Why Getting Over the Honeymoon Phase Is Actually a GOOD Thing

It’s easy to think about #relationshipgoals as always being in complete and utter infatuation with your S.O. Our relationship resolutions may revolve around always wanting to be near them, looking past their flaws and letting those sparks fly. Butterflies can be fun, sure, but author and Gottman Institute Certified Therapist Zach Brittle says that exiting the honeymoon stage can actually affect your relationship in a really positive way.

Psychologists’ term for the honeymoon stage of a relationship is “limerence,” which is a phase driven by adrenaline and novelty, generally lasting for two years.

“At the end of the easy love is the beginning of meaningful love,” Brittle said. The gradual easing away from this infatuation is very natural, Brittle tells us, because couples get more used to each other as time goes on. Signs that the limerence period might be ending include increased conflict and decreased intimacy — neither of which is necessarily a bad thing.

“I actually get concerned when couples haven’t fought yet,” Brittle said. “Because at that point, it’s not even a relationship — not because they haven’t had an argument, but because they haven’t had to reach a resolution together.”

This transition is actually a huge opportunity for growth. It allows you and your partner to learn how to navigate life phases together and set realistic expectations for what your relationship will look like down the road. Instant gratification takes a back seat to trust and commitment.

“The main reason that people fall out of the limerence phase is because they take a new, mature view of their relationship,” Brittle said. “Happy relationships don’t just happen to people — people work for them.”

Have any advice for navigating relationship stages? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know!

(Photos via Getty)

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski are at the top of my personal #relationshipgoals list because they're my real life Jim and Pam from The Office. I'm sure that sounds cheesy, but I'm willing to flex my hopeless romantic muscles when it comes to their love story. It's not like they make it hard for me to gush over them.

Whether it's thinking about the way they first met, or the epic way they made A Quiet Place together in spite of 'advice' that tried to spell their demise, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski have a unified relationship that gives me butterflies. Here's a definitive timeline of these two love birds' relationship!

Scroll down to get all the adorable details on Emily Blunt & John Krasinski!

How many children do Emily Blunt and John Krasinski have?

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The couple has two daughters together — Hazel, 10, and Violet, 7. They confirmed their first pregnancy with Hazel in 2013 and only announced the arrival of Violet after she was born in 2016.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

On September 7, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt and their daughters showed up to the US Open. Hazel wore a white US Open cap while Emily and John opted for black hats. Violet stood out with her hair in a ponytail & bow.

What have Emily Blunt and John Krasinski said about their daughters?

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John told Peoplein 2020 that becoming a father has been one of the biggest changes in his life. He said, "“I went through some really serious stuff...There is a mirror that is held up to me now. You have someone watching you. You have to lead by example.” He also said he's been able to see his parents' perspectives now that he's raising children.

Emily told Harper's Bazaar UK last year that their daughters are a top priority for her. It's why she carves out time to be with them as much as possible when working. She said, "...even though they’re...used to this strange life, it’s still rough on them when I have to go away." As a working mom, I can only imagine how difficult it is for actors and actresses to explain to their kids why they have to go away for periods of time.

She went on to say, "There are cornerstones of the girls’ day that I don’t want to compromise on – like, will you wake me up, take me to school...It’s such an exhale for me to be able to do that."

When Did Emily Blunt and John Krasinski meet?

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Emily appeared on A Late Night with Seth Meyers in 2018 and admitted their first meeting was fairly casual. She said, "...it's just kind of lame. I mean, I was in a restaurant. He was in the restaurant." She then says something that made me giggle. "This is our romantic comedy! This is it. Write it," said Emily.

From there, she talks about how their mutual friend spotted John and the way her future husband made her laugh when he came to the table. As simple as that sounds, I think the best love stories don't always have an overly dazzling beginning. Sometimes it's really the small interactions that touch the heart.

And as for John's perspective on the meeting? Well, he told PEOPLE for the Sexiest Man Alive issue that he fell for Emily "the second he met her." The star said, "I don't know what happened, but I remember someone introduced us, and it was across a room in a restaurant, and I walked over to her, and as soon as I shook her hand, I just knew." OKAY, BRB SOBBING. 😭❤️

When did Emily Blunt and John Krasinski start dating?

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They've never shared an official timeline for their first date, but we're pretty sure it didn't take long for Emily Blunt and John Krasinski to have their first date after meeting in 2008. They don't agree on who asked who out first, but the couple told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018 that they basically hung out at John's apartment and ate pizza. I always say the best way to know if you really like someone is if you enjoy being around them doing something that's considered mundane — like eating pizza and watching movies.

