Money ☹

[emmalucy27]

Hi I am new to this site, nice to meet you all. I'm looking for some advice and support. I am being induced in two weeks and me and my are split up for a while as im in a mother and baby unit. My big concern is i have made a budget before baby comes and for months have thought we're not going to cope. After we have paid all bills, we are left with £600 a month, do you think we would struggle? I am terrified.

Thanks, I'm trying to think what would be best for her

I think you need to speak to your GP or midwife or support worker now and discuss your concerns.

Thank you, i have already mentioned it to everyone, everyone I have spoke to thinks we're going to manage, I suffer with anxiety and depression and I know this is no excuse, but I can't help thinking its not going to work out

@emma that's why I think it's important that you speak to your midwife or support worker and make them listen to how you feel.

You really do need them to give you extra support now I know from having suffered with anxiety and depression my thought process was all over the place and anything small became such a massive focus.

Please seek help and support from someone professional, that can help do what is best for you and baby.

Thank you for your help

You may want to look into getting some income protection insurance if you haven't already included that in your budget. Also be sure to save as much as possible. Babies don't cost much if you buy the things you need second hand and make baby food from scratch. Just make sure that you have a good safety cushion in savings. Six months expenses is the reccomended amount.

We don't have any savings

Hi all,

Can we ask folks not to troll-hunt, please? Can we also remind everyone that Mumsnet is chiefly a place of support - something we could all do with more of.

Very best wishes to you, OP.

More for you OP

Whatever decision you make, please get help and support for yourself too.

I just don't know how we're going to cope

Thanks to everyone for all the advice on here. X

@emma you will, with right support you can ask your midwife to refer you to someone who can help with anxiety & depression.

Honestly I can sit here and tell you I gone from having it all to not a pot to piss in and I manage on my own too but somehow I don't think that will help you with your own anxiety and depression. If you feel they not listening write it down all the things you are worried about and how you feel and show GP, midwife, support worker. Do you have someone who could go with you?

I have tried that too, I'm not allowed to leave this unit til they discharge me. Sorry for repeating myself alot I'm just clutching at straws really. I don't know what to do xx

Oh @emma I didn't realise. I apologise for not comprehending the mother & baby unit you are in.

Have they given you any idea of the support you will receive when they discharge you? Have they suggested anything to help you with planning and budgeting or anything that you maybe entitled (financially) to when you leave? Ie like the healthy start vouchers, they also used to a maternity grant it was a one off payment - forget the actual name of it or if they still do it.

Yeah I've already looked into everything we're not entitled to the grant or anything, as we have been told earn too much xx

Do you have any family/friends support?

Have you made a list of what need for baby, it's surprising how much you think you need to what you actually need.

Or post your list here and we can help you decide how you can save money. Bloody wish I did I might of saved atleast £15 on the squeaky dog chew dressed as sofie the giraffe must have item or the uncomfortable £35 bumbo seat I got along with £7 tray

I've had everything given to me from my niece, as we couldn't afford it xxx

You are thinking about putting the baby in care because you 'only' have £600 disposable income a month?
I strongly suggest you ask for more mental health support and tell the mother and baby unit for help.

@bottles pissoff and read the thread

@emma. Ok so you have got all baby stuff, brilliant that one less or shall I say lots of things you don't have to worry about.

Can you pinpoint what you think you won't be able to afford?

What have I missed then? As you're so well informed @ignoreme?

I agree with everyone else that £600 really will be enough after all your bills

Have you written down all your costs each month and totalled them up?

Seeing it in black and white on paper might help put your mind at ease a bit.

Is there someone where you are that could help you with that?