These Celebs Will Make You Want to Grow Out Your Armpit Hair This Summer

With the arrival of warm weather comes a noticeable increase in strapless dresses and tank tops. And as those sweaters get stowed away for the season there’s something you might notice about a lot of ladies’ underarms: they’re totally unshaven. We’ve been seeing this body hair trend emerging for some time now, but as we welcome summer it seems to really be having its moment. There was even a female armpit hair competition in China recently. One celeb who is unapologetically rocking armpit hair? Miley Cyrus, of course.

The performer and avid Instagrammer rocked the look at the 2015 amfAR Inspiration Gala where she was honored for her contributions to the fight against AIDS. As Miley gave an inspirational speech in a stunning Moschino gown, she raised her arms to reveal the free growing hair. This was perhaps Miley’s most public display of the budding trend, but it was certainly not the first time she’s showed off the style – and in fact, she’s not even the only celeb to get in on the emerging movement.

Celebs like Julia Roberts, Madonna and Drew Barrymore have all rocked the look in the past, but more recently, Jemima Kirke of HBO’s Girls caused a stir when she walked the red carpet at the CFDA Awards earlier this month with unshaven underarms. We won’t say the look went totally unnoticed by us, but we were just way more focused on her stunning Rosie Assoulin ensemble.

Both Miley and Jemima make it very clear that free growing armpit hair is a pretty gorgeous trend that’s here to stay. Each of the ladies rocked the look at super swanky, red carpet events and looked great. It’s your hair and you should do with it what you want. It’s really as simple as that.

Will you try unshaved armpits this summer? Share with us in the comments below.

(Photos via Dimitrios Kambouris/Larry Busacca/Getty)

WhileMiley Cyrus is known for her powerful voice — and recent Grammy win — her public relationships have been the talk of Hollywood, too. From her high-profile marriage (and divorce 😭) to Liam Hemsworth to her current relationship with Maxx Morando, Miley's experienced the highs and lows of being being 1/2 of a celebrity couple.

The one thing we continue to learn from celebrities — especially after looking at Miley Cyrus' dating history — is that they're just like us! From Nick Jonas to Maxx Morando, here are Miley's most memorable relationships.

Miley Cyrus' Full Dating History

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Nick Jonas

We revisited this short-lived fling while dissecting Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez's friendship, but it doesn't hurt to talk about it again! These two didn't really talk about their relationship when they first started dating, but Kevin Jonas spilled the beans about Nick's feelings when he first met Miley. He said, "When he met Miley, I think that kid's head exploded." He made this revelation during the brothers' documentary Chasing Happiness, where they also revealed a few of their songs were about the former Hannah Montana star.

In her book Miles To Go, Miley talked about how the two met at a benefit for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation charity and started spending more time together. The next year, Miley and the Jonas Brothers went on tour together (Best of Both Worlds), but that seemed to signal the end of her relationship with Nick.

Once they broke up, Miley talked about how she felt in great detail. "At first I bawled for a month straight. I was so sad. I just went into this weird funk," she said (via PEOPLE). What's ironic is that she admitted to "rebelling against" Nick's preferences. "...I've got to be by myself for now, and just figure out who I really am."

Michael Buckner/Getty Images for IMG

Justin Gaston

Miley's next boyfriend was Justin Gaston, a singer and model, who seemingly wore the same hairstyle as her dad Billy Ray Cyrus. Actually, the reason the two started dating is because of the "Achy Breaky Heart" singer! He must've taken a liking to Justin during Nashville Star because he introduced him to Miley, and the rest was history (via Glamour). "He actually reminds me a lot of myself when I was 20 years old and I was living and searching for the dream," he said. However, their relationship was short-lived because they called it off in 2009 (via NBC Washington).

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Liam Hemsworth

The next person Miley Cyrus was linked to was her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth. For a time, everyone believed these two were meant to be...until they weren't. The pair filmed The Last Song together and couldn't deny the strong chemistry between them — even if they were supposed to be "just acting." They started making public appearances together looking very much smitten with each other, confirming any relationship rumors swirling around.

It's no secret they broke up and got back together several times, but they eventually decided to get engaged in 2012 (via Cosmopolitan). However that was short-lived once they decided to call it off...only to get it together a few years later. Though the couple eventually got married, they got divorced before their one-year anniversary.