When did Emily Blunt and John Krasinski get married?

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Less than a year after dating, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski got engaged! A rep told People, "We can confirm that John and Emily are engaged."

They were engaged for almost a year before "jumping the broom" in 2010 and had an exclusive wedding at fellow actor George Clooney's house! Funny enough, John was hesitant about having their wedding there and told Elle, "Only on the fourth ask did I say yes. Because the first three times I thought, There's no way he is serious. But I started to see his feelings get hurt."

What have Emily Blunt and John Krasinski said about their relationship?

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

John admitted to Glamour in 2018 that he'd watched The Devil Wears Prada over 50 times. "I’m lucky enough that she stayed with me and didn’t realize that she had really married her stalker," he said.

Emily gushed about her husband by telling InStylein 2021, "When I feel the support that I have from him, I feel invincible. There's someone behind you on your good days and someone in front of you on your bad days."

Why did Emily Blunt and John Krasinski decide to work on "A Quiet Place" together?

John Phillips/Getty Images

When it was announced that Emily Blunt and John Krasinski were working on their first film together, A Quiet Place, I was beyond excited. Of their experience on set together, John admitted to Peoplein 2018 that he had a lot of fun working with Emily. He said, “I’ve never have loved my wife more than after we did this movie...We were really honest with each other from the beginning."

And when Emily won the award for Best Supporting Actress at the 25th Annual SAG Awards in 2019, she had nothing but positive things to say about John. She said, "I am going to share this completely with my husband, John Krasinski, because the entire experience of doing this with you has completely pierced my heart directly...You are a stunning filmmaker..."

How have Emily Blunt and John Krasinski supported each other's careers?

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Now that Emily is getting ready for the debut of The Fall Guy alongside Ryan Gosling, she can't help but to talk about how John influenced her to lean into her latest role. She recently told People, "I am married to a director, I know what it's like to hold the tempest of the movie in your head and the pressures and being pulled in a million directions."

John's also grateful that he has a wife like Emily. He told Paradein 2022, "On a daily basis, but certainly in a career-wise, as a dad, she pushes me to be better every single day at everything I do. So I look forward to the next day cause I know it'll be better than the one before."

Sigh. Excuse me — I'll be somewhere crying about the way these two have shown up for each other over the years.

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Lead image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

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 think Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves are one of the sexiest celebrity couplesalive. From Matthew's Texas drawl and swagger to Camila's beautiful aura, I love keeping up with their relationship. Not only are they parents to three amazing kids, they're the founders of a foundation dedicated to keeping high school kids active...annnnnd they make their own tequila. Does this make them couples goals? I'm going to roll the dice and say, "Yes!" They may even give Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds a run for their money, but I'll let y'all be the judge of that! 😘

Wondering how their love story began and how it's currently going? Here's a brief overview of their relationship timeline!

Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves' Relationship Timeline

Image via Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Absolut Elyx

2006: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves cross paths at a club

Usher may have been on to something with his single "Love in This Club" because that's exactly what happened for Matthew McConaughey. Well, he and Camila Alves didn't make love in the West Hollywood club they were at. Instead, they met and it was love at first sight for McConaughey.

He told People he remembers the exact moment he saw his future wife. "She showed up, and she moved right to left in front of my eyes across that club," he said. "It was as if she was floating. And I did not say, 'Who is that?' I said, 'What is that?' And then introduced myself."

That introduction sealed the deal for both of them as they begin going on dates shortly after that. I love that it didn't take them long to decide, "Okay, we're doing this" because I still believe in love at first sight. I mean, who hasn't dreamed about the moment they're at a party and lock eyes with the person they're meant to be with?

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

January 2008: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves make their relationship red carpet official

Two years after their fateful meeting, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves made their red carpet debut for the premiere of Fool's Gold. It was clear their relationship was going well because Alves was sporting a cute little baby bump. She actually opened up about the moment they decided to let the world know they were together in a reflective Instagram post.

"I was so nervous, we had already been dating for a while and I had been to movie premiers with him but always sneaking in thru the back to keep our privacy... this was the first time going 'here we go.'" She wrote in the caption.

July 2008: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves have their first baby

The couple welcomed their first son, Levi Alves McConaughey, during the summer of 2008 and were beyond grateful for his arrival.

