Does Breastfeeding Really Save Money?

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I don't know about attachment parenting, but focusing on cost as a way to decide about breastfeeding is an unfortunate skewing of an important life long health decision for both mother and child. Artificial feeding has long term negative health effects that this article ignores. See http://www.whale.to/a/wiessinger.html for a different perspective.

Mark Bodenstein of NY 12:35PM May 11, 2012

Children should be fed only Soylent Green.

Sinjin Smythe of MA 12:31PM May 11, 2012

I nursed my son for 3 plus years and my daughter is now almost 18 months and still nursing. I went back to work when both were 6 months, bought a $100 used breastpump on craigslist which I sanitized. I pump twice a day. Neither kid has ever had any major health problems or infections or ever had to take antibiotics. I haven't spent a dime on formula. They have never been to the doctor's office except for a check up. We also cosleep and cloth diaper. My kids are confident and nurtured. Financially I have spent less. Emotionally I have gained more.

Sam of FL 12:30PM May 11, 2012

Ear infections are most common in children with a certain ear shape--something that has nothing to do with breastfeeding.

yolie of AL 12:29PM May 11, 2012

Of course it is all worth it even if the "all" involves a bit of questionable consumerism.... primitive mothers didn't have breast pumps, nipple cream, lactation consultants etc.
The health benefits and bonding are really what it is all about and a well adjusted child is a contributor in society.
As to the photo, a healthy child that age nursuing is not unusual in my experience.

ogden lafaye of WA 12:23PM May 11, 2012

Biased article, scaremongering on the career comments and inflated costs. My wife breastfed my 2 children up to their second birthdays for a fraction of the costs listed above and with no consequence to her high flying career.

stillard of NC 12:23PM May 11, 2012

The point about difficulty with current job setups and nursing is spot-on; the rest of this article is unrealistic. The only actual cost for the overwhelming majority of nursing women is nursing bras (but you would have to buy new bras anyway.)

E. B. of VA 12:18PM May 11, 2012

Wow...this article is unbiased.. What about the endless doctor appointments for ear infections
I have read that ear infections may be the result of an inadequate amount of antibodies passed to the child.
So there is a choice...spending more time for your child breastfeeding or in a doctor's office trying to calm your child with a painful ear infection.

Vincent Bryant of NJ 12:10PM May 11, 2012