Attention, Anthony Lovers! Your Fave Is Officially Returning For 'Bridgerton' Season 4

anthony briderton season 4

From the first time we saw Jonathan Bailey swagger onto the scene as Anthony Bridgerton, we've been fixated on his role as the eldest Bridgertonbrother, with fans constantly eager to know more about him.

He's business savvy, cares deeply about his family, and has the same charisma we imagine Edmund Bridgerton must've had. He was deemed a bit of a womanizer given his inability to commit in romantic relationships — here's thinking of you, Siena. But, once we found out whyAnthony was so scared, and watched him overcome those fears with Kate, we got to see Anthony at his all-around best — and it's the sexiest character redemption arc we've seen recently.

Well, anyone who's wondered if we'll see even more of Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton can breathe a sigh of relief because he just confirmed he's returning to season 4! Here are all the exciting details about his comeback — plus all our fun guesses about what he and Kate have been up to after announcing their pregnancy in season 3!

What has Jonathan Bailey said about Anthony's return?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton

Jonathan Bailey is super excited to return to Bridgerton season 4! He told Good Morning America, "I have a couple of weeks etched out in my schedule for returning" and that he can't wait to start "reading the scripts."

This comes after reports of Bailey scoring the lead role in Richard II which will be in production starts February 10 and ends May 10 (via Variety). He's going to be busy man next year — and thank god for us because we love all the chances we can get to see him on screen more!

Will Anthony Bridgerton have a main storyline in Bridgerton season 4?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Given what we know about Bridgerton season 4, it's unlikely we'll see Anthony in a ton of scenes. The focus will be on Benedict Bridgerton and his discovery of himself, his life's purpose, and an interesting love interest.

Though one aspect of the show has been changed — Francesca and Michaela's romantic interest — Jonathan said the show will "follow the stories" (via Bustle). This should come as another welcomed asset because some people were upset that Bridgerton's new showrunne, Jess Brownell,made changes that didn't 'authentic.'

Is Simone Ashley returning as Kate Sharma for season 4?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

It hasn't been confirmed if Simone Ashley is returning to season 4, but she's previously talked about how much she'd love to! "Both Johnny and I, we adore our characters, Kate and Anthony, so much and their relationship and what they mean for the show,” she shared (via People).

Although we can address how heartbreaking it was for Kate to break Edwina's heart (Charithra Chandran), it was hard to deny the fire and depth she brings into Anthony's life.

How did Anthony and Kate Bridgerton finish season 3?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Bridgerton season 3 focused on the development of Colin and Penelope's love story, but our beloved Anthony and Kate made appearances too. Of course we live for their steamy scenes, but the announcement of their pregnancy made everyone giddy. However, their story ends on a cliffhanger because it's hinted to two could possibly move to India so their baby could know more about Kate's heritage.

Jess Brownell offered a little more insight about this a couple of months ago, and it leaves room for where we could see our favorite couple. "I think the strength of sending them off to India for a little while is that it does leave the door open for them to come back, schedules allowing...We love Jonny and Simone, and we'll have them back as much as we are able to," she told Teen Vogue.

In May Jonathan opened up to Jimmy Fallon about how it felt to return to season 3. "It's like going back home! Cause obviously every year it's a different love story. Luke and Nicola are gonna be extraordinary. It's such and incredible thing."

What do we think Anthony and Kate Bridgerton will be doing in season 4?

Liam Daniel/Netflix

We're obviously rooting for a Kate and Anthony Bridgerton spinoff, but that's still TBD! Like other fans, we're feeling particular about what we'd like to see because we don't want to see their storyline rushed.

Based on the way Bridgerton season 3 ended, we speculate the couple will possibly spend time in India with Kate and Edwina's family. We could see them focusing on the birth of baby Bridgerton-Sharma and adjusting to life as new parents.

Both possibilities can add more layers to their relationship as Anthony would not only have to adjust to being a new father, but he'd had to get used to being in a new country away from his family. At the same time, Kate would also be grappling with being a new mom so it would be interesting to see if she'll deal with things like postpartum depression or the pressure placed on moms, especially during that time.

