Content creator Allison Kuch, wife of former NFL defensive end Isaac Rochell, is highlighting just how expensive it can be to give birth in the United States.
“How much it cost to give birth in America,” Kuch 31, captioned a viral TikTok video shared on Sunday, July 12, revealing that it cost her more than $20,000 to give birth to her second child with Rochell, 31.
While the final cost was staggering, the influencer noted that her first baby was a planned C-section — and cost $32,000.
“This baby was a vaginal birth, 48 hours spent in the hospital from start to finish, and yes I did get the mother f***ing epidural,” Kuch continued about her VBAC (vaginal delivery after a C-section), detailing how she was charged $3,200 for a private labor and delivery room.
“I’ve never paid that much for a hotel room in my life, although I will say there was a view of the ocean,” she added, noting there was another hefty fee of $3,200 for an “uncomfortable” postpartum room, where her husband slept on a pull-out mattress.
The family was also on the hook for a total of $1,100 for Pitocin, which she noted made her contractions “more painful.” (Pitocin is a synthetic version of oxytocin, the hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.)
Kuch also broke down the $560 in epidural meds, including $90 for saline fluid and Zofran to help with nausea, and a $9,993 fee for a “vaginal delivery level 2.”
She also received ar $6,185 bill from her obstetrician, who the influencer said was by her bedside a mere “three f***ing minutes,” as Kuch noted her daughter entered the world with just one push.
Fortunately, her insurance covered most of the costs — a privilege not everyone can afford, as approximately 26.7 million Americans under the age of 65 do not have access to health insurance, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
When all was said and done, Kuch said she paid $1,500 out of pocket.
“Who am I insured by? The NFL,” she clarified. “Still the NFL. So if you’re wondering if I do end up having a next baby, when will I have that baby? Before this insurance is up.”
Her viral post sparked widespread conversation online, as it resonated with parents who say they’ve faced overwhelming medical bills in the lead-up to and after childbirth.
“My twins, c-section, and 20 days in the NICU… $390,000. Put them back in, idk what to tell you,” one social media user replied. “They gave me a nursery bill for 2k. SHE NEVER WENT TO THE NURSERY,” another vented.
“In Canada I paid $20 in parking and was annoyed,” a third person chimed in.
Kuch and Rochell announced the birth of baby No. 2, a daughter named Pepper Jo, on April 21. The couple are also proud parents to daughter Scottie born in 2023.
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