Chip Lupo, the Childbirth Considerations Per State
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2024/11/19
Chip Lupo is an experienced personal finance writer currently contributing to WalletHub. With a background in journalism from Elon University, he has worked across various sectors, including finance, sports, politics, and religion. Chip has expertise in SEO best practices, content creation, and editing, combined with proficiency in Microsoft and Adobe applications. His career spans over two decades, during which he has held roles as a compliance analyst, wire editor, and night city editor. Chip’s passion for media and communications drives his commitment to high-quality content. The cost of childbirth in the U.S. differs significantly based on insurance coverage. Insured mothers pay about $2,600 for hospital delivery, while uninsured mothers may face costs close to $15,000. Financial challenges without paid parental leave, ongoing child care, and healthcare expenses make thorough planning essential for new parents’ financial stability.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: How does the cost of childbirth differ between mothers with and without insurance?
Chip Lupo: The cost of childbirth in the U.S. can vary dramatically based on a mother’s insurance coverage. For those with insurance, a conventional hospital delivery averages more than $2,600. However, uninsured mothers face much higher costs, often close to $15,000. Beyond these base costs, prices fluctuate widely across states, as some areas offer more affordable delivery options. For example, North Dakota ranks low in delivery costs, while others such as California and New York are among the most expensive. Additionally, states’ policies on Medicaid expansion affect maternal care costs and access, which highlights the importance of healthcare accessibility for expecting parents.
Jacobsen: What factors were considered to rank the states for having a baby?
Lupo: WalletHub evaluated 31 key metrics across cost, health care, baby-friendliness, and family-friendliness, including hospital delivery charges, the availability of pediatricians, and child care accessibility. States such as Massachusetts and North Dakota came out on top by minimizing expenses and offering excellent medical and child care support.
Jacobsen: How do the best and worst states differ in conventional-delivery charges and cesarean-delivery charges?
Lupo: The costs for delivering a baby vary significantly, as some states offer much lower delivery fees than others. States like New Hampshire and North Dakota have some of the lowest costs for both conventional and cesarean deliveries, whereas states like New York, Florida, and California can charge much more. Factors such state healthcare quality, cost of living, and local healthcare policy strongly influence these differences, which underscores the importance of considering these dynamics when choosing where to have a baby.
Jacobsen: Why is Massachusetts considered the best state to have a baby?
Lupo: Massachusetts is the top state for having a baby because of its high-quality healthcare, supportive family policies, and safe environment for infants. The state also boasts the lowest infant mortality rate and the fourth-lowest maternal mortality rate in the U.S.
In addition, Massachusetts has robust parental leave policies and Medicaid-covered parenting programs, which ensures strong support for new parents. The state also ranks first and second in family-friendliness and health care respectively, which reflects its commitment to long-term family support, making it an ideal place for raising children.
Jacobsen: What are typical unplanned expenses for new parents?
Lupo: New parents often face a range of unplanned expenses that can quickly add up, especially with the rising costs associated with childbirth and infant care. These can include unexpected hospital fees for delivery, and for some, increased costs if complications arise. Post-birth, new parents encounter high costs for childcare and babysitting. Pediatric care, vaccinations, and necessary health screenings further add to expenses, highlighting the importance of planning ahead and researching the best states for quality, affordable child and healthcare options.
Jacobsen: What financial challenges do parents face without federal paid parental leave?
Lupo: Without federal paid parental leave, parents face financial challenges that compound the high costs of childbirth and infant care. With conventional delivery costs averaging $2,600 with insurance or up to $15,000 without, many new parents face a difficult choice between a loss of income or taking time to bond with and care for their newborns. In states where childbirth and childcare costs are highest, the financial burden can be particularly severe. Additionally, without paid leave, parents are often forced back into work earlier, potentially missing out on crucial postpartum support and bonding time.
Jacobsen: What is the biggest financial mistake prospective parents make?
Lupo: The biggest financial mistake prospective parents make is underestimating the full scope of child-related expenses beyond the initial medical costs. While hospital delivery expenses can be costly, ongoing costs like child care, healthcare, and baby essentials can be even more financially burdensome. Failing to plan for these ongoing expenses can strain finances over the long term, especially in states with high infant-care costs. Planning early for both immediate and long-term child expenses can help parents better navigate the financial responsibilities of raising a family.
Jacobsen: How can local authorities make their cities more baby-friendly?
Lupo: Local authorities can focus on affordable and accessible child care that supports pediatric and maternal health and ensures a strong family infrastructure. Cities can expand the number of child care centers, promote affordable child care services, and implement Medicaid policies that cover maternal and parenting programs.
Expanded access to quality pediatric care, in addition to enough pediatricians and family doctors per capita will also ensure better health outcomes. Lastly, promoting family-friendly leave policies and mom groups can offer parents additional support, while creating a nurturing environment for both infants and their families.
Jacobsen: How can families benefit from public pre-kindergarten and paid parental leave?
Lupo: Public pre-kindergarten and paid parental leave can help reduce financial stress, as childbirth and early child care costs in the U.S. are high. States that support public pre-kindergarten and paid parental leave offer better affordability and accessibility, which are crucial for a child’s early development. Access to these benefits means parents can better manage work-life balance, secure consistent child care, and support their child’s health and education needs, which would make the overall family structure more sustainable and family-friendly.
Last updated May 3, 2025. These terms govern all In Sight Publishing content—past, present, and future—and supersede any prior notices. In Sight Publishing by Scott Douglas Jacobsen is licensed under a Creative Commons BY‑NC‑ND 4.0; © In Sight Publishing by Scott Douglas Jacobsen 2012–Present. All trademarks, performances, databases & branding are owned by their rights holders; no use without permission. Unauthorized copying, modification, framing or public communication is prohibited. External links are not endorsed. Cookies & tracking require consent, and data processing complies with PIPEDA & GDPR; no data from children < 13 (COPPA). Content meets WCAG 2.1 AA under the Accessible Canada Act & is preserved in open archival formats with backups. Excerpts & links require full credit & hyperlink; limited quoting under fair-dealing & fair-use. All content is informational; no liability for errors or omissions: Feedback welcome, and verified errors corrected promptly. For permissions or DMCA notices, email: scott.jacobsen2025@gmail.com. Site use is governed by BC laws; content is “as‑is,” liability limited, users indemnify us; moral, performers’ & database sui generis rights reserved.
In-Sight Publishing 