"What really sucked about it wasn't the fact that me and someone that I loved realized that we don't love each other the way that we used to anymore," she said during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Patrick Schwarzenegger

Once her marriage to Liam Hemsworth ended, Miley and Patrick Schwarzenegger were spotted getting close. However his mom Maria Shriver wasn't a fan of them dating (via The List). A source said that she was "very worried about the influence Miley's having on Patrick. She fully believes that you become who you surround yourself with and she's always been so happy with the friends Patrick chooses, she never saw this coming," (Hello! Magazine).

Luckily for this mama bear, Miley and Patrick's relationship didn't last long either. They broke up in 2015 because they were in "two different places in their lives," (via PEOPLE).

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Stella Maxwell

It seemed like Miley decided to explore her options after things ended with Patrick Schwarzenegger — she was then linked to Victoria Secret's model Stella Maxwell that same year. It was speculated the two were in a relationship after they were seen kissing (via PEOPLE). However, Miley shut those rumors down while she talked about her sexuality. She told Elle, "I'm 22, I'm going on dates, but I change my style every two weeks, let alone who I'm with" and admitted she identifies as "pansexual."

Jerod Harris/Getty Images

Kaitlynn Carter

In 2019, Miley was seen kissing Kaitlynn Carter (The Hills: New Beginnings) while on vacation in Italy (via PEOPLE). It didn't seem like things were serious because a source said the pair were "just having fun" — which sounds similar to the mindset Miley had while she was seen with Stella Maxwell. Miley's sister Brandi Cyrus joined them on vacation, according to Instagram.

Miley and Kaitlynn were seen on a date where a source said, "They live together and are very happy," (via PEOPLE). But this may have been too much for the "Flowers" singer because they went their separate ways after it was revealed they "spent every day together."

Ouch?

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Cody Simpson

A younger Cody Simpson admitted to Fuse he had a crush on Miley Cyrus in 2012, and it was the cutest thing ever! They become best friends a few years later with Cody telling GQ Australia, "...she helps with some of that transitional stuff—trying to escape your childhood. She’s super open-minded, and I’m working on becoming more like that." Paparazzi snuck a photo of the two kissing in 2019, sparking dating rumors (via TMZ).

They did become boyfriend and girlfriend, but broke up in 2020 because Cody said they "were going in different directions," (via Billboard).

Francis Specker/CBS

Maxx Morando

Before long, Miley Cyrus and her current boyfriend Maxx Morando were seen getting cozy in 2021. Daily Mailsaw them cuddling in Miami while a source later told Entertainment Tonight, "They've been together for a little while and are just enjoying their relationship." They met for the first time during a "blind date" after Miley decided to open herself up to dating again. "I thought, ‘The worst that can happen is I leave.'" Ever since then, he couple have been enjoying their relationship and even enjoyed a recent date night (via Page Six).

We don't know about you, but we're rooting for Miley Cyrus and Maxx Morando to find happily ever after in each other!

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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 think we all remember tuning into our favorite Disney show, Hannah Montana, only to see the ever-iconic "Jolene" singer, Dolly Parton, show up to feature as a guest star. I remember feeling shocked, and wondering what the relation was — only to find out that Dolly was Miley Cyrus' real-life "honorary godmother"! And this relationship runs deep!

Throughout many interviews over the years, it's clear Miley and Dolly continue to share a lot of love, admiration, and respect between them given the way they talk about each other. TBH, we couldn't love them more! With that said, here's a breakdown of their heartwarming relationship — plus all their beautiful collaborations and sweet moments they've shared.

How did Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus meet?

Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images

As you may know, Miley's dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, is a popular country music artist. During his "Achy Breaky Heart" era — yes, it's stuck my head now, too — he connected with Dolly as they toured together. Dolly recounted more about this to the London Evening Standard last year when she said that “...of course, Miley became my goddaughter; I was her fairy godmother." She continued, "We really have a true bond; she is like a daughter or a sister to me.”

Are Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton related?

Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW

Dolly has claimed to be Miley's "honorary godmother." She told Howard Stern recently that she's known Miley since she was born, and even retold the story of how she came to be Miley's amazing godmother. She told Howard of Billy Ray, "And he said … ‘We’re having a girl, and you’ve got to be her godmother!’ And I said: ‘Well, I’d be honored.’" And while that was the inception of this beautiful relationship, Dolly elaborated that it was really what formed between she and Miley that made it so special. She said, "So actually, Miley and I took over from there. We just stayed very, very close through the years.”

