Is BFing really cheaper?

smorzandoj · February 2010

So I was reading a bunch of responses to the post below and a lot of people had a reason to BF as it being cheaper. But is it really? You have to eat more in order to make an ample amount of breastmilk. If you plan on eating healthy you are probably looking at an additional $20 - $30 on your grocery bill to feed yourself in order to feed your baby. Formula is comparable to this cost.

So, what do you think?

chazlewo · February 2010

i believe you only need 300-500 cals more per day (around what you need during pregnancy)... that is basically a snack or two during the day.

mommyrenee · February 2010

weird duplicate post

Dreamsicle23 · February 2010

If you can get away with store brand formula then that's probably about the same, but if your baby has allergies or digestion issues and needs a fancy formula it will be way more than that...and it's something you don't figure out until it's too late to go back to bf'ing.

mommyrenee · February 2010

well I didnt pay much attention to our grocery bill but we eat pretty healthy to begin with & I did not need to eat that much more while BF'ing. You can eat the same extra calories (what is it, 300?) as when you are pregnant. So no change. 300 calories nothing - even a couple handfuls of fruit or nuts would put you over that.

Ive never purchased formula but I would assume its at least $30/wk, theres no way I spent that in extra food just because I was BF'ing.

mopsie · February 2010

I plan on eating healthy for my own sake, not just LO. That additional $20-30 (if that's even accurate) is a lot cheaper than the hundreds of thousands of dollars it'll cost for my healthcare when I'm older and develop diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, etc.

So by your logic, BFing is actually CHEAPER than FFing because if you FF and eat cheaper unhealthy food, you'll just be paying more later when your health starts deteriorating.

July-Love-05 · February 2010

You really do not have to eat that much more. You just need to make sure you are not skipping meals. With that said, no matter what I ate, I had a supply....a good one. You just need to make sure you drink water. BTW, you lose weight no matter what you eat while BF'ing. At least that was the case for me.

summer_aka_chewchew · February 2010

i think even adding 20 to 30 dollars a month is nothing compared to formula. i was forced to put my daughter on formula becuase i lost my production the first time.. yeah, especially once they inhale formula.. thats like close to 200 dollars extra a month. i say use the boobs as long as you can!

Tulips21 · February 2010

I am pretty sure it is cheaper, think of it this way- Did you grocery bill go up 30 when you got pregnant, because you are eating more? Mine didn't... and the extra calories often come off the mom's fat stores. To be honest, I don't know- but I do know that I always hear parents complaining about the cost of formula...

Temp200154562509288 · February 2010

For me I would just eat an extra snack or two, but even $20-$30 extra in grocery bills is cheaper than buying formula at least once a week.

ETA: There are some hidden costs to breastfeeding, in the beginning you will be going through breast pads like crazy, you can use the washable ones, but I leaked really bad at first and couldn't start using the washable ones until about a month into it, also if you pump you will be buying storage bags which aren't expensive but they do add up. But even with those I think BF is still cheaper than FF.

vegandy · February 2010

Compared to what my ff'ing friends spend, $20 extra dollars a month doesn't even compare. I already eat healthy, especially during pregnancy & will continue after the baby so our bills won't change

Aliliv · February 2010

There is variables and I think a lot of those are hypothetical. For instance, how much dollar value do you place on Mom's time? What her options regarding work? And, how much some people invest in BFing supplies (pumps, shields, covers, bottles, etc.) Some would argue that BFing is more expensive than formula when you factor in time/potential wages lost/etc. And, some would argue that Formula is the more expensive way to go because of the obvious cost of buying the milk. There really is no clear answer that can be applied to everyone. To each their own.

smorzandoj · February 2010

mopsie:

I plan on eating healthy for my own sake, not just LO. That additional $20-30 (if that's even accurate) is a lot cheaper than the hundreds of thousands of dollars it'll cost for my healthcare when I'm older and develop diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, etc.

So by your logic, BFing is actually CHEAPER than FFing because if you FF and eat cheaper unhealthy food, you'll just be paying more later when your health starts deteriorating.

