Content creator Allison Kuch, married to former NFL defensive end Isaac Rochell, is shedding light on the high costs of childbirth in the United States.
Kuch, 31, shared a viral TikTok video on Sunday, July 12, titled “How much it cost to give birth in America,” where she disclosed that giving birth to her second child with Rochell, also 31, exceeded $20,000.
Despite the hefty expense, Kuch mentioned that her first child, delivered via a planned C-section, had a price tag of $32,000.
Kuch explained that her recent baby was a vaginal birth, with 48 hours spent in the hospital, during which she received an epidural. She was billed $3,200 for a private labor and delivery room for this VBAC (vaginal birth after a C-section).
Kuch remarked, “I’ve never paid that much for a hotel room in my life, although there was a view of the ocean,” referring to the additional $3,200 fee for a postpartum room where her husband slept on a pull-out mattress.
The couple was also billed $1,100 for Pitocin, which Kuch said intensified her contractions. (Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, a hormone that induces labor.)
She further outlined a $560 charge for epidural medications, including $90 for saline fluid and Zofran for nausea, and a $9,993 fee for “vaginal delivery level 2.”
Kuch also received a bill for $6,185 from her obstetrician, who she claimed was present for only “three f***ing minutes,” as her daughter was born with just one push.
Fortunately, her insurance covered most expenses, though many Americans go without such coverage. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 26.7 million people under 65 lack health insurance.
Ultimately, Kuch’s out-of-pocket expense was $1,500.
“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.
