How to Save Money on Breastfeeding

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Pumps can be rented from hospitals; they have isolated parts that do not touch the milk at all but are replaced between each user and are therefore sterile. I had to buy a portable one with freezer packs because I am a truck driver and I pumped while on the road each day; my husband would feed the pumped milk from the day before plus formula while I was gone and then I nursed on demand 24/7 to keep my supply up.
Yes, it is exhausting! Was it worth it? YES!!! EVERY SECOND! Heck I felt it was rude to read a book while nursing my son as was mentioned in one of the expecting books I read! For me, nursing was a time to socialize with my son, share eye time, and make up for being away the other 12 hours. Go, nursing moms! Hang in there-your babies will thank you!

Ruffslitch of GA 11:20PM May 30, 2011

Hmm, whether or not breastfeeding might be cheaper or not is not the point. Breasts are made to feed babies. Until we do not realize that, and still see it as an option instead of the norm, we will have reports like this one. Breastfeeding and formula feeding are not the same other than for the fact that they are ways to feed a baby. One does not compare to the other but one is without a doubt better than the other because it is the way nature gave us to feed our offspring.

Brenda of LA 2:30PM May 29, 2011

While the article was good overall, it needs a major attitude adjustment. Talking about "benefits" or "advantages" to breastfeeding, makes artificial (aka formula) feeding the norm. Wrong! Breastfeeding is the biological norm. Therefore, there are disadvantages, even risks to any alternatives. Breastfed babies don't have less illness, artificially fed babies have MORE illness or greater risk of health problems.
Until we make breastfeeding the norm, it will continue to be seen as a nice "extra" for mom and baby instead as the normal way to feed.

winnie of WI 5:29AM May 19, 2011

That last paragraph was ridiculous. The focus on emails and calls to justify a $400 pump and extended breastfeeding costing people earnings seem demeaning and superficial. What is up with this author?

Maria of TX 11:06PM March 31, 2011

This article was quite infuriating to me. Was the author trying to be combative initially just to draw in the reader? Trying to make breastfeeding seem as costly as formula feeding is just ridiculous!
Also, I found the section on Getting Free Advice quite demeaning. Yes, moms can often get free help, however, the evaluation from a certified lactation consultant is often invaluable! These women are medical professionals, who often make very little money, but are in the business to help moms to meet their personal breastfeeding goals. I know many LCs in my town who will see moms in need of breastfeeding assistance for a minimal amount of money, just so these moms can receive the professional help they need. La Leche League and hospital support groups are wonderful, but a board certified lactation consultant has a wider scope of practice.
Next time, please pick a topic you are actually qualified to write about.

Robin of CA 12:13AM March 29, 2011

Women with smaller busts may get away with all those cheap hacks just fine, but if you're rockin' more than a B or C cup, you're going to least need a few nursing bras and camis. And if "discreet" nursing is important, you are going to need a nursing cover or an attitude adjustment (I have the former, but I prefer the latter--feeding your baby is not obscene!) Also, there Are pumping bras that you can buy to help you multitask while pumping at home or at work (if you have private space at work, that is).
I like my Ameda Purely Yours because it is much less expensive than the higher end item and it is a Closed System, so milk/mold cannot get into the motor (and it can be shared between users, all you have to do is get your own tubing).
Finally, free lactation services are great, but they don't encompass all challenges that mom/baby pairs face. Tongue tie, weak suck, and prolonged poor weight gain require the expertise of a professional Lactation Consultant. Which (until we acknowledge that accessible health care is an essential civil right) currently costs money--which is only an issue for the middle class, who do not qualify for free services or have enough disposable income to afford it outright--but I digress.

Amanda of MO 1:16AM March 26, 2011

Of course, direct breastfeeding and hand expression of milk have no direct costs, and direct breastfeeding is most closely associated with all those health benefits. But, back here in the USA, it costs the family money for the time that mom is not at work. AND did you know that we are the ONLY western country that does not have weeks and weeks of guaranteed PAID maternity leave? When we talk about the costs of breastfeeding, let's talk a bit about how to work towards the world standard of at least 14 weeks paid leave - it is cost effective for a country worried about rising health care costs.
If you would like to read more about some of the controversies that arise in the ever stimulating and provocative world of breastfeeding, visit: http://www.breastfeeding4health.com

Miriam Labbok, MD, MPH of NC 2:49PM March 24, 2011

This seems like an article meant for the onion.

Breastfeeding mom of IA 11:37AM March 24, 2011

Thank you for these tips, especially Angela and Erica, about creative ways to avoid the need to buy a pricey hands-free pump!

Kimberly Palmer of DC 10:09AM March 24, 2011

Nursing bras and pads are a must. And if you have to pump and store milk, the bags are great. Get whatever pump is best for you. A double pump is best if you work because you don't have to spend as much time pumping. And most do not cost $400! Also, I didn't have to, but I came into work a half hour early just to help make up the time I spent pumping.
That's it. I didn't need anything else. I didn't use any nursing tops or gowns. I didn't cover up when I had to nurse in public. (And I was still able to be discreet.)
I remember doing the math. Breastfeeding was definitely the more economical way to go, even though I had to pump while at work.

Beth of PA 9:39AM March 24, 2011