Actually you are twisting my words. I said - if you plan on eating healthy - not that one doesn't already or is only doing so for the baby.

So, my logic IS NOT the BFing is cheaper because you eat crap food. It is that it is comparable because the amount you spend in your 300 - 500 calories a day is comparable to the amount one would spend in formula.

Aliliv · February 2010

mopsie:

I plan on eating healthy for my own sake, not just LO. That additional $20-30 (if that's even accurate) is a lot cheaper than the hundreds of thousands of dollars it'll cost for my healthcare when I'm older and develop diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, etc.

So by your logic, BFing is actually CHEAPER than FFing because if you FF and eat cheaper unhealthy food, you'll just be paying more later when your health starts deteriorating.

LMAO! Yeah, because formula feeding automatically = disease.....

edit: LOL! I think I totally misread your post! Sorry!!!

tinktink20 · February 2010

It's for sure cheaper!!!

KeepingItLowKey · February 2010

I really doubt there was ANY substantial cost difference in our grocery bill when I BFed...

grace416 · February 2010

Aliliv:
There is variables and I think a lot of those are hypothetical. For instance, how much dollar value do you place on Mom's time? What her options regarding work? And, how much some people invest in BFing supplies (pumps, shields, covers, bottles, etc.) Some would argue that BFing is more expensive than formula when you factor in time/potential wages lost/etc. And, some would argue that Formula is the more expensive way to go because of the obvious cost of buying the milk. There really is no clear answer that can be applied to everyone. To each their own.

I don't think there's a dollar value on the benefit of breast milk.

mopsie · February 2010

grace416:
Aliliv:
There is variables and I think a lot of those are hypothetical. For instance, how much dollar value do you place on Mom's time? What her options regarding work? And, how much some people invest in BFing supplies (pumps, shields, covers, bottles, etc.) Some would argue that BFing is more expensive than formula when you factor in time/potential wages lost/etc. And, some would argue that Formula is the more expensive way to go because of the obvious cost of buying the milk. There really is no clear answer that can be applied to everyone. To each their own.
I don't think there's a dollar value on the benefit of breast milk.

Tell that to the woman selling her breast milk on Craigslist!

RivieraMaya05 · February 2010

This is coming from someone who was not able to BF.

Are you adding in doctors bills? BF'ed children have more resistant immune systems.

I would have killed to be able to BF. I think each woman should do whats right for herself and her baby. I don't think you should put a price tag on any of it though.

smorzandoj · February 2010

mopsie:
grace416:

Aliliv:
There is variables and I think a lot of those are hypothetical. For instance, how much dollar value do you place on Mom's time? What her options regarding work? And, how much some people invest in BFing supplies (pumps, shields, covers, bottles, etc.) Some would argue that BFing is more expensive than formula when you factor in time/potential wages lost/etc. And, some would argue that Formula is the more expensive way to go because of the obvious cost of buying the milk. There really is no clear answer that can be applied to everyone. To each their own.

I don't think there's a dollar value on the benefit of breast milk.

Tell that to the woman selling her breast milk on Craigslist!

Shut the front door!

Are you serious?

mopsie · February 2010

smorzandoj:
mopsie:
grace416:

Aliliv:
There is variables and I think a lot of those are hypothetical. For instance, how much dollar value do you place on Mom's time? What her options regarding work? And, how much some people invest in BFing supplies (pumps, shields, covers, bottles, etc.) Some would argue that BFing is more expensive than formula when you factor in time/potential wages lost/etc. And, some would argue that Formula is the more expensive way to go because of the obvious cost of buying the milk. There really is no clear answer that can be applied to everyone. To each their own.
I don't think there's a dollar value on the benefit of breast milk.
Tell that to the woman selling her breast milk on Craigslist!
Shut the front door!
Are you serious?

