How will having a baby change me?

Becoming a parent is a life-changing event. Not only does your carefree life seem to disappear, but now you have to keep another human alive. Although this all may sound scary, and to be honest it can be, we don’t want you to walk alone in your journey. Having a baby will affect you and your future; but as many parents have shared with us, this does not have to be a bad thing. So how will having a baby affect you and your future?

Financial changes after baby

Babies cost a lot of money. Although there are a lot of factors that can contribute to how much or how little is spent on babies, like formula, child care and doctor’s visits, the estimated cost of raising a child for the first year of their life is around $10,000-$13,000. Liberty Women’s Clinic provides numerous community referrals that may help lighten the financial burden of parenthood. We can help you enroll in WIC and Medicaid for Pregnant Women (Missouri Healthnet), which may cover all doctor’s visits, labor and delivery charges, as well as post-partum and infant care up to age one.

Social changes after baby

Most parents tell us that their social lives change once they have a child. No longer is it easy to just go out with friends or take a spontaneous trip. Caring for a baby can definitely affect your social life, but sometimes this can be in a positive way. For many parents, their friend groups may shift to other moms that can support one another and they find more encouragement and life from these friendships! It’s understandable to feel anxious and alone at first; but, the friends who are really invested in your life will be right there by your side as you become a new parent.

Physical changes after baby

There are obvious physical changes that will happen to a woman’s body when she carries a baby and gives birth; but, other physical things will happen too, like sleep deprivation and joy you’ve never felt before. Many new parents say that their lives forever changed the moment they held their baby for the first time, or even the moment they saw their little one on the ultrasound screen. To help prepare for birth and the first weeks as a parent, our staff can connect you with local parenting resources.

Emotional changes after baby

Hormones can play an obvious role in the emotional aspect of becoming a parent. From immense joy, bringing you to tears at the drop of a hat, to feelings of hopelessness, these emotions can come and go sometimes all in the same day – and they are normal, to some degree. A large part of this is hormonal changes, but also becoming a parent opens your eyes to a different angle of the world. 

Although having a baby and becoming a parent can be life-changing, you do not have to walk that path alone.  The professional staff at Liberty Women’s Clinic are here to walk with you as you begin the steps to become a successful parent. We can address any needs and possible fears you may have about becoming a parent. Having a baby will change your life and priorities, but you will still be able to dream of a future.

*model is stock photo

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.