And this week, Access Hollywood has actually revealed that the two are, indeed, related by blood after all! In the interview, Ancestry revealed that Dolly and Miley are actually seventh cousins once removed! It turns out their family member that they have in common was named John Brickey who lived in Virginia in 1740. Dolly was ecstatic over the news saying, "Is that true? That's amazing! Well, we're so close, Miley and I. I would've thought we would've been at least third cousins, 10 times removed." In regards to how Miley felt about the news? She said, "I’m sure she'll get a kick out of that, but it doesn’t surprise me because she does feel like family." We didn't think we could love these two anymore, but it turns out we can!

Have they collaborated on any projects?

Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Ever since the Hannah Montana days, these two have collaborated on projects and music! Dolly appeared on Miley's song, "Rainbowland,"and Miley returned the favor by appearing on Dolly's rendition of "Wrecking Ball" last year. The two have also covered each other's songs countless times over the years — not to mention the clear influence Dolly's music had on Miley's own songwriting in general.

In an interview with NPR, Miley discussed how Dolly helped her understand sexuality and personality in music. She says, "The best thing that she does is, she's not afraid to laugh at herself," she said. "And she pushed the boundaries for country music, by looking the way that she does, and saying the things that she says, and being sexual in that way. I mean, there's no one that's been able to make country music sexual more than Dolly!"

Our Favorite Miley and Dolly Moments

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

These sweet girlies have shared so many amazing moments, so keep scrolling to see their best collaborations, and all of our favorite times they've talked about each other over the years!

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton Singing on New Years Eve

One of my favorite, most recent, moments for this adorable duo is this stunning performance of "Wrecking Ball" and "I Will Always Love You." They combined their most popular songs into a stunning harmonious medley, while also showcasing their love and friendship for each other. This was a stunning and emotional moment for everyone tuning in to watch their New Years Eve special!

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton Singing "Jolene"

We all know and love this song, but I will certainly remember being introduced to "Jolene" with Miley's iconic cover when I was a kid. I love this rendition where the two pals get to sing it together, too. Their voices are so different, yet blend incredibly well together! This was yet another sweet moment for the books!

Miley Recreates Dolly Parton Classic With Jimmy Fallon

In this absolutely hilarious skit, we see Jimmy Fallon and Miley Cyrus re-create Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' classic hit, "Islands in the Stream." And Miley, busty and all, goes fully into the character. This was such a funny moment, and we love how the two are able to poke fun at each other in respectful, yet hilarious ways.

Miley Cyrus Says Dolly Only Contacts Her Via Fax

One of our favorite things about Dolly is her drastic aversion to technology. Miley told Seth Meyers about a hilarious instance she had with Dolly about this. She claimed that Dolly doesn't mind using a phone, but whenever she needs to talk to someone over text, she'll do a fax, and then someone who works for her will scan the fax, then the scan will go into a text, which then gets sent to Miley. Whew! We're exhausted just thinking about it!

Miley says that if Dolly wants to send a demo, then it's a similarly complicated process. She'll record a cassette, which gets recorded on a flip phone, which gets recorded on an iPhone voice memo, which then gets sent to Miley. We're glad Miley's finding the humor in Dolly's anti-technology quirks!

Miley Cyrus Covers Dolly Parton's Song "Light of a Clear Blue Morning"

Miley's voice may be different than Dolly's, but you can't dispute that her growly vibrato, and yodel-edque vocals were made for country. So when she covered this stunning Dolly song, she definitely killed it and delivered a beautiful cover. Don't mind us keeping this on repeat until further notice...

Dolly Parton Talks About Being Miley's Godmother

In this Wired interview, Dolly answered common questions that she gets about herself online, and one of the questions was about Miley. In regards to the question, "Is Dolly Parton Miley Cyrus' Godmother?" Dolly said, "Well everybody knows that. I would actually say I'm the fairy godmother of Miley Cyrus." We love how fun Dolly is, and we can tell how proud she is to be Miley's godmother!

Dolly Parton Covers Miley's "Wrecking Ball"

@dollyparton When I heard 'Wrecking Ball' I almost wept in my car. When it started into the chorus it hit me like a wrecking ball! I thought how great can a song be and how great can @Miley Cyrus ♬ Wrecking Ball - Dolly Parton

Dolly talked about how beautiful Miley Cyrus' song "Wrecking Ball is", and how much she needed to cover it, on her Tiktok account. Dolly talked about how much the song meant to her, and how much it meant to have Miley sing it with her on her rock album. She concluded with, "How great can a song be?" We definitely agree, Dolly!

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Header image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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!

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- 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.

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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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