This is just one of what I'm sure are many similar posts:

Here's the link in case it's too hard to read: https://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/8072564.html

(sorry it's not clicky)

Temp200154562509288 · February 2010

grace416:

Aliliv:
There is variables and I think a lot of those are hypothetical. For instance, how much dollar value do you place on Mom's time? What her options regarding work? And, how much some people invest in BFing supplies (pumps, shields, covers, bottles, etc.) Some would argue that BFing is more expensive than formula when you factor in time/potential wages lost/etc. And, some would argue that Formula is the more expensive way to go because of the obvious cost of buying the milk. There really is no clear answer that can be applied to everyone. To each their own.

I don't think there's a dollar value on the benefit of breast milk.

This doesn't really apply to moms who work or are pumping at work, but if you had to break down the time it takes to make a bottle and feed your baby and the time it takes to nurse your baby, you are looking at pretty much the same amount of time.

betsnup · February 2010

LOL. Yes, BFing is really cheaper. Do you really think those couple hundred extra calories per day amount to $30 per week in extra groceries? Because that could be about what you are paying for formula eventually. I don't know how much formula you go through in the first few months because I BF'd w/ my first until he was almost 6 months, but once we switched to formula, we were going through about a can and a half a week. So, unless you are eating like a pig, BFing is absolutely cheaper overall.

Aliliv · February 2010

grace416:

Aliliv:
There is variables and I think a lot of those are hypothetical. For instance, how much dollar value do you place on Mom's time? What her options regarding work? And, how much some people invest in BFing supplies (pumps, shields, covers, bottles, etc.) Some would argue that BFing is more expensive than formula when you factor in time/potential wages lost/etc. And, some would argue that Formula is the more expensive way to go because of the obvious cost of buying the milk. There really is no clear answer that can be applied to everyone. To each their own.

I don't think there's a dollar value on the benefit of breast milk.

I'm not saying there is, at all. I'm just pointing out arguments in regards to the OP's questions that I've either heard or read. I also don't think I personally can place a dollar figure on another woman's time, efforts, life. These are all just hypothetical, anyway - I don't necessarily agree with all the points, I'm just merely pointing them out for others to ponder/agree/disagree with:)

LyndsayQ · February 2010

Just wanted to chime in; BF'ing mothers may eat more calories/day, but FF babies will take more formula over time. My daughter never took more than 4 oz bottles throughout her first year. At 12 months she was still only taking 4 oz bottles 3x/day. FF babies at that age are up to 8 oz or more of formula; more formula/feeding = more money.

IMO BF'ing is definitely the more economical and convenient choice; but to each their own.

*speedracer* · February 2010

Aliliv:
There is variables and I think a lot of those are hypothetical. For instance, how much dollar value do you place on Mom's time? What her options regarding work? And, how much some people invest in BFing supplies (pumps, shields, covers, bottles, etc.) Some would argue that BFing is more expensive than formula when you factor in time/potential wages lost/etc. And, some would argue that Formula is the more expensive way to go because of the obvious cost of buying the milk. There really is no clear answer that can be applied to everyone. To each their own.

can you elaborate on the lost wages??

there is the obvious time committment, but if you FF, you spend about roughly the same amount of time feeding your child, it just isn't always the lactating mother doing it.

i BFed exclusively for about 6-7 months, then started supplementing with formula. i did the math. for me, BFing was cheaper, because all my upfront supplies cost considerably less than 6 months worth of formula. plus, a lot of that stuff (pump, bras, etc) can be re-used for additional kids.

NewzieMom · February 2010

chazlewo:
i believe you only need 300-500 cals more per day (around what you need during pregnancy)... that is basically a snack or two during the day.

This!

PlainandTall · February 2010

One tube of Lansinoh: $10

Never smelling formula fed baby poop... priceless.

Aliliv · February 2010

MyBella:
grace416:

Aliliv:
There is variables and I think a lot of those are hypothetical. For instance, how much dollar value do you place on Mom's time? What her options regarding work? And, how much some people invest in BFing supplies (pumps, shields, covers, bottles, etc.) Some would argue that BFing is more expensive than formula when you factor in time/potential wages lost/etc. And, some would argue that Formula is the more expensive way to go because of the obvious cost of buying the milk. There really is no clear answer that can be applied to everyone. To each their own.