Camila later shared how tough his birth was when she appeared on Sarah Hyland's Lady Parts in 2021. "We tried to go as natural as we could in a hospital setting," she said. "We really wanted to go through without taking [medication]. We wanted to have that experience, and that was what we planned on."

However, Camila had to have an emergency C-section which happens if the medical staff determines there's grounds for an intervention. In baby Levi's case, the umbilical cord was wrapped in such a way that wouldn't have ended in good results had Camila tried to deliver vaginally.

I'm just grateful that things ended up going well even if Camila experienced a change in her birth plan.

Image via Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

June 2009: Matthew McConaughey announces baby no. 2 is on the way

Almost a year after Levi's birth, Matthew McConaughey announced that he and Camila Alves were expecting their second baby via his website. Though the post is no longer available, People grabbed a portion of the announcement.
"Happy Father's Day. It's my first, and the last 11 months with Levi and Camila have been the most rewarding adventure...We have more blessed news to celebrate this Father's Day that makes this time next year double the fun. Levi is going to be a big brother … Yeah, we pulled off the greatest miracle in the world one more time," Matthew wrote.
Maybe I'm delusional, but I swear I can picture his signature grin as he sat down to type this announcement. For all I know, he may have even said, "Alright, alright, alright' when he published it.

January 2010: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves welcome their second baby

This time, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves welcome a little girl. Vida Alves McConaughey was born two days after the New Year began in 2010.

Image via Theo Wargo/Getty Images

December 2011: Matthew McConaughey decides to proposes to Camila Alves

Not prone to rushing things, Matthew McConaughey decided to propose to Camila on Christmas in 2011. He shared more about the proposal in an interview with Esquire. "I remember her face. I remember this smile coming up from her feet. I remember her having to catch her breath. And she didn't say yes right away. And then the whole family was going, Jeezus,she's gonna say no."
However, Camila said yes and this led to their wedding next year.

June 2012: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves tie the knot

The couple chose to get married at home in Austin, TX instead of jetting off to a swanky destination. While he wore a Dolce & Gabbanna tuxedo, Peoplereported Camila looked gorgeous in gown designed by Ducarmo Castelo Branco.

Image via Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

July 2012 — December 2012: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves announce she's pregnant with baby no. 3

The couple wasted no time by announcing Camila's pregnancy with baby no. 3! The actor took to Xto share the exciting news by writing, "happy birthday America, more good news, Camila and I are expecting our 3rd child, God bless, just keep livin."

When their youngest son, Livingston Alves McConaughey was born, he arrived one year and three days after Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves got engaged. According to CBS News, Matthew shared this on X: "Camila gave birth to our third child yesterday morning. Our son, Livingston Alves McConaughey was born at 7:43 a.m. on 12.28.12. He greeted the world at 9lbs. and 21 inches."

April 2024: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves make an appearance with their three kids

The McConaughey family made a red carpet appearance while attending the Mack, Jack & McConaughey Gala a couple of months ago and everyone looked great! Based on the photos that Page Six shared, it's safe to say the kids are a beautiful blend of their parents.

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

June 2024: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves Celebrate 12th Wedding Anniversary

It's unbelievable to think Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves have been married 12 years, but time flies when you're enjoying moments with the love of your life.

Matthew took to Instagram to share a heartfelt photo and message to celebrate their marriage, and I'm pretty sure someone is cutting onions because my eyes keep watering. He simply wrote, "thank you #happyanniversary" as his caption, but those two words feel like they hold a ton of weight.

From their philanthropic efforts to founding their own Tequila brand, Pantalones, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves have found ways to support in each other in love, life, and business. Frankly, I love to see all of it.

November 2024: Camila Alves Celebrates Matthew McConaughey's 55th Birthday

Much like it's shocking to realize this couple's been together for over a decade, it's also shocking that Matthew McConaughey could possibly be 55 years old. And yet, he is — and Camila Alves is ready to celebrate it!

Alves shared a post on Instagram to honor her hubby's birthday. The caption reads, "Today we celebrate you! …. Well technically we celebrated you all weekend!" wrote Camila, 41. "Hoo you bring so much Joy Matthew … but I am stopping here before I get all sentimental … ! To many more sleigh street rides celebrating YOU!"

Alongside her thoughtful musings, Alves shared a video of the two of them on a sweet nighttime — and bike-drawn — sleigh ride. Throughout the windy video, you can hear "Will The Lord Remember Me" by The Red Clay Strays in all it's twangy, gospel-inspired glory. It really is clear these two are a match made in heaven!

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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!

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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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