Developed in collaboration with Toy Libraries Australia
Gone are the days when babies would sleep in chest of drawers with precious few material possessions required. Nowadays it’s common to receive recommendations for a long list of items to buy when you’re having a baby, maybe even items you’d never considered such as a rocking chair for breastfeeding or an electric baby bouncer.
Yet so many things can be borrowed or hired and some things you’ll find you don’t even need. Even though having a baby can impact your household finances, there are ways to take control and reduce stress so that your mental health is less likely to be impacted.
One useful idea is to put a financial plan into place once you find out you’re having a baby. You can factor in reduced household income from one or more parents taking time off from paid work to look after baby as well as money you’ll need to set aside for the purchase of items such as prams, cots and car seats.
Another good way to manage the stress of your financial situation is to maintain open and honest discussions with your partner (if you have one) and loved ones. If you have any debt, it’s best to be honest about how much you owe.
Some of the biggest stresses related to finances can involve secrecy and lack of a plan for how to get on top of the situation.
Beyond Blue’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Check found nearly half of respondents reported financial pressure as their leading cause of distress and those with children reported that cost of living stress had impacted their ability to be calm and loving parents.
One of the best ways to manage the stress felt by financial strain is to talk to someone about how your situation is making you feel. You can call PANDA on 1300 726 306 to speak to one of our welcoming team of experienced counsellors and volunteers.
Preparing your finances ahead of time
Once you know you’re expecting a baby consider making a plan for how to best manage your finances.
1
Purchasing essential baby items
2
Investigate what can be safely purchased second-hand
3
Listen to ideas for saving money
4
Improve your financial literacy
5
Consider reusable nappies
6
Investigate your entitlements
7
Sell items you're finished with
8
Put money aside
9
Borrow maternity clothing
10
Consider renting items
11
Public hospitals for pregnancy care and birth
12
Hire toys
Your relationships and money
Financial difficulties can put a real strain on a relationship and can be very stressful. It’s important to have regular conversations about money whether you have joint finances or not.
Ideally, find a time when you’re both relaxed and not busy doing other things.
You can discuss:
- Trying to reduce debt before baby arrives
- How much money you can afford for spending on baby items (including any government payments you’re eligible for) and how you can best spend this money
- Setting up a realistic household budget
- How you want to structure your finances with your partner (if you have one). Everyone is different but it’s important to find a set up that both of you are comfortable with and feels fair. For example, joint accounts for everything (or maybe only for shared expenses) and ensuring both parents are financially comfortable if one isn’t working due to looking after baby.
If discussions around money are making you feel unsafe, please call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for confidential information, counselling and support service.
1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
Coping with feelings related to financial stress
Financial stress can bring feelings of denial, shame and avoidance to the surface, as well as increased pressure to spend. Your baby won’t care what brand of pram you’re pushing around so try to take the pressure off yourself and focus only on what really matters.
Find ways to calm yourself if you're feeling anxious about the pressures
Make time for self-care that works for you (and doesn’t cost anything)
Beyond Blue and Financial Counselling Australia have developed an interactive online tool to guide people to support services earlier and allow people to better understand where they sit on a financial and mental wellbeing scale as well as be linked with free resources and support. The Money and Mental Health Quiz can be accessed on Beyond Blue’s website.
Articles
PANDA National Helpline
Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday.
1300 726 306
Call 000 for police and ambulance if you or someone else are in immediate danger
Talk with friends or family
Consider talking about how you are feeling with someone you trust. This might be a friend or family member. Once you starting talking you might be surprised at how many others have had similar experiences and the support they can provide you.
Talk with your doctor
Talking with your doctor can be an important step to getting the help you need. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Get help now
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated it’s important to get help immediately. PANDA is not a crisis service, if you need immediate support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).
Mental health checklist
How are you going?
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges.
Complete our online mental health checklist to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be a reason to seek help.
PANDA CHATBOT
Chat to Dot
Meet Dot. They’re here to support you to explore your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and as a new parent.