Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting time! But it is also a time where finances can be tight. What many people don’t realize, is that there are several baby products and services you can find for free or at a significantly discounted price!
There are also several programs you can look into to cover various costs that come up during pregnancy, postpartum, and when you have your baby.
Common Discounted Items and Services
- A breast pump. Nowadays, most insurance companies will cover a breast pump. All you need to do is get a prescription from your doctor for the pump. You can then claim it through your insurance company or you can go through Aeroflow and have them do all the work for you. Either way, it’s a fairly simple process. You may not be able to get the $600 hands-free pump, but you may be able to get a cheaper standard pump. Some insurance companies also offer new pump parts for a year after your babies birth.
- Pregnancy support belts and postpartum support garments. Pregnancy support belts are made to shift your babies, weight off of your hips, back, muscles, and ligaments. They help to relieve a lot of pregnancy related pains. Postpartum belly, wraps help hold everything in when your core is super weak after delivery. Compression socks, help with circulation and swelling. Check with your insurance, they may cover all of these things for free!
- Prenatal vitamins. If you are unable to afford to buy your own prenatal vitamins, you can look into Meijer pharmacy’s prenatal vitamin program. They offer free select prenatal vitamins with a doctors prescription. These prenatals are not the highest quality, but they are certainly better than not taking any prenatal at all!
- Lactation support. Aeroflow is not only a great place to find breast pumps, but it also offers a lactation support directory. You simply type in your ZIP Code and they give you the names and numbers of lactation support people in your area. Not every person listed their offers free support, but some may offer free over the phone consultations. You just have to call around and ask! Also, most WIC offices have a free lactation consultant in the office. If you call your local Wic office and ask when she’s available, you may get free over the phone or in person support.
- Childbirth education classes. Some insurance companies cover birthing classes for you and your partner. Educating yourself on labor and delivery before you get to the hospital can help things go much smoother when the time comes! Be sure to call your insurance and ask what classes are covered and what locations you can attend.
- Free formula. If your baby needs formula and you cannot afford to buy it, contact your local WIC office and register there. Most offices will enable you to feed your baby for most of the month. They also offer free purées when the baby is a little bit older.
- Donated breastmilk. Some women struggle with supply and can’t imagine giving their babies formula. Consider finding a breastmilk donor near you. Most donors only ask for you to buy replacement pump parts and breastmilk storage bags. These donors are amazing and can easily be found on milk donor Facebook pages.
Uncommon Discounted Services
Some insurance companies cover random things during pregnancy as well as postpartum. Here’s a short list of the lesser known items and services that may be covered. Be sure to call your insurance and ask about each of these specific things. You never know what you may be able to get at a significantly discounted price or even free!
- A pregnancy pillow (this is usually covered in cases where you or hips and back are hurting chronically or when you are unable to ever sleep due to your pregnancy)
- Doula services (every insurance company varies on Doula coverage. Some pay out-right for it, some have you pay for it and then reimburse you, while some only pay for half of it. You never know, you just have to ask to find out!)
- Dental care (some insurances cover more dental care during pregnancy than they usually would. Pregnancy is a time when your dental health can be compromised, so there may be some hidden pregnancy perks that you just have to ask about!)
- Chiropractic care (some insurance companies who don’t cover chiropractic care normally will cover it during pregnancy)
- Breast milk storage bags (This is an area where coverage can be spotty. That being said, some companies will reimburse you for the cost of the bags while others will send you some bags for free. Just call and ask if they offer bags or if they will cover those costs)
- Breast shields (some insurance companies will provide silicone nipple shields that are specifically used for breastfeeding, while others may actually cover the silver shields to help heal your cracked nipples. Again, all you will have to call and ask to find out)
- Acupuncture (acupuncture is one of those things like the dental and chiropractic care. It may not normally be covered, but in the case of pregnancy, they may cover it all the way, or you may pay a significantly discounted price.)
- Mental health counseling (certain counseling may be covered by your insurance, and some may not. Postpartum mental health counseling can be very important and may be covered when normal counseling may not. Again, simply call to find out!)
Free Baby Gear
Here is a small list of discounted baby products. When you are pinching pennies, every little bit counts. Use my code BetterBirth1 at check out, and you will only need to cover the shipping of these items! Remember, you don’t need a ton of fancy things to properly care for your baby, but everyone is different. This list may cover things you may want or need for yours’ or your baby’s specific needs. Happy shopping!
Pants expander (so you don’t have to buy maternity pants! Woot woot!!)
I hope something here helps you save a few dollars! Be sure to let me know over on my instagram what you were able to save on. I’d love to hear about it 🙂
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