Fewer babies in Michigan

In 2009, only 117,309 babies were born in Michigan the smallest number since the Second World War. The birth rate has gone down so much that fertility doctors are complaining their business has gone down. The recession is, apparently, to blame for the reduction in the number of new babies that are being born. Despite the fact that technology has made it possible for many couples who can't conceive naturally to get pregnant, money is a big factor. "Children are very expensive," Dr Brian Mason, an obstetrician at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Michigan said, "a lot of folks who would normally having babies right now are holding off."

At SteadyHealth, we know that babies can cost as much or as little as you want. Babies are not really expensive at all, contrary to what you would read in most magazines or on parenting websites. It is a shame that fertility treatments do not follow suit. Even those with great insurance policies often end up paying thousands upon thousands of dollars out of pocket. What do you think about the situation in Michigan? Have you put your life and dreams on hold because of the recession? Has the job market, or lack thereof, changed your family plans? Have you sacrificed your insurance policy to meet basic needs such as food and shelter?

Initially, I wanted to have at least three children. I'm not in Michigan, but my partner and I did change our minds about having another child, mainly for financial and logistical reasons. Indeed, fertility treatments are a huge burden on the household budget not one that we are willing to take on at this time, because our existing children and their needs come first.