Revisit the Bridgerton season 3 ending if you need a full recap of what happened!

Header image via Liam Daniel/Netflix

My Facebook bio reads "I have a Narnia quote for every occasion," and the sentiment rings true. The hope and wonder found inside The Chronicles of Narnia played a huge role in shaping who I am as a writer and as a human. I'm a part of a Facebook group and keep up with some online forums, which means that I can spot clickbait or a fake poster from a mile away.

After Netflix acquired the rights to The Chronicles of Narnia in 2018, I was on the edge of my seat to see who would be involved. So, as you can imagine, when it was finally confirmed Greta Gerwig (who directed 2019's Little Women, the other story that has heavily influenced my life) would write and direct the next two movies in the Narnia universe, I told everyone.

Although the books are no stranger to controversy, I'm confident Greta Gerwig will handle them with grace and tact because she has a knack for bringing stories into the 21st century while still feeling true to their original heart.

Here's the latest news on Greta Gerwig's new Narnia movies, curated by a Narnia superfan.

Is Joseph Quinn joining Narnia?

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

We haven't gotten an official confirmation that Joseph Quinn is joining the Narnia movies, but near the end of a Vanity Fair game with his Gladiator 2 costars, Fred Hechinger guesses Joe's favorite movie franchise is Narnia — and everyone immediately starts acting suspicious. Making faces at each other, getting quiet, and being super awkward is not the way to act inconspicuous, you guys. It definitely reminds me of the Outer Banks cast trying not to spoil the OBX 4 ending, which doesn't help the situation.

Who else could be in Greta Gerwig's Narnia cast?

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

After a reunion with Brie Larson at the 2024 Golden Globes (they starred in 2010's Greenberg together), X users are hoping the Oscar winner will make an appearance! "She need to get in Narnia somehow," one user said when they retweeted a video of the reunion. The reunion in question features Brie hopping like a bunny over to Greta, who squeals as they hug. That's exactly how I greet my friends IRL.

"When [Brie Larson] gets the Best Supporting Actress nomination for playing the White Witch, wait," one user added.

Saoirse Ronan told The Wrap at the Sundance Film Festival that she's already asked to be in Greta Gerwig's Narnia movies! The actress played the lead in two of Greta's films: Jo March in Little Women and the titular character in Ladybird. "We have that kind of relationship where I’m like 'So I’ll be in the next one!,'" she says. The actress also told The LA Times that "if [Greta] asks me, I’ll be in it."

Phil Bray/Disney Enterprises, Inc./Walden Media, LLC.

However, it looks like we do have an idea of who we won't see in the cast. OG Narnia cast member William Moseley (Peter Pevensie) told Bleeding Cool he doesn't expect a call from Greta Gerwig: "I’m not part of that world anymore, which sometimes makes me sad because I love the world of Narnia and becoming a part of it."

"In terms of what I think about Greta Gerwig directing, I think she’s incredible," he continues. "Barbie was an amazing movie, and Little Woman was brilliant. Everything she touches turns gold, so I think Netflix is lucky to have her, and I’m sure she will embrace the challenge. I hope she enjoys it because it’s an incredible world to create, and I can’t wait to see what she produces."

Which Narnia story is Greta Gerwig adapting?

Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media

The specific Narnia movies the writer-director's making haven't been named, but a TIME interview claims Greta's adapting "the first book" in the series. The only hiccup is that they don't confirm whether they mean the first book chronologically (The Magician's Nephew) or the first book C.S. Lewis published (The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe). I'm thinking it'll be The Magician's Nephew since we've never seen that story onscreen.

“[The films] won’t be counter to how the audience may have imagined those worlds,” Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos tells TIME, “but it will be bigger and bolder than they thought.”

While we don't have official confirmation on which movie Greta Gerwig is adapting, we know she wants it to have even more of an impact than Barbie. "I want to make it feel like magic," she says. “C.S. Lewis said that the goal of writing fantasy — you know, something from his imagination — he’d say, let’s say you wrote about an enchanted forest. The goal would be that then every time you walk into a forest after you read it, you’d say to yourself, ‘maybe this is an enchanted forest.’ So that’s a tall order, but I guess re-enchantment of the world [is my goal].”

