Does Breastfeeding Really Save Money?

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This article is a joke! First of all, breastfeeding and attachment parenting are NOT interchangeable. I breastfed without a pump, didn't need the services of a lactation consultant (but could have sought out free services), and the cost of a nursing pillow/nipple cream?! Really?! The real cost analyses is an average of $1700 for formula during this first year, not including bottles, replacement nipples, etc. How many bottles do you think a person buys in a year of bottle feeding? "babies need pumps, which can cost $400". There is a wide cost range for pumps. Seriously, stop writing if this is the quality of material you spit out.

Amanda M. of CA 3:02PM February 19, 2013

U can also buy a pump for 30$ n use a free lactation consultant! U dont need a nursing pillow because on most women it raises the baby to high up anyways. Most people that breast feed only need to buy a pump, a few bottles, and milk storage containers so it is def pretty close to being free!!!

breastfeeding mother of NY 4:27PM September 26, 2012

Here's what the moms involved (including the mother on the cover) thought of that article (interview on Kellymom):
http://kellymom.com/blog-post/time-apmoms-interview/

AJ FL of FL 6:36PM May 25, 2012

I think my blood boiled a little when I read this article. I am a full time Emergency room nurse and I am out of the house 13+ hours 3 days a week. I breastfed my daughter till she weaned herself @ 10 1/2 months and now my son is 11 months and has had only breastmilk. I think it is a sacrifice you take with lunchtime but I would do it again and again. My children are healthy and happy. We don't co-sleep but I am not going to condemn somone if they choose to and I am sick of being made to feel like women who are doing the natural thing with their children are in the Wrong! And to think we are making less by choosing to breastfeed....come on really????!!!!

Jennifer Krauss of GA 2:37PM May 14, 2012

I'd say it was a YMMV - my experience was I did breastfeed my child for several years, working part time the first year and full time until weaning.And we bought a couple of containers of formula for emergency use, and they were rarely used. The payoff -- an extremely healthy child, we hardly ever had to take sick leave through the elementary years.

Lynday of WA 5:03PM May 12, 2012

Seriously, whoever wrote this article was either a man or is pro formula feeding. The hospital provided lactation consultants as a free service. I though I had bought the most expensive pump and it was only in the $300 range. Nursing clothing aren't a necessity I usually didn't wear them. And how are you gonna compare a tube of nipple cream for $7 (that will last the entire time you nurse) to baby formula that is crazy expensive and you go through like a can a week?

Heather of IL 5:08PM May 11, 2012

The first months of a child's life are so important for bonding/attachment. I believe most children come to a point, my experience being around 1 yr, where the evidence of independence really begins to show, and the desire for closeness in feeding decreases. Children can and should continue to experience attachment with parents in other ways. However, your choice of a photo, exaggerates the issue. When a child can begin to eat for himself, he is learning he is not totally dependent on his mother which is a good and necessary development and in which parents should encourage progression. For many breastfeeding is satisfying and healthy as well as hard work. It takes time and planning, but then, what in life that is of value, doesn't? Mom's are needed in the home to nurture and provide. I laud the moms who must work, yet still make their children a priority

christine smith of CA 2:43PM May 11, 2012

What nonsense is this? Lactation consultants? $400 breast pumps? Those are options. Even nursing bras are options. When you bottle-feed, the expense of the formula becomes a necessity.
Extreme "attachment parenting" is a bit much, but one parent staying home for the first few years might save a bit of money in therapy later when junior is all screwed up because his parents were such workaholics that they chose to have him raised by strangers who didn't love him and thought their precious careers were more important.

DV of FL 1:34PM May 11, 2012

she's hot - lucky kid ;)

Jack Straw of NY 12:54PM May 11, 2012

Sorry, but when a six-pack of ready-made formula is over $30 (back when my kids were little) and making it from powder makes them sick, it's a no-brainer.
Of course is saves money. The local hospital has free lactation consultations by certified consultants, you can find nursing tops that can be used when not nursing, and you don't need a $400 pump, there are good ones under $150. Multiple kids also decreases costs as well.
I worked full time and nursed three times per day, and pumped twice per day. It was fine. Get over that it is difficult or impossible.
Granted, I have a good husband and not a dirt bag.

rh of NY 12:46PM May 11, 2012