How many kids do you have?
I have only one child.
In what hospital did you give birth?
I gave birth in a government hospital.
What was your reasons for giving birth in a government hospital?
Medical aid is too expensive. I only heard good things about my hospital.
What was your experience at the government hospital?
It was absolutly great.
Do you have medical aid?
No, I don’t have medical aid.
How much did your gynecologist visits cost?
Didn’t see a gynae, just went to a GP for ultra sounds and blood works.
How did you give birth?
Emergency c-section, Jayden was 2.5 weeks late, I had to be induced.
And how much did it cost?
Not a cent.
How did you budget for all your (extra) medical expenses?
We didn’t have to budget.
How did you budget for your baby?
We just saved every month, but in all honesty, you can not know how much you need for a baby. I roughly worked out how many nappies/wet wipes and bum cream he would need and I got it in bulk for the month. Still it was not enough.
What advice do you have for other moms regarding budgeting for the babies?
I think if you know you are having a baby, ask for the essentials from the baby shower, and save every month from your salaries. Before baby is born. If you can’t afford a medical, then go to a government hospital. They are not as scary as everyone makes them out to be.
Read these Bright Rock - Love Change articles on budgeting for your baby:
How much does it cost to have a cash baby?