Loss of income
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If you or your partner plan to leave work for any length of time after the birth of the baby, your loss of income will be significant. Also, a baby adds extra expenses that you will need to take into account. Depending on your financial situation, careful financial planning and budgeting will be useful.
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Health insurance
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Private health funds usually require membership for at least one year before they will cover you for maternity services. Check individual policies carefully for conditions to ascertain what is covered and what is not. Usually you can elect the level of cover you want so you may choose to make some changes if you already have a policy in place. Sometimes during pregnancy there may be expenses that are not covered by your policy.
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If you have a family history of multiple births, or are considering IVF or assisted pregnancy, there is a greater possibility of having twins. You may need to check to see if your policy covers twins. It may also be necessary to change from singles cover to family cover, depending on your particular health fund.
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Ambulance cover
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Most private health funds include ambulance cover, but it is important that you check your individual policy. Health Care Card holders are covered for transport by ambulance. If you are not covered by a private health fund or do not hold a Health Care Card, and you need to be transported to hospital by ambulance, it can be very costly.
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Government allowances
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The Commonwealth Government currently pays mothers a maternity allowance. In addition, parents may be entitled to other benefits such as parenting allowance, the baby bonus, rental assistance, childcare assistance and a Health Care Card, depending on their income and assets. For queries about your entitlements, contact Centrelink.
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Childcare
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If both you and your partner are planning to return to full or part-time work soon after the baby's birth, it may be worth considering your childcare options early. Informal childcare, that is, care provided by relatives or friends, may be available for some families. For others, formal childcare, such as care in a childcare centre or by a family day care worker may be the best option. Costs, conditions and waiting periods vary considerably and your local council may be of assistance. Some workplaces offer childcare on-site and for others, a nanny at home is a viable option. A means-tested childcare benefit is available through Centrelink to assist parents with the cost of childcare.
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Baby's new home
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While there are a few items that you will need with a new baby, there is a lot of gear that parents feel compelled to have that is not really necessary.
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Having said that, it is worth thinking about your home and how it will accommodate a small baby and all the gear that comes with it. It is also worth thinking about how safe your home is for a small toddler and what might be involved, further down the track, to make it so.
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Heating and cooling may also become more of a consideration than in the past.
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Baby essentials
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There are a few items that are considered to be essential:
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With careful planning your costs can be kept low. Many new parents will find that they will receive lots of gear from friends and family, especially clothes and toys. Also, it is possible to buy many things second-hand and in very good condition. But, always check second-hand car seats and capsules for damage. You should always be certain that the car seat has not sustained any damage in an accident. Baby capsules can be borrowed from some local councils.
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Not so essential
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A change table - As long as you have a place where you can change the baby without straining your back you don't really need a special table. If you do want to buy a change table, you might like to look at drawers and cupboards that incorporate a change table so that it has more than one use. Many parents buy a table and find that they stop using it very soon after the baby is born.
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A baby bath - Although useful, a baby bath is not necessary unless you have no other bathing options. If you have a normal bath it can be quite nice to bathe with the baby. It is also possible to bathe a baby in an existing sink as long as it is clean and in a warm room.
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A crib or bassinette - Small babies only tend to stay in a crib or bassinette for a very short time. A bassinette can be quite handy if the baby sleeps quite soundly and can be moved around the house while you do other things. Otherwise, it is fine to use a cot from the time the baby is born, up until the baby is a toddler and old enough to move into a bed.
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Toys and books - It is hard to resist some of the very beautiful toys and books that are available for new babies. However, babies only need a few toys and are often more interested in bits of paper and ribbon. Toy and book libraries are also very good for ensuring that your baby has a good range of interesting toys and books.
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Important things to remember
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- In the workplace, you cannot be discriminated against for being pregnant or for your potential to become pregnant.
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- Antenatal appointments generally happen during working hours – some workplaces make
- concessions for this.
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- Your employer has an obligation to provide you with a safe working environment.
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- All employees are entitled to a certain amount of unpaid parental leave after the birth of a baby.
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- Think about how long you want to work, when you would like to return to work after the baby is born, and find out how flexible your workplace is.
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- Private health funds usually require a minimum one-year membership before providing cover for
- maternity services.
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- Find out what government allowances you are entitled to.
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- Beg, borrow and shop for second-hand baby gear if you want to keep costs down.
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Further information and contacts
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Ambulance Services Victoria
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Web: http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au
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Centrelink
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Web: http://www.centrelink.gov.au
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Disclaimer
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The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this fact sheet or incorporated into it by reference. We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.
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Last updated Jan 2008
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