I'm pregnant

Sidekick2

i'm so overwhelmed with the responses this evening you all!

esio_trot

my_gorgeous_ellie-belle wrote: »

You should check http://www.entitledto.co.uk/Default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 Both sidekick and esio trot. If you play around with dates, and figures, say for example imagine baby has just been born and what both of your pays will be. Obviously it changes slightly but does give you a good idea what you are entitled to and how much you'll get.

Thanks for that, though unfortunately, we already knew that we don't qualify for a whole lot! That said, a little is better than nowt!

leanneq

I'm in the Police too - your partner can apply for flexible working. I have authorised this for dad's so they have fixed days off to cut down on childcare costs.
Also he can get childcare vouchers taken straight from his salary.
Hope that helps

Sidekick2

Thanks Leanneq. I get taxfree childcare vouchers at my job too (local authority) He still has 1 year left of training so I'm not sure he's entitled to flexi at this stage but i'll still be on maternity leave well after he's finished training so it looks like that will work out perfectly.

i'm feeling so positive now :-) we're in a much better situation than I thought. I didn't even know there was such a thing as child benefit (for anyone). I thought it was just for the unemployed.

we are very lucky over here in the UK. My pregnant friend in the US has to pay for ALL her medical bills and won't be getting any benefit

leanneq

It would be difficult whilst he's training and unlikely to be agreed i would imagine. But there's no reason he can't once he's done. Although it would be good for him to remain on normal shifts for a while so he gets to know his team etc but that should coincide with you going back anyway!
Good luck! Plus don't forget if he wants it, there's normally overtime too so if things get tight, he can do some extra shifts!

tandraig

so glad your feeling better about being pregnant sidekick2 - perhaps now you can relax a bit about the financial side and concentrate on the nice side!!! I get the feeling you were worried mainly about how you would cope financially and with work for both of you. hope your mind set at rest - worry affects the baby you know! so relax hun - it will work out!

Alias_Omega

Sidekick2 wrote: »

HI Money Savers,

I have just discovered i'm pregnant. It was not planned and I have mixed feelings at this stage as i'm still in shock but I wanted to hear from other people who already have children. I have a few questions and I would be really grateful for some advice.

1. I work for the local government and our maternity entitlement is generous. I can take up to a year maternity leave (first 6 weeks 90% pay, followed by 12 wks half pay (or there abouts) then the rest SMP - How much would you say I should put aside each month if I want to take the full 52 weeks break? I earn just under 20k a year.

2. Is having a baby expensive? I am going to rely on hand me downs and second hand baby equipment for the most part. How much per week would you say nappies, food, other necessities cost?

3. What is the deal with free dental on the NHS whilst pregnant? Does my GP write a letter of confirmation that I take to the Dentist? I'm currently not registered with a dentist! Are prescriptions free as well?

4. Childcare - On average how much does it cost to put a child in a daycare centre when I go back to work?

Thanks in advance :-):A

Hello,

I was a single lad until i was 26 yrs old, when my gf (now wife) fell pregnant, it was the biggest shock of my life. She had a daughter from a previous relationship, so maybe not a big step for her. I had to change from having a single life of fast cars, lots of cash to family life. It was hard to change, but took a whilst.

Going through the growing stages of the bump was good, but when the bundle arrived it was hard. As a baby i was not really interested, but when he was older & could respond to me we really bonded.

He is nearly 2 yrs old & i miss him so much when im away with work, i love the hugs & kisses from him. I should of done it years earlier...

Valli

I can HIGHLY recommend the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) nearly new sales
you can pick up clothes/toys/equipment very reasonably and if you're a member sell your stuff on through them.
I am sure you could find a local group on the net.

Chakani

Good luck to you Sidekick, and to you, Esio Trot. We were in your position last year (actually when we went for the scan, it turned out I was 61/2 months pg when we found out - but that's pretty unusual! It did cause a bit of panic at the time though) We were both initially shocked and dismayed, terrified about how we would cope, but DS is one on Tuesday, and we are both besotted, and planning number 2 I am so glad now that we had him when we did, and wouldn't have it any other way.

Everything seems so overwhelming to start with, but it will all work out, and you will be fine. I picked up a great buggy on Ebay for under £30, car seat in the sale, mattress from Ikea, almost everything else from Freecycle, and a couple of bits from nearly new sales and NCT sales.

Tiny babies don't need very much to start with, they need to be warm and fed, have a place to sleep, a dry bottom, and a safe car seat if you go anywhere in a car. Everything else pretty much can wait, so don't panic about getting lots and lots of stuff right now - unless it's a bargain, of course!

Glamazon

Chakani wrote: »

Good luck to you Sidekick, and to you, Esio Trot. We were in your position last year (actually when we went for the scan, it turned out I was 61/2 months pg when we found out - but that's pretty unusual! It did cause a bit of panic at the time though) We were both initially shocked and dismayed, terrified about how we would cope, but DS is one on Tuesday, and we are both besotted, and planning number 2 I am so glad now that we had him when we did, and wouldn't have it any other way.

Everything seems so overwhelming to start with, but it will all work out, and you will be fine. I picked up a great buggy on Ebay for under £30, car seat in the sale, mattress from Ikea, almost everything else from Freecycle, and a couple of bits from nearly new sales and NCT sales.

Tiny babies don't need very much to start with, they need to be warm and fed, have a place to sleep, a dry bottom, and a safe car seat if you go anywhere in a car. Everything else pretty much can wait, so don't panic about getting lots and lots of stuff right now - unless it's a bargain, of course!

Only 9 weeks in and I'm already planning my next one! I loved being pregnant, had a fantastic birth and am loving motherhood - not bad for someone who up until a year ago was anti-kids!