Content creator Allison Kuchthe wife of a former NFL defensive end Isaac Rochellhighlights how expensive it can be to give birth in the United States.
“How much does it cost to give birth in America,” Kuch, 31, wrote in 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 surprising, the promoter noted that her first child was a planned C-section — and it cost $32,000.
“This baby was born vaginally, 48 hours spent in the hospital from start to finish, and yes I got mom an epidural,” Kuch continued about her VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section), explaining how she was billed $3,200 at a private birthing and labor facility.
“I've never paid so much for a hotel room in my life, although I will say there was an ocean view,” she added, noting that there was another hefty bill 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 $1,100 worth of Pitocin, which she noted made her contractions “very painful.” (Pitocin is a synthetic version of oxytocin, the hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during labor.)
Kuch also broke $560 for the epidural, including $90 for saline and Zofran to help with nausea, and $9,993 for a “level 2 labor.”
She also received a $6,185 bill from her obstetrician, who said the facilitator was at her bedside for “just three minutes,” as Kuch noted that her daughter came into the world with just one push.
Fortunately, his insurance covered most of the costs — a privilege not everyone can afford, as nearly 26.7 million Americans under the age of 65 lack access to health insurance, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
When all was said and done, Kuch said he paid $1,500 out of pocket.
“Who insured me? The NFL,” he clarified. “It's still the NFL. So if you're wondering if I'm going to have the next baby, when am I going to have that baby? Before this insurance runs out.”
Her viral post sparked widespread discussion on the Internet, as it affected parents who said they faced huge medical expenses before and after giving birth.
“My twins, c section, and 20 days in NICU… $390,000. Put them back in, idk what to tell you,” one social media user responded. “They gave me a 2k daycare loan. HE NEVER WENT TO THE KING,” another gasped.
“In Canada I paid $20 for parking and I got mad,” chimed in a third person.
Kuch and Rochell announced the birth of child No.
