Can You Afford Not to Breastfeed?

By Glenni Lorick

Recently an expectant mother expressed her desire to breastfeed “if she could afford it.” I was taken aback by this comment because breastmilk is, after all, free. However, she explained that she just didn’t know if she could afford a lactation consultant and an expensive breastpump. She qualified for the WIC program (Women, Infants and Children) which would provide her with free formula, so she didn’t think that formula feeding would cost her anything

I’ve never before considered that a mother might make a decision not to breastfeed because she thought it was too expensive. On the contrary, many mothers decide to breastfeed, especially in these times of economic distress, because it is such an obvious money-saver. Twenty something years ago I decided to nurse my first daughter because my youth-pastor husband certainly didn’t make enough for us to buy formula! Nevertheless, the savings go far beyond the simple monthly costs of formula which can range from about $125/month up to $400/month depending on the kind of formula you are using. On top of that, you also have to purchase feeding supplies like bottles, nipples, bottle brushes, etc.

Hidden Costs of Artificial Feeding

However, there are also many hidden costs of formula feeding. Infants who are fed artificial infant formula instead of breastmilk have statistically more health problems including the following:

• Increased risk of upper respiratory infections
• Increased risk of otitis media (ear infection)
• Increased risk of gastro-intestinal infections
• Increased risk of juvenile diabetes
• Increased risk of asthma
• Increased risk of leukemia
• Increased risk of obesity
• Increased risk of high cholesterol
• Increased probability of orthodontic problems
• Increased risk of NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis) for premature infants

Then you must also consider the increased risk of certain health problems for the mothers of infants who do not breastfeed.

• Increased risk of osteoporosis
• Increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer
• Increased risk of ovarian cancer

Mothers who work also have higher rates of absenteeism when they formula-feed than when they breastfeed. So this leads to yet another hidden cost in the form of lost wages.

Actual Cost of Breastfeeding

So how much does it really cost to breastfeed? The truth is that breastfeeding itself doesn’t cost anything. Nevertheless, there are some things that make breastfeeding a little easier. Let’s look at those costs and see how they stack up.

• Breastfeeding class: A good breastfeeding class is key to a successful breastfeeding experience. The money you spend here will help you save money in the long run. Cost: $20 – 35
• Nursing bras: You need at least 2 or 3 good nursing bras to provide good support for your lactating breasts. The best time to buy your first nursing bra is in the last month of your pregnancy. Make sure that you have an experienced bra fitter measure you and help you find a bra that will allow for your milk to come in. Cost: $25 – 50 each
• Breastpump: You may not need a breastpump if you don’t plan to go back to work outside of the home. However, many mothers do want a breastpump. It is worth the money you will spend to buy a good pump made by a company that is devoted to breastfeeding research. Both Medela and Hollister have excellent products backed by years of solid research in breastfeeding. You will need to make sure that the breastshield is the right size for your nipple and areola. If the standard size is too small or too big, you will need to buy a different size shield. Another option some parents pursue is renting a hospital-grade pump. Cost $65 – 379.
• Lactation Consultant: Many mothers never need to see a lactation consultant. However, if your nipples are still sore after the first week, or if you have problems with milk production or other concerns, then a visit to a lactation consultant is a must. You want to make sure that you are seeing an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant for the gold standard in care. You can go see her, or she can come to your home. Cost $35-90
• Galactagogue: Sometimes a mother just doesn’t make enough milk, so she will use supplements to increase her milk supply. Certain common foods can help increase milk supply. However, herbal galactagogues as well as prescription drugs can also make a big difference in supply. Cost $10 – 45

The Final Cost

Breastmilk is free, but realistically a nursing mother will spend a little bit of money. Assuming she gets a couple of good nursing bras and takes a breastfeeding class, she will have spent about $100. That is less than she would spend on the lowest cost formula for just one month. If this same mother gets herself a decent double pump to use at work, sees a lactation consultant, and gets an extra nursing bra, she will be out about $410. Because many babies can’t tolerate the low cost formula, let’s assume her baby needs a more expensive brand that costs about $200/month. If she exclusively breastfeeds her baby for 6 months, she will have saved nearly $800 in obvious costs alone, not including her savings on the hidden costs listed above.

In these tough economic times, parents need to find as many ways as possible to save money. So it only makes sense to look at all the ramifications of breastfeeding versus artificial formula feeding and ask yourself the question: “Can I really afford not to breastfeed?”

Glenni Lorick is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She owns A Nurturing Moment Maternity and Breastfeeding Boutique on Airport Road. Glenni saved lots of money over the years by breastfeeding her 4 children.