Having a baby without a lot of money

Anybody else pregnant and dealing with money issues? Or to be more specific the lack thereof? As a 21 year old college student who is not yet in a finacially stable point in my life, I have spent many days worrying that I won't be able to give my baby everything she deserves . I mean, I am not DIRT poor, but I don't really have much to my name. We rent a small apartment and Ihave a crappy old car. We have a decent crib, but virtually no room for it. (we are trying to get into a bigger place)I have lots of stuff for her mostly thanks to friends and family and it's not like she doesn't have any nice things, but everytime I go into a baby store or shop online, I feel so bad that I can't get my little angel everything her heart desires. I feel like I owe her so much and I want things to be nicer for her than they were for me. I guess I can blame retailers and marketers for these feelings of inadequacy,because they make you think you need all this nice stuff, half of which you won't use, but don't have a clue especially if you a first time parent ifyou really need it or not.
My mom made a good point though the other day when I was feeling kind of down about all of the things I can't afford. She told me not to worry about thinking I have to have all of this nice stuff for when my little girl is a baby, but to strive to make something of myself and finish school so that I can give her nice things when she is a bit older and can actually remember them.

Your mom is right. It makes you and your family appreciate it that much more. They don't even notice when they are little. Watch the stores that resell items in good condition and try and find some mommies you can trade and borrow with. Things will get better over time. Good luck

Dont feel bad about the money issue and bein pregnant, your not alone! I dont even have the money to get Brooke anything she needs/deserves. Hell I was supposed to be gettin married the 18th and had to use the 42 dollars for gas money to get my fiancee to work! but dont worry, things will get better! Just gotta keep your head up!  

Quoting summer_love:“ Anybody else pregnant and dealing with money issues? Or to be more specific the lack thereof? As a 21 ... [snip!] ... make something of myself and finish schoolso I cangive her nice things when she is a bit older and can actually remember them.”

I agree with you mom! Babies outgrow stuff so fast. They honestly don't care if there clothes come from Walmart or Baby Gap. ;)

I know how you feel! We don't have much money either and a lot fo the stuff we have is secondhand, but the way I have chosen to see it is that, s/he may not have the 'best' stuff, but s/he is more likely to remember the time spent with him/her by me and Chris, than what things were in his/her room, and what clothes s/he wore!

Quoting summer_love:“ Anybody else pregnant and dealing with money issues? Or to be more specific the lack thereof? As a 21 ... [snip!] ... make something of myself and finish schoolso I cangive her nice things when she is a bit older and can actually remember them.”

i know how u feel, i quit my job to come to australia for 3 months, fell pregnant probs the 2nd week of being here lol, and now me and my bf have no jobs, iam however going to go back to college in september to finish my hairdressing, and hopefully get a job where my sis works in a resteraunt on a few nights a week the pays not too bad, and my bf is loking for a job as soon as we get back. we go back tomorrow (friday) so as soon as i get back ill work on sorting things out   i wouldnt worry too much, just buy the things u KNOW u will need and will get alot of use out off ... and i know babies grow outta clothes pretty quickly but that cant be helped .... good luck   xxxxx

Thanks for the support!

We thought we had enough money..then we got pregnant and all of a sudden all these misc bills started appearing!!

awww your mommy made me feel better too!
That's great that you have such a supportive person in your life.

My theory is the less money you have, the more humble your kids will be.
She'll have what she absolutely needs- which is you!

Quoting †fallen-¤-flame†:“ I know how you feel! We don't have much money either and a lot fo the stuff we have is secondhand, but ... [snip!] ... to remember the time spent with him/her by me and Chris, than what things were in his/her room, and what clothes s/he wore!”

Exactly!!!

I agree with your mom and that actually made me feel better too.

I just graduated from college in May and I still don't have a full-time job but I know that when it will really count, I will be able to provide for her everything that she wants and needs.

Quoting summer_love:“ Anybody else pregnant and dealing with money issues? Or to be more specific the lack thereof? As a 21 ... [snip!] ... of myself and finish school so that I can give her nice things when she is a bit older and can actually remember them.”

Your Mom is right! My husband and I are blessed with good jobs, but it's not always enough. I am only 60% at my job (which means I work 24 hours a week) but I always picked up time and worked 36 hours a week, well my doctor just took me off work last week and my short term disablitly will be 60% of my 60% so my paychecks will go from $800 every two weeks to $360!! That's a big cut!! But you know when I was little we didn't have a lot but I had the best child hood! My Mom was a stay at home Mom and my Dad worked, but she always came up with things for us to do for fun. I wouldn't trade those days for anything!! There is NOTHING wrong with second hand stuff! I've found some nice stuff at good wills, salvation army and places like that. I'm not too proud to wear something I buy there!! But i think it's a natural feeling to want everything NEW for your baby. We have some new stuff and some used stuff. Our friends gave us a bunch of clothes and I plan on using them!

Quoting summer_love:“ Anybody else pregnant and dealing with money issues? Or to be more specific the lack thereof? As a 21 ... [snip!] ... of myself and finish school so that I can give her nice things when she is a bit older and can actually remember them.”

Ok, let me start by saying that I know you will be a good mother already because you desire the best for your unborn child..I was 20 and a jr. in college when I gave birth to my now 16yr old giant(lol)..My then husband and I got married young and lived in a 1 bdrm apt..We got all ofour furniture from relatives and/or thrift stores..We struggled with the bills etc..But the only thing my son knew was that we loved him with all of our hearts..He didn't need all of the material things that we wanted for him..The only thing your child will require is your unconditional love-forget what is in those store windows-that will come in time...She will grow out of that stuff by the minute-concentrate on being the best parents that she will need. Don't feel guilty or sad that you are unable to afford those expensive clothes etc...Personally, I enjoy shopping at thrift stores and bargin hunting..especially for baby clothes..I mean really how much damage can a baby do to an outfit...So relax enjoy your pregnancy and enjoy your baby while she is just that..just think by the time she becomes a pre-teen/teenager you will (godwilling) emotionally and financially equipped to cope with those terrible teenager years..Good Luck and cheer up...