Once again, I am not pregnant. 🙂 I had a few questions yesterday. But since my dear friend and fellow blogger Lady Joanna is, she is sharing her wisdom with ways to keep costs down while sporting a baby bump. Today, check out her tips for the “honeymooon” phase of pregnancy – the second trimester.
I’m pregnant! It’s exciting for sure, and things are changing fast. Go see my tips for being pregnant on a budget during the first trimester. I’m now in my fifth month – halfway done! It’s hard to believe I’ll be holding this little bundle of joy (a BOY!) in just four and a half months. What to think about before he arrives? The theme of this month: hand-me-downs.
- The most immediate concern I had while entering the second trimester was “What do I wear??” My pants were tighter or not fitting at all, and my shirts were getting a little shorter- but maternity clothes can be expensive! I did go to Goodwill and buy a few pants that I was sure would fit, but didn’t want to replace my entire wardrobe for a few months. I started asking around, and had many gracious offers from friends to borrow maternity clothes. The clothes had been passed around between friends a few times, but are still in good condition, only worn by each person for a few months.
- As the reality of having a baby hurtles toward us, we start thinking in more specifics. We wandered through Babies R Us, and are overwhelmed at the sheer volume of baby stuff. The primary thing I have to remind myself of is, babies need very little. The need something to wear, somewhere to sleep, something to eat, something to poop in, and some way to transport them in a car. Beyond that, everything else is extra, regardless of what the registry lists want you to think.
- Also? The baby doesn’t care if their clothes and other stuff is brand new. As long as the items are still safe, usable, and relatively clean, we’re accepting hand-me-downs, and the baby won’t know the difference. Shopping at garage sales, used children’s stores, or consignments sales is another way to get good used items. A note for Indy-area readers: The Indy Kids Consignment Sale holds sales twice a year. I’m hoping to score some big-ticket items there, and am especially excited for half-price day on Saturday. Reportedly, this sale is huge. There’s also the Just Between Friends Sale and the Whale of a Sale Consignment Event in the coming weeks. To find a consignment sale in your area, check out Consignment Mommies.
- We plan on attending a birthing class. Why is this a frugal tip? The better my husband and I understand how my body works, what to expect during labor, and ways to cope during labor, the more likely I am to avoid risky and expensive interventions during my birth. Hospital bills, even with insurance, are expensive! Good classes can be pricey and time-consuming, but I’m convinced it is going to be worth it.
Supposedly, the second trimester is when I’ll feel my best, so I’m trying to take advantage of it and make good use of my time – without going on any shopping sprees!
Thanks again, Lady Joanna, for another round of great tips! Tune in tomorrow as Joanna shares insights for the third trimester. Do you have a frugal pregnancy tip? PLEASE leave it in the comments. We’re better together and can all learn something from each other.
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