“Children will not remember you for the material things you provided, but for the feeling that you cherished them.” – Richard Evans
Why do we think it’s reasonable to spend thousands of dollars buying things for our babies, but we don’t think it’s reasonable to spend thousands of dollars on services that will help us better enjoy the time we have with them?
Here’s a rundown of the things people buy for their baby: a car seat, stroller, crib, bassinet, swing, playpen, baby tub, nursing pillow, breast pump, formula, bottles, pacifiers, toys, clothes, diapers, wipes, then maybe a wipes warmer and formula making machine, if you want to be fancy. There are so many more things that can be purchased. The list grows every day.
But here’s the thing: Babies only need a few things. They need a new car seat if they will go in a car. They need to be loved, warm, clean, and fed.
Here’s what those things can cost:
· Furniture for newborn nursery: thousands.
· Latest and greatest toys and gear: thousands.
· Disposable diapers: thousands.
· New clothes they grow out of after wearing less than five times: thousands.
· Formula: thousands.
It’s just all ridiculous. It’s even more ridiculous when you realize that you can buy many of these things used and in perfectly good shape. After you barely use it, you can pass it on to the next mom who will also use it briefly before she passes it on. And your baby will only want to play with things that aren’t actually toys, especially if you don’t want them to have them.
Here’s another thing that can cost thousands:
* A DOULA *
Many families spend thousands of dollars to hire a birth and postpartum doula. The price depends on how much time they need from their doula, and the services doulas provide cost a lot of money.
But those services are invaluable. A doula is like your pregnancy and postpartum travel guide. Sure, you can get along with one. But the experience is just so much better with that professional support. They answer your questions while you’re pregnant, and then they listen to you when you talk. They help you prepare for the most important day of your life, the day you become a parent. And then they answer your call, day or night, and come support you through the birth of your baby. After that, they come to your home and nurture you while you nurture your baby.
This time is so temporary and so critical for your family. This is the time to invest in services that help you establish healthy bonds with your baby, feel confident about parenting, and ease stress so you can look back at pictures of your tiny babies and actually remember enjoying this time with them. Please use any opportunity you have to make that experience as enjoyable as possible.
And don’t worry about all the things.