If you aren't already a parent, you may not believe the government's projections of what it costs to raise a child from birth to age 18. The number is often considered to be upwards of a quarter million dollars- and this is before they ever start college! While that is staggering, just welcoming your new addition into the world can generate some fairly hefty bills. What does is cost to have a baby, and how can you keep those bills under control?

Standard Cost to Deliver

The majority of women have their baby in the comfort of a modern hospital, with the help of an obstetric professional. Women that are able to deliver normally can expect to owe between $5,000-8,000. While that is certainly no shabby amount, those that are unlucky enough to require a caesarean birth may find their bills soaring to as high as $12,000. In addition to the cost of medical care and birth facilities, expectant mothers must purchase maternity clothing, plus prepare a basic nursery and layette for the baby. This adds to the costs of having a baby.

What Will You Pay?

While the standard cost is fairly straightforward,what you will pay as a parent varies a great deal. This is because your out-of-pocket cost will depend on what sort of insurance coverage you have. Most basic insurance policies should cover almost all of your prenatal care, as well as the hospital bill for delivery. There might be a modest co-pay required for each visit, so check with your policy to determine what you can expect to pay.

People who have no insurance, or policies that do not adequately cover maternity care have several options. First, state managed medical programs, such as Medicaid, give excellent coverage to pregnant moms. They will not only ensure that you get proper prenatal care, but will cover the hospital stay, even if there are complications with your birth. You may also be able to open a health saving's account that enables you to set aside a certain amount each month in preparation for the cost of having a baby. Finally, look for lower costs options to cut down the initial amount owed.Birthing AlternativesThough hospital birthing is fairly standard, alternative ways of welcoming newborns are growing in popularity. Many of these alternatives eliminate the need to have ongoing care from a medical doctor, as well as offering alternative locations for delivery besides a hospital.

If you are concerned about possible issues with your birth, a birthing center is the best of both worlds. Mothers who deliver in a birthing center are assisted by licensed nurse-midwives. While you may never see the obstetrician that monitors your midwife, she is required to have an affiliate relationship with an OB office and a supporting hospital. In some cases, birth centers are adjacent to a major hospital. This enables you to have a natural birth, without unnecessary intervention.

However, if extra care is needed, an OB and hospital staff is only a phone call away. Birthing in a licensed birth center, with a nurse-midwife costs anywhere from $3,000-5,000. Almost all insurance policies will cover this arrangement.

Another option that is getting much more credibility among expecting parents is giving birth in the comfort of their own homes. While this may seem dangerous to many parents, the truth is that the majority of births are normal and this method is quite safe when working with a qualified caregiver. While nurse-midwives do sometimes accompany homebirths, it is more common to have a caregiver who has other certification instead.

National and state midwife associations offer training and licensing to lay midwives. This choice should only be seriously considered if you have never had a complication during childbirth and have no health problems that contraindicate homebirth, such as high blood pressure, obesity or being pregnant with multiples.

Some experts also suggest that first-time moms don't attempt a home birth, as their birthing history can not be adequately assessed. However, many women give birth for the first time at home, with no problems. Home births are much cheaper than other options, usually costing less than $1,500 total. While many insurance policies won't offset this cost, lay midwives often take payments are willing to work with parents who have extenuating circumstances.