It looks like we can expect to come away from Greta Gerwig's The Chronicles of Narnia movies with even more love for the world, more childlike wonder, and more courage and kindness towards each other — and I am totally here for it.

How long has Greta Gerwig wanted to make a Chronicles of Narnia movie?

Chang Ho/Warner Bros. Entertainment

Like the intentional planner she is, Greta Gerwig actually thought about directing a Narnia movie way before her involvement was ever confirmed. "I would say the land of Narnia is equally exciting and terrifying," she says on The Empire Film Podcast. "I have nothing really to report on it other than it’s something I was actually talking about before I made Barbie. So, that’s been sort of in my unconscious working its way through. But that has been a pattern. I wrote a draft of Little Women before I made Lady Bird."

Narnia, Little Women, Barbie — Greta Gerwig has a knack for turning our beloved childhood stories into something complex and emotional that resonates with us even more as adults!

“I’m slightly in the place of terror because I really do have such reverence for Narnia,” Greta tells BBC Radio 4. “I loved Narnia so much as a child. As an adult, C.S. Lewis is a thinker and a writer. I’m intimidated by doing this. It’s something that feels like a worthy thing to be intimidated by."

"As a non-British person, I feel a particular sense of wanting to do it correctly," she continues. "It’s like when Americans do Shakespeare, there’s a slight feeling of reverence and as if maybe we should treat it with extra care. It is not our countryman.”

Are these new The Chronicles of Narnia movies a continuation or a reboot?

Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media

We don't have any info yet on whether this adaptation will pick up where The Voyage of the Dawn Treader left off, whether it will be a remake of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, or if it will be a totally new story within the Narnia universe (similar to Prime Video's The Rings of Power).

I'm personally anticipating that it will be the first option because I would love to see Greta bring something like The Magician's Nephew (which has never been adapted) to life onscreen.

What is The Chronicles of Narnia about?

Disney Enterprises/Walden Media

The Chronicles of Narnia revolves around the fictional land of Narnia, and the children in our world who find it. Time passes differently in Narnia than it does on earth, which means that even though around 50 years pass for the characters, they find themselves in a different decade or century every time they reenter the magical land.

Each book has themes like good vs. evil, family, and identity as the characters face different challenges and adventures. The coolest thing about these books is how open-ended C.S. Lewis wrote them — because your own personal experiences, life lessons, and worldview impact your imagination, you have a different experience every time you read them.

“It’s connected to the folklore and fairy stories of England, but it’s a combination of different traditions,” Greta Gerwig tells TIME. “As a child, you accept the whole thing—that you’re in this land of Narnia, there’s fauns, and then Father Christmas shows up. It doesn’t even occur to you that it’s not schematic. I’m interested in embracing the paradox of the worlds that Lewis created, because that’s what’s so compelling about them.”

Are these new The Chronicles Of Narnia movies for Netflix?

Twentieth Century Fox Fim Corporation/Walden Media

Yes! Netflix acquired the rights to The Chronicles of Narnia (which were previously held by Walden Media) in 2018, but there wasn't much news for the next few years. The New Yorker confirmed that Greta is attached to write and direct these Narnia Netflix films in the near future.

Why did Disney stop making Narnia movies?

Courtesy 20th Century Fox/Walden Media

The final Chronicles of Narnia adaptation for Disney was 2010's The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Even though the film set up a sequel, issues with the rights ended the film series early.

The Chronicles Of Narnia Adaptations To Watch

Pierre Vinet/Disney Enterprises, Inc/Walden Media, LLC

Animated Film:

BBC Miniseries:

Disney Feature Films:

Are you excited for Greta Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia movies? Let us know in the comments and follow us on Facebook for more movie news!

This post has been updated.

