Am I the only one worrying about money after the baby is born?

[mumtobe23]

Me & my partner both work full time. Our pay isn't great but we get by on it. I've just discovered that I'll only be paid 90% of my wages for the first 6 weeks then I'll have to claim SMP.
Am i the only one painking that living off SMP wont be anywhere near enough for me and my partner to pay the mortgage, bills, food, baby stuff & genrally to live on, we barley manage at the moment!
I don't even think me going part time would give us enough money to live on.
This baby wasn't planned, but I for one, am happy its on its way.
I hate the thought of having to leave a 6 week old baby with someone else, I feel so depressed I'm finding it hard to feel happy about anything.

Sorry its a whiny post, but any help? xx

[Dropdeadfred]

Have you looked into tax credits?
you should be eligible for something if you are a low wage family...?

[mumtobe23]

I dont think so, we earn enough to be ok at the moment, its the only getting £400 a month SMP for 5 months that we wont be able to live on even with my partners wage coming in, if I was getting 90% of my wage for 6 months we'd be fine.
I think its the thought of leaving the baby thats getting to me!

[Schnullerbacke]

I agree, you should look into whatever you can claim. Child tax and working tax credits for starters, SureStart Maternity Grant and the Food Grant that starts in April. Its a start at least.

Am sure you're not the only one worrying about money, most of us do. At least the baby won't cost too much in its first year.

Try to enjoy your pregnancy, things always work out somehow.