According to research from Move.org, Louisiana is the third least expensive state for a new mother. Move.org spokesperson Cosette Jarrett says the study factored in the cost of childcare for the first year of a child’s life as well as the medical cost of delivery.
“The average cost of being a new mom in Louisiana according to our numbers is $12,103, so that actually makes Louisiana the third most cost-effective state in the nation,” said Jarrett.
Only two other states have lower costs. Mississippi is the cheapest $11,364 and Alabama is second at $11,522. Jarrett says the breakdown of the basic costs came down to two contributing price tags.
“The average childbirth medical expenses in Louisiana are $6,356 and that is before insurance. The average cost of infant care per year is $5,747,” said Jarrett.
Jarrett says at $12,103, the combined Louisiana cost of childbirth and childcare is cheaper than daycare alone in DC, Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut.
“It’s really helpful to the parents to have that financial burden kind of lifted a bit, especially for new moms who are already doing so much,” said Jarrett.