If there's one thing about Gilmore Girls fans you can count on, it's their passion. They love the quirky one liners, memorable moments, and are usually either Team Jess or Team Logan (sorry Dean...). Give any Gilmore Girls lover in your life the chance to transport themselves to Stars Hollow this holiday season — without having to make the trek to Washington, Connecticut or the Warner Bros. stage in Hollywood. These Gilmore Girls gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and very cozy, which are also three hallmarks of the series itself! From a coffee mug that Luke Danes would approve of to the perfect gifts for Taylor Swift fans, this Gilmore Girlsgift guide will make you say "Oy with the poodles already!"

Keep reading for 24 Gilmore Girls-themed gift ideas for 2024.

Amazon

The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir

Get all the behind the scenes info you could ever dream of when you pick up Kelly Bishop's new memoir!

Hot Topic

Loungefly Gilmore Girls Icons Mini Backpack

I was absolutely gagged the first time I saw this backpack. Tiny pizza slices, both the Luke's Diner and Chilton logos, AND the gazebo? I need this, like, right now.

Sunday Best

Sunday Best Peggy Sweater

Consider this white cable knit sweaterthe Rory Gilmore sweater for the season. I cannot stop wearing mine. It's super soft and the perfect medium weight (meaning you won't be cold but you also won't feel weighed down). It's also not itchy at all. I love wearing it with jeans, or tucked into trousers or a skirt.

Amazon

Cotton Baseball Hat

For a more subtle nod to the fashion on the show, a blue baseball cap gives major Luke Danes vibes without having to walk around wearing Gilmore Girls merchandise. Wear it with a crewneck and oversized coat now (hello '90s "It" girl!) and a tee shirt come spring.

Book of the Month

Book of the Month

Channel your inner Rory with the Book of the Month subscription service. The cool part about someone else picking out the books is that you'll find titles — and authors — you didn't even know to look for.

Nordstrom

Espresso Martini Statement Earrings

It wouldn't be an episode of Gilmore Girls without a cup of coffee, or a martini at one of Richard and Emily's Friday night dinners. Combine the two iconic beverages with these statement earrings! They're bold, they're quirky, and they'll be the talk of all your holiday parties.

Etsy

Stars Hollow "Autumn Festival" Travel Poster

Nothing screams Stars Hollow like a festival, and this autumnal poster celebrates the best parts of small town life. Whether you choose to display it in a gallery wall or on a bookshelf, you'll feel like you're coming home every time you look at it.

Etsy

Luke's Diner Mug

With a Luke's Diner mug, you can pretend you really are in Stars Hollow. Bonus points if you're also having a big stack of pancakes!

Etsy

Gilmore Iced Coffee Glass Cup

If you're more of an iced coffee fan, even in the winter (I wonder what Luke would have to say about that?), grab a glass with a super cute design. Not only do I love that Rory and Lorelai are featured in the design, but the color palette is beautiful, too!

Maisonette

Gina White Poodle

Getting your little into the Gilmore Girls spirit? They definitely need a lovable stuffed dog. Again I say, "Oy with the poodles already!"

Handker Bandanas

Colorful Bandana

For another low-key nod to the ultimate BFF's, grab a bandana in your favorite color (like this one that uses untreated, non-GMO cotton!). In true Y2K fashion, Sookie and Lorelai wear bandanas throughout the show, so this is a super fun way to incorporate their style into your own closet this winter.

Etsy

Dragonfly Necklace

A delicate dragonfly necklace is a beautiful layering piece that will add summer cheer to the dreariest of winter days and remind you of Dragonfly Inn at the same time. The fact that dragonflies represent new beginnings is just the cherry on top.

Etsy

Gilmore Girl Eras Shirt

Have you been binging Gilmore Girls during the day and watching Eras Tour TikTok livestreams at night? This T-shirt has your name written all over it. My personal favorite detail is that Kirk is in the debut square.

Etsy

Stars Hollow Christmas Festival Sweatshirt

There's nothing like layering a turtleneck, a crewneck, and a bunch of jewelry for a trip to your corner coffee shop, so swap your go-to crewneck for this festive Stars Hollow one! The gazebo is instantly recognizable for Gilmore Girls fans and just looking at the design makes me want to say, "I smell snow."

