given you lots of good suggestions, I really just wanted to post and say that I'm so sorry you are having such a stressful go of things.  I really hope it gets better for you soon.

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12-03-2012 at 7:03 PM
TaterTwins
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Our local health department offers a car seat safety class- and after you take it, they give you a seat that goes from 5-40 lbs. 

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12-03-2012 at 8:18 PM
penguingrr...
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I'm so sorry you're going through this. I can't imagine  how stressful it's been (and we've been tight since having kids but not to this level). What state are you in? That will help us point you in the direction you need. I would definitely talk to the hospital and your OB about the difficulties so they can help you navigate the system. As far as stuff, your baby will truly need:

somewhere to sleep (pack n play, hand-me-down crib, whatever you can get)

a carseat: contact a local CPST in your area (look on car-seat.org). There are many programs to get safe seats for people in need and I'm sure someone can point you in the right direction with that

clothes: thrift store and/or hand-me-downs will do. Do you have access to your own washer/dryer? If not, you'll need more than someone who has that at home

food: If at all possible definitely breastfeed. WIC will provide a pump for while you're working (or, if nursing doesn't work out you can use it to try to exclusively pump... I did that for 6 months with my oldest). WIC will also provide formula, so if nursing isn't working or pumping at work isn't an option (although legally they are required to give you time and a private, non bathroom space in which to pump) then take advantage of WIC to help you through this time

Diapers: contact local charities as many will get you donated diapers.

You also want to try to get (and the hospital and/or your ped may be able to help with this) some baby tylenol, mylicon drops and benadryl to have on hand

Childcare: there are generally programs for low-income families to get daycare assistance as well if you don't have someone trusted you can leave the baby with; either the hospital or your pediatrician should be able to connect you with that

You CAN do this! You need to reach out and see what resources your community can offer to help. As far as the car thing, definitely look into the bus; it may seem pricey, but if you consider the full cost of owning a car (gas, oil changes, insurance, repairs) public transit generally is cheaper. It is less convenient, but will do what you need.


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12-03-2012 at 8:28 PM
Sagen
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The city I live in has a facebook page where you can buy things from other people for cheap. Also there is a page for people in need, and people who will give things away. You could try searching your city name to see if something comes up. I think since you are both working and trying so hard I wouldn't feel bad about taking some assitance. If you can't bf get on WIC for sure since formula is a ton of money. If your job is really bad paying, and you have to pay for day care, perhaps you could look into nannying someone elses child, or a few kids. I am sure you have to take some classes and get certified or something, but day care is costly so if you can work, and not pay for daycare I think that is the best way to go. Hang in there!


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12-03-2012 at 10:24 PM
srheflin91
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Mine also was not planned as I was told also that I couldn't have children. Also, I am almost in the same boat money-wise and am living with my MIL/FIL ever since my husband lost his job.

What we did was definitely hit up the consignment sales. There is one called Just Between Friends and I found A LOT of necessities at the two sales I went to, including a travel system and pack n play that has a bassinet where she will sleep until her crib arrives. I bought the crib on sale as well.

 I know how hard it is to try and make ends meet when it's just the two of you, and now adding a third makes everything feel so overwhelming! You LO won't need a lot of things in all honesty. I am breastfeeding which I've heard saves A LOT of money! Also WIC is a good program to try, and gives you some basic necessities as well.

 
12-04-2012 at 12:02 AM
sararn2004
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Rynleigh:
You need to contact your local department of human and health services. I can't think of a single state where the cut off is $400/mo income for a family of 2 with a baby on the way.... If you both make less than 180% of the poverty level, you are practically guaranteed some form of assistance - including medicaid, WIC, TANF, and food allowance. 

I second what everybody is saying. These programs are here for those that need it. It doesn't mean you'll be on it forever. I had horrible finances when pregnant with my 2nd. I was in nursing school, no job, and my now ex didn't work(don't even get me started on that). Breast feeding is wonderful for savings, WIC too(btw, bf'ing is better b/c WIC doesn't cover all of what baby drinks formula-wise...I know b/c my milk dried up at 9 months and I had to switch from extra food at WIC to formula cans), baby can sleep in a portable crib, pack and play, etc. and obtaining these things at thrift/consignment shops is optimal.

Do you have to take time off work? I know it seems harsh, but with my daughter I was back to school/nursing clinicals 3 days later, b/c time off wasn't an option. I qualified for subsidized child care at the time too. See if your area has that. We also ended up being months late on our rent. Didn't catch up until I graduated, got a job as a nurse and got my first paycheck. By then I'd gotten multiple notices for almost eviction. It's scary...but you just have to do your best to stay calm and take what life throws at you.

I'd look into assistance from a church or pregnancy crisis center too. There's not shame in taking assistance, just make sure you pay it forward when you're back on your feet. That's what I try to do now that I'm in a better financial situation.


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12-04-2012 at 6:34 AM
Drea926
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I don't really have any other advice since PP seemed to have given a lot of great ideas but I just wanted to send you positive thoughts and hope that things all work out. I am sure that they will!!

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12-04-2012 at 8:09 AM
LadyMadrid...
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Everyone had given great advice. You absolutely can get the few real necessities for LO before your due date and then just take it one day at a time. You can do this!

Big hugs. It's so rough facing the unknowns that come with kids sometimes, but make these arrangements as soon as possible and you will feel much better.

Oh, and as awful as it might sound I would also consider going back to work at 4 weeks instead of taking the full 6 if you are feeling up to it. It's not ideal, but it is something to think about.

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12-04-2012 at 5:13 PM
froggystom...
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July_2009:
froggystomper:


I knew we weren't financially stable enough for a child when this happened but frankly you don't really plan on pregnancy when you have an IUD (which is still in there).

What the What?! You still have an IUD while you are pregnant?!!!!        

 

IUD took off to the other side of my uterus  and didn't leave the strings behind so they couldn't remove it. I got pregnant with the IUD there already.


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12-04-2012 at 5:13 PM
froggystom...
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tulipblossom:
What state do you live in and do they count pregnancy as a disability? If so you should be able to get some $$ from the state to cover the time you need to take off work while having your baby. I know in CA its something like 55 or 60% of your wages. Its not a lot but something is better than nothing.

 

I do not. 


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12-04-2012 at 5:26 PM
froggystom...
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I've looked into the county programs so far, I qualify for WIC and MA and am on both. Our take home income is not considered and since we're both taxed on more than what we make due to tips we bring home FAR LESS that what we have to claim for income. It's pretty stupid. I thought the actual money we had to work with meant something, not the pre-tax look at all your money you can't have amount. At least his second job is fairly  new, so we'll hopefullly be getting a little help there. Child Care is waiting listed- about a year long, I was put on it in September I think, LO is due Feb 14th. 
I'm trying to be positive about the car, it will be hard, but the cast should be less to maintain and it is doable. I'm a delivery driver though, so unfortunately my poor SO is going to have to bare the public transit burden. 
Thank you ladies so much. I was so very defeated and just lost yesterday I didn't know where to even start. I still don't know what to do about when she comes- with no child care (as I mentioned no real family help available maybe once in a while but nothing steady or regular)- and therefore no work- I'm just terrified. At least I now have a great wealth of advice that I can at least get the basics to care for her.:) You ladies are amazing. All the T&P have been greatly appreciated. I have no idea what I would do without this community through all this. 

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