Why is being a mother so expensive in the United States?

In the United States, being a mother comes with a high price tag. Expenses for healthcare, delivery, and childcare are significantly higher than in most other wealthy countries. The US has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income nations, with 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births. Black women are about three times more likely to die from childbirth complications, with a maternal mortality rate of 50.3 per 100,000 live births in 2023