Walmart

Gilmore Girls: Complete Series Collection

One of my favorite Christmas presents in recent years was the full Gilmore Girls DVD set. This 42-disc DVD set has every single episode and even more hours of unaired clips, behind the scenes features, and episode commentaries. I'm geeking out just thinking about it.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook

Gilmore Girls recipes are always delicious, and always pretty easy (after all, Lorelai and Rory basically only eat takeout and Luke's!). The official cookbook will let you put your own spin on the food you seen onscreen, and then you can have a truly meta experience by eating your meal while you watch the Gilmores eat theirs.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: Trivia Deck and Episode Guide

Tried-and-true Gilmore Girls fans will love diving into this trivia book. Because this game (which features 200 questions) has an 88-page episode guide and goes through every. Single. Episode. Worth it!

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow

TBH, I think kids books are great for book lovers of any age. The art and simple storytelling really get my creative juices flowing. At Home In Stars Hollow will make you (or a family member or friend) love Gilmore Girls in a whole new way!

Cande Craft Company

Stars Hollow Scented Candle

This all-natural soy candle has every scent a Gilmore Girls fan will love: coffee, sweet cream, and vanilla. It's cozy and balances sweet and bitter in a really intoxicating way.

Amazon

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore Plush

Okay, I'll be honest. I want these plushes for myself! The design is a hilarious nod to the season one episode "The Lorelais' First Day At Chilton" and even features a tiny coffee mug and tiny book!

Rock Em Socks

Gilmore Girls Socks

Now that we're in knee-high boot season (which I FINALLY bought), I like to wear super fun, colorful, and chaotic socks. Grab a pack of Gilmore Girls socks to take some Stars Hollow magic with you no matter where you go.

Etsy

Gilmore Girls Themed Blind Date with a Book

For this bookish blind date, you'll receive a Rory-themed read, a tea bag, a bookmark, and stickers. You really can't go wrong.

Favorite Child

Stars Hollow Books Tote Bag

Carrying your favorite books in a tote bag with the Stars Hollow Books logo feels like it's meant to be.

Amazon

Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember

Lauren Graham's collection of essays will give you a glimpse behind the curtain as she offers thoughtful stories about life, aging, and the industry.

Which gifts from this Gilmore Girls gift guide will you be buying for your friends (or yourself)? Let us know in the comments!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

I love a good edge-of-your-seat drama series featuring characters the world loves to hate — I'm looking at you, Succession. But there are some shows whose boundaries are pushed to a...weird limit. Although HBO's The Idol was slated to be Euphoria 2.0, it's drawn criticism from those who have watched it.

To be fair, The Idol's goal may be about getting people to talk, good or bad. It dives into the professional and personal life of pop star Jocelyn, played by Lily-Rose Depp. But even that's being met with side eyes due to the role's eerie similarities to an actual celebrity — and The Weeknd's ex-girlfriend — Selena Gomez.

Here's all the evidence that makes thing awkward, plus learn how Lily-Rose Depp feels about the backlash over the series!

How is Selena connected to 'The Idol' co-creator The Weeknd?

In 2017, Selena Gomez and The Weeknd briefly dated after his relationship with model Bella Hadid ended. Although the relationship didn't make it to the one-year mark, they seemingly remained on friendly terms.

Why do fans feel Jocelyn From 'The Idol' is similar to Selena Gomez?

Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO

Fans were quick to point out the similarities between Selena and The Idol's Jocelyn, with one going as far to tweet, "ever since finding out the idol is probably just the weeknd’s selena gomez fanfic i haven’t been able to sleep."

According to BuzzFeed, fans noticed both Jocelyn and Selena began their careers as kids. Before Selena starred in Wizards of Waverly Place, she got her start on Barney & Friends in 2002. From there, she's had a successful career starring in various TV shows and movies.

Another glaring similarity fans mentioned was the way Jocelyn was filmed posing for a cover story in "lingerie and a hospital bracelet" — very similar to Selena's video for her song "Bad Liar," where she was also seen wearing a hospital bracelet. Another fan tweeted, "the weeknd is a nasty person. the comparison between jocelyn and selena is scary and disrespectful. the idol lacks originality," showing a side-by-side comparison of the two scenes.

