Important Factors to Consider – From Financial to Medical – When Planning Your Family

Family Medical Plan at Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine in Cypress Area

Planning a family is an essential part of many women’s lives. Planning for the future consists of many considerations, including the financial implication of starting a family. You may have been looking to the future, thinking about how you want to be a new mom, but you are not quite ready. And then suddenly, you get to that point of your life where you are ready to pull the trigger, and it is time. Maybe you found the perfect partner to start a family with, or you possibly have achieved the financial stability you have been seeking. Perhaps you simply feel like it is the right time. Whatever your reason may be, when you are ready to start a family, the vague idea of a future very suddenly starts to become crystal clear. It is a huge step you will be taking in your life, so you must take time out to formulate a plan for your own sake and your child’s wellbeing. There are several things you should consider before getting pregnant. Some of these considerations should include:

Finances: Having children requires a critical examination of your finances. A child is more than just another mouth to feed. Your children will very quickly outgrow their clothing, will need toys and furniture that change as they grow. That creates an ever-revolving expense. Medical and dental costs are another factor to consider, especially if you do not have health insurance.

Space: Outside of your finances, your personal space is the most crucial consideration you should think about when planning a family. If your home is already overcrowded, imagine bringing a baby home into that space. You will need a crib, baby clothes, toys, and more for your child. Your newborn will quickly grow and go from being completely stationary to crawling and then to walking. It happens quicker than you can blink an eye. That will require space. Finally, make sure you are ready to babyproof your home to protect your child from potential hazards.

Pets: The way your current pets co-exist with your new baby is significant to your child’s safety. Even smaller animals can pose a threat; pets you have before the baby could become jealous of the time and attention you give to your newest family member. Animals have no way of understanding how fragile a baby can be or properly behaving around them. Even if you do not foresee your pet being a problem, you should have a backup plan ready if you need to re-home your pet once you bring home the baby.

Childcare: When your child is old enough to go to daycare, it may be necessary so that you can go to work. While there seems to be no shortage of available daycares, not every daycare is going to provide the quality and safe environment your child deserves. Also, daycares can tend to be quite expensive. Childcare is one of the most significant expenses families face. So, unless you are a stay-at-home parent, you will want to do your due diligence and spend quality time researching any prospective daycare centers you may be considering for your child. That can be time-consuming, but it will be worthwhile to ensure your child gets the care and education they need.

Medical: Protecting your child’s health begins even before they are born. Prenatal care throughout your pregnancy is critical to ensuring the good health of both mother and child. Ceasing unhealthy habits and improving your health goes a long way to making sure your baby develops healthily. You should be aware of any current health concerns that could affect your pregnancy so that you can take the proper steps to minimize pregnancy risks.

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When you are ready to plan your family, please call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Taryll Jenkins today at 855-346-8610.

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Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine
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We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L. Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of Medicine from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.

Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today, she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.

Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.

Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.

Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.