“Baby Got Charged For Existing”: Woman’s Breakdown Of Costs To Give Birth In US Sparks Outrage

A newborn child is supposedly a bundle of joy for the parents. But if you’re living in the United States, having a baby can also put a massive strain on your bank account. 

A woman named Kayla shared her experience giving birth to her fifth child, particularly the expenses she paid. In a recent TikTok video, she gave a detailed breakdown of her costs, which amounted to over $44,000. 

As expected, most people were shocked, but her story put a spotlight on the US healthcare system, which has faced its fair share of controversies. 

Childbirth is becoming more expensive in the United States

New mom holding newborn baby in hospital bed, illustrating the expensive cost of giving birth in the US.

Image credits: Wesley Tingey / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

Florida resident Kayla, who gave birth to her fifth child, shared a detailed breakdown of how much she paid

Text showing the high cost of giving birth in the US at over $44,000, highlighting expensive childbirth bills for new moms.

New mom holding baby boy at home, explaining the expensive cost to give birth in the US, $44,318.41 displayed.

Image credits: kaylakosuga

The private room and labor room fees already comprised nearly half of her total expenses

Text excerpt discussing the high cost of giving birth in the US and insurance coverage details from a new mom.

Costs of giving birth in the US including private room, pharmacy, laboratory, epidural, and delivery fees detailed by new mom.

New mom holding baby with hospital bill showing high cost of giving birth in the US including delivery and anesthesia fees.

Image credits: kaylakosuga

She did mention the costs shouldered by her insurance company

Text showing detailed medical bills totaling thousands of dollars, highlighting the high cost of giving birth in the US.

Costs of giving birth in the US showing insurance coverage and additional doctor fees for a new mom's baby boy delivery.

Text showing medical bill details highlighting the high cost of giving birth in the US from a new mom’s perspective.

New mom holding baby boy discussing expensive birth costs and hospital bill totaling over twelve thousand dollars in the US.

Image credits: kaylakosuga

But what surprised many was the $12,000 fee for her son’s birth

Text highlighting the high cost of giving birth in the US, mentioning a baby boy's medical bill of $12,761.30 without insurance.

Text excerpt about high costs of insurance and expenses related to giving birth in America from a new mom's perspective.

Image credits: kaylakosuga

You can watch Kayla’s video below

@kaylakosugaHow much is cost to give birth 😅♬ original sound – Kayla Kosuga

Pregnant woman having a checkup with doctor highlighting how expensive it is to give birth in the US.

Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

The median cost of childbirth in the United States saw a massive jump in just three years

In her video, Kayla revealed that the total amount she paid was $44,318.41. This included a bill for her son’s birth, which amounted to $12,761.30. 

Extra costs aside, the median expense for natural childbirth in 2022 was reportedly $13,000. Three years later, the amount more than doubled to $28,654.71, according to Fair Health tracker. 

The prices also vary from state to state. In Kayla’s home state of Florida, the median charge is $34,489.48. 

But what exactly is the reason behind these skyrocketing costs? According to Cynthia Cox, vice president of the health policy research organization KFF, high deductible health plans are one reason. 

“High deductibles are supposed to make people think twice about the cost of care and if they really need it. However, in the case of childbirth, that doesn’t make sense. Obviously, you need it,” she told Bloomberg in a 2024 interview. 

Birth plans in the US are also costly. As Kalya broke down in her video, she had to pay for doctor’s fees, anesthesia, and epidural injections. According to health policy analyst Louise Norris, each health plan also varies. 

“All of these services can be counted toward the deductible, or there may be individual copays that apply,” she told Business Insider in a 2022 interview. 

Unfortunately, these high costs have led to a financial strain among women. A 2023 study by researchers at Harvard Medical School revealed that 20% of new mothers are burdened with their medical bills after birth. 

Person reviewing medical bills at a wooden desk with a laptop and phone, highlighting expensive birth costs in the US.

Image credits: Ahmet Kurt / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

Minimizing childbirth costs comes down to research and a proper strategy

While childbirth involves unavoidable expenses, there are ways to mitigate them. One piece of advice Norris gave was to keep up with prenatal care. 

As she explained, regular checkups may increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and avoid complications, which are costly to treat. 

Another option is to ask the hospital if they offer maternity packages. According to Norris, these are bundled services that often include flat fees and discounts. 

She also gave a simple tip: bring your own supplies, such as over-the-counter pain relievers and even a box of tissues. Norris says doing so can help avoid significant extra charges. 

Fortunately, Kayla and her family had a successful delivery, all the expenses aside. 

Commenters were unexpectedly shocked by the costs

Comment about expensive newborn medical bill highlighting high cost of giving birth in the US healthcare system.

Comment on social media about birth costs in the US, expressing emotional reaction to expensive baby bills.

Comment saying Thank god I live in the UK in response to a discussion about expensive childbirth costs in the US.

Comment saying poor guy he got a bill too, highlighting the high cost of giving birth in the US for baby boys.

Comment on social media expressing disbelief about medical treatment costs, with 7554 likes shown.

Online comment saying America is crazy with 7,162 likes, highlighting views on expensive childbirth in the US.

Screenshot of a social media comment saying good day to live in NZ about birth costs in the US.

Social media comment about the high cost of giving birth in the US with a caption on baby boy’s medical bill.

Comment about expensive birth costs in the US referencing a $5,000 bill and a humorous repossession question.

Comment reading wtf in Australia it’s basically free, highlighting the high cost of giving birth in the US for new moms.

Comment on social media post questioning baby boy’s medical bill, highlighting the expensive cost to give birth in the US.

Comment expressing shock about newborns receiving medical bills, highlighting the high cost of giving birth in the US.

Comment expressing curiosity about how low income people can afford expensive US childbirth costs on social media.

Comment on social media post discussing the high cost of giving birth in the US, highlighting expenses from a new mom’s perspective.

Comment about childbirth costs in Guyana compared to private hospitals, highlighting expensive US birth expenses.

Comment on social media about the high cost of giving birth in the US compared to government support in other countries.

Comment from Layne sharing experience about high medical charges after a C-section related to birth costs in the US.

Comment about expensive birth costs in the US mentioning health insurance and medical bill reductions.

Screenshot of a social media comment reacting to the high cost of giving birth in the US with a suggestion for home birth.

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