We also can't help but notice that Jocelyn's best friend Leia is not only her best friend, but she's also her personal assistant...not too dissimilar from the personal and working relationship Selena has with her best friend Theresa.

Is Selena Gomez the only pop star 'The Idol' seems to mirror?

It seems as much. GQ noted that The Idol makes a nod to or mentions icons such as Prince, Donna Summer, and Madonna in the first episode, proving that pop culture can always be referenced to make a connection to something. Meanwhile, the details of Jocelyn's life eerily match up with Selena Gomez's life IRL — more than just a reference.

What has Lily-Rose Depp said about 'The Idol?'

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

It's been over a year since fans noticed weird similarities between The Idol and Selena Gomez, but Lily-Rose Depp recently opened up about her feelings surrounding the show.

She said, "I love it. Honestly, I love it," (via Vanity Fair) before acknowledging she knew everyone involved was taking a risk making the controversial series. "You make something and you hope that people like it, and you hope that it resonates with people," she added. Still, the actress said everyone "knew some people were not going to like it and that it was going to be too much for some people."

The backlash from some viewers didn't really bother her for a few reasons. Firstly, she has no qualms doing "things that maybe not everybody's down to do." Secondly, she's "not an Internet rat like that" and isn't "on Twitter" so she's "not reading stuff."

For Lily, she had a great time immersing herself in The Idol's world, calling it a "huge turning point" for her." "I learned so much about myself, and I got to progress so much in my own work. I learned how to dance, and sing, and do all these things that I had never done before."

Her final verdict? She doesn't regret The Idol. "So I look back on it and I can only think fondly, and I’m really proud of what it is.”

Watch The Trailer For HBO's 'The Idol'

Haven't watched The Idol yet? Watch the trailer, and let us know if you think this hot topic TV show is the Selena Gomez biopic everyone else thinks it is.

Do you think 'The Idol' mimics Selena Gomez's life? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our email newsletter for all the latest pop culture news!

This post has been updated.

Angelina Jolie has always been mother — but she's also a literal mother to six kids whom she clearly cares about fiercely. Since she first adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax to giving birth to Vivienne and Knox, it's always been evident that her children are her entire world. While she rarely talks about her children (especially given her highly contested divorce at the moment), Angelina shared a little slice of her feelings on motherhood, insights on her children, and more with Good Morning America.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Angelina opened up about her feelings for her family while chatting about her new movie Maria with Good Morning Americaon November 21, 2024. Host Michael Strahan asked Angie about if there's anything she loves as much as her character loves singing, and she replied that it's her "motherhood."

"It’s my happiness. You can take everything else away from me," she said. "I could — nothing else matters."

When asked about her sons' involvement in Maria, Angelina explained that despite their involvement behind the scenes, they're very uninterested in a life in the spotlight. She said, "None of my children want to be in front of the camera. They're quite private."

Angelina elaborated, "Shiloh's extremely private. They weren't born with privacy, so I hope they can have that."

This interview comes after Angelina and Knox attended the Governor's Awards with her on November 18, 2024. His rare appearance shocked so many — including Brad. Daily Mail reported that Pitt found the timing "suspicious."

The source said, "'She is trying to get under his skin after his recent win and using Knox to do so is odd. Knox wants nothing to do with Hollywood and has no communication with Brad."

Despite the weirdness, the source also said, "He [Brad] believes that, in time, his children will come back into his life."

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie has six children. She adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax, and later gave birth to Vivienne and Shiloh. She shares her children with Brad Pitt, most of whom aren't on good terms with him at the moment.

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

Just how expensive is it to have a baby in 2024? One woman sharing her experience on social media has sparked a much-needed conversation about financial transparency when it comes to starting (or growing) a family.

Josephine Anderson, who posted a video on her Instagram @fosterthevalley, outlined the costs of her uncomplicated vaginal birth, and TBH, it was shocking.

