When I left my job to care for my newborn full-time, I thought I was mentally prepared. We had talked it through, my husband and I, and I had always wanted to be there for those precious first milestones. But what I didn’t expect was how quickly I’d start feeling anxious about money.
Going from two incomes to one is no small thing. In Singapore, everything adds up fast, from confinement meals to baby wipes and endless doctor visits. The day I checked our bank balance and realised how much we had spent in just the first month, I sat on the bedroom floor next to the cot, holding my baby, and cried.
That was my turning point. I knew I needed to take control. Not just to save money, but to feel steady and grounded in this new chapter of motherhood.
When Money Feels Like It’s Just Slipping Away
In the early weeks after giving birth, I was constantly exhausted. Cooking felt like a marathon, so we ordered food a lot. We kept buying baby items we thought were must-haves. Another swaddle, a second monitor, extra bottles just in case. It all seemed necessary at the time. But after a while, I couldn’t remember what we had spent on, only that it was too much.
What made it harder was the guilt. I wasn’t earning anymore, and even though my husband never once made me feel bad about that, I started second-guessing every little purchase. I knew I needed a clearer system. Something that gave me structure and peace of mind.
Facing the Numbers with Kindness
I started by tracking our expenses. Nothing fancy. I just kept a small notebook on the kitchen counter and wrote down every time we spent money. Diapers, wet wipes, milk powder, utilities, coffee from downstairs, everything.
This helped more than I expected. It gave me clarity. I could see where our money was going. We weren’t being reckless. We were just trying to keep up. But I also saw the areas where we could be more mindful. Like overbuying baby products or making repeated, costly grocery trips instead of planning properly.
That awareness felt empowering. I stopped reacting and started making decisions.
Creating a Budget That Fits Our New Life
Once I had a clearer picture, I set up a simple monthly budget. I grouped everything into three categories: household essentials, baby needs, and personal spending. I didn’t think of it as cutting back. I saw it as planning ahead.
Our grocery budget now includes snacks for breastfeeding hunger pangs and easy meal options when I’m too tired to cook. We set aside a fixed amount for baby-related expenses even if it doesn’t get used every month. I also give myself a small allowance to spend however I like. Maybe it’s a coffee on my solo morning walk or a new top that fits my postpartum body. These things matter too.
Starting an Emergency Fund with Whatever I Had
Before I had my baby, I didn’t think much about emergency funds. It always felt like something I could build later. Then he got a sudden fever, and we had to see a doctor three times in a week. That was a wake-up call.
I started small, saving whatever I could. Even fifty dollars a month went into a separate account. Over time, it grew. Having that little cushion gave me confidence. It helped me feel more secure. I didn’t have to worry every time something unexpected came up.
Small Habits That Help More Than You Think
As a stay-at-home mum, I’ve realised that it’s the little habits that make the biggest difference. I plan our meals for a few days at a time, buy in bulk when things go on sale, and unsubscribe from tempting newsletters and apps that trigger unnecessary shopping.
I’ve also learned that babies don’t need the fanciest things to be happy. Some of the toys we splurged on got ignored. Meanwhile, my son spent 20 minutes laughing at a spoon and a pot lid. That helped me let go of the pressure to buy all the trendy parenting items.
Redefining My Role at Home
One of the hardest parts about staying home was the feeling that I wasn’t contributing financially. But learning how to manage our household budget changed that. Now I see my role differently. I’m not just the one staying home. I’m also the one managing our resources wisely.
I may not be earning a paycheck right now, but I’m helping us stretch every dollar. That’s valuable work. And it’s something I’ve learned to take pride in.
If You’re a New Mum Feeling Overwhelmed…
Please know that you’re not alone. The transition into motherhood is big enough. Managing money on top of that can feel like too much. But you don’t have to figure it all out at once.
Start small. Track your spending for a few days. Notice the patterns. Then make one or two changes. Maybe it’s setting up a separate savings account. Maybe it’s planning meals for the week. Little steps add up.
Budgeting isn’t about restriction. It’s about support. It gives you structure in the chaos and a bit of breathing room when everything feels tight.
You’re doing the most important job in the world right now. And with a little planning, you can do it with less financial stress and a lot more confidence.