The financial breakdown of her experience (with Cigna for insurance):

  • Routine office visits (including 2 ultrasounds): $1,266
  • Labs: $3,440.81
  • NIPT genetic testing: $15,319.36
  • Anatomy scan: $1,270
  • RhoGam: $360
  • Hospital for mom: $23,722.10
  • Hospital for baby: $7,402.80
  • OBGYN for delivery: $5,000
  • Epidural: $5,720
  • Breastfeeding support: $2,589.78
  • Pediatrician: $209
That all racks up to a whopping total of $66,299.85. After insurance was factored in (her deductible was $3,000 while her max out-of-pocket for in-network expenses was $11,000), the total cost for her uncomplicated vaginal birth was $4,788.98. Forbes Advisor reports the average cost of having a baby in 2024 is $2,854.

Instagram

Josephine’s video warranted thousands of comments, most of which were appalled by the costs of her experience:

“This needs to be shared in SexEd classes,” one commenter wrote.

“The US medical system is BROKEN,” another said.

“And people are still confused why more women are choosing to remain child free… we literally can’t afford it,” another user commented.

Mart Production / PEXELS

Brit + Co spoke with Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC and CEO/Founder of BOOBIE Superfoods to gauge if Josephine’s costs were typical for the care she received. Colson has significant insight into how insurance works not only from an employer’s perspective, but from personal experience as a patient with breast cancer.

“The $4,788.98 net amount she mentions is realistic given that her deductible was $3,000. If she had chosen a plan with a $1,000 deductible – which is a common ceiling for good coverage – the same scenario would have cost her around $2,789,” Colson said. “The video highlights the importance of understanding what you're getting with an insurance plan, especially when you anticipate major life events like childbirth.”

Sarah Chai / PEXELS

Colson primarily attributes unanticipated costs for medical care (like in Josephine’s case) to patients that choose their insurance plans with, well, no real plan.

“Many [people] opt for the [plan] with the lowest paycheck deductions without fully evaluating the benefits,” Colson said.

There’s often a tradeoff between paying less per paycheck and receiving your desired benefits: for example, if you elect to contribute less money towards your insurance per paycheck, you may end up paying more out of pocket for things like doctor’s office visits and prescriptions.

“Making an informed choice is key to saving money in the long run,” Colson continued. “In short, it's crucial to consider both the immediate costs (like paycheck deductions) and the potential future costs (like deductibles and copays) when choosing an insurance plan.”

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Another major cost Josephine mentions in her video was 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, which cost her a total of $18,000 (in lost income).

Per the passing of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, moms have a legal right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the act was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities, accommodate the legitimate interests of employers, and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.

Matilda Wormwood / PEXELS

It all sounds great until you realize the time off is indeed unpaid, which doesn't really aid in the amount of money parents end up owing after all is said and done in the pregnancy and childbirth processes.

Only 13 states plus the District of Columbia offer paid maternity leave. When you compare the United States’ laws to that of other industrialized nations, they don’t exactly measure up.

Colson says Sweden’s maternity leave policy is “one of the most generous,” offering 390 days of paid parental leave (shared between parents) and 80% of wages covered for a significant portion of the leave. In Germany, mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave plus a tax-free, income-based allowance straight from their insurance provider.

Jonathan Borba / PEXELS

Though it’s likely that US laws will never be that generous in terms of paid maternity leave, there are a few things you can do to make the blow of medical costs hurt a little less, says Colson.

“My advice is to be your own advocate,” she says. “If you’re planning to have a baby, start by understanding what your state provides in terms of paid leave to avoid surprises after delivery.”

To keep the cost of having your baby (if you’re planning to have one) transparent and free of surprises, Colson recommends:

  • Asking your physician’s office for a detailed breakdown of insurance billing codes, including:
    • Office visits
    • Lab work
    • Epidural (and the anesthesiologist’s separate fee)
    • Hospital admissions
    • Specialist consultations during admission
    • Optional procedures like circumcision, if desired
  • Email the insurance billing codes to your insurance provider, who can help calculate your out-of-pocket costs and deductible

“Having a baby is priceless,” Colson says. “By planning ahead – understanding your insurance options, healthcare costs, and available benefits – you can ensure peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: your growing family.”

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