I don't think there's a dollar value on the benefit of breast milk.

This doesn't really apply to moms who work or are pumping at work, but if you had to break down the time it takes to make a bottle and feed your baby and the time it takes to nurse your baby, you are looking at pretty much the same amount of time.

Aliliv · February 2010

MyBella:
grace416:

Aliliv:
There is variables and I think a lot of those are hypothetical. For instance, how much dollar value do you place on Mom's time? What her options regarding work? And, how much some people invest in BFing supplies (pumps, shields, covers, bottles, etc.) Some would argue that BFing is more expensive than formula when you factor in time/potential wages lost/etc. And, some would argue that Formula is the more expensive way to go because of the obvious cost of buying the milk. There really is no clear answer that can be applied to everyone. To each their own.

I don't think there's a dollar value on the benefit of breast milk.

This doesn't really apply to moms who work or are pumping at work, but if you had to break down the time it takes to make a bottle and feed your baby and the time it takes to nurse your baby, you are looking at pretty much the same amount of time.

This assuming that the FF mother is the only one doing the bottle prep. and feeding all the time. (Just playing devil's advocate - it all really is neither here nor there).

mrsjenni · February 2010

My DS had a lot of stomach problems, including acid reflux, and required ready-made expensive formula (no powders). There is no way I could have BF him even if I wanted too, but it definitely would have been cheaper if I could.

Aliliv · February 2010

*speedracer*:

Aliliv:
There is variables and I think a lot of those are hypothetical. For instance, how much dollar value do you place on Mom's time? What her options regarding work? And, how much some people invest in BFing supplies (pumps, shields, covers, bottles, etc.) Some would argue that BFing is more expensive than formula when you factor in time/potential wages lost/etc. And, some would argue that Formula is the more expensive way to go because of the obvious cost of buying the milk. There really is no clear answer that can be applied to everyone. To each their own.

can you elaborate on the lost wages??

there is the obvious time committment, but if you FF, you spend about roughly the same amount of time feeding your child, it just isn't always the lactating mother doing it.

i BFed exclusively for about 6-7 months, then started supplementing with formula. i did the math. for me, BFing was cheaper, because all my upfront supplies cost considerably less than 6 months worth of formula. plus, a lot of that stuff (pump, bras, etc) can be re-used for additional kids.

Seriously this is very hypothetical and my silly ideas I think are based on an article that I can't remember the name of and obviously none of this can possibly apply to every single person. But to elaborate (and I think a lot of this applies to having babies in general, but I have heard these arguments used in this context, which is why I'm throwing them out there), I guess the possible promotion through the work force, taking more time off to BF exclusively - I can't remember any other ones. I'll try to find that article if anyone is interested. Interesting, but if memory serves me right I found it pretty spotty.

KeepingItLowKey · February 2010

There may be some variables that would make one cheaper than the other, but I don't think that extra calories is one of them.

Temp200154562509288 · February 2010

Aliliv:
MyBella:
grace416:

Aliliv:
There is variables and I think a lot of those are hypothetical. For instance, how much dollar value do you place on Mom's time? What her options regarding work? And, how much some people invest in BFing supplies (pumps, shields, covers, bottles, etc.) Some would argue that BFing is more expensive than formula when you factor in time/potential wages lost/etc. And, some would argue that Formula is the more expensive way to go because of the obvious cost of buying the milk. There really is no clear answer that can be applied to everyone. To each their own.

I don't think there's a dollar value on the benefit of breast milk.

This doesn't really apply to moms who work or are pumping at work, but if you had to break down the time it takes to make a bottle and feed your baby and the time it takes to nurse your baby, you are looking at pretty much the same amount of time.

This assuming that the FF mother is the only one doing the bottle prep. and feeding all the time. (Just playing devil's advocate - it all really is neither here nor there).

No, you're right, I thought about that later, I guess I was just pointing out that there really isn't a time difference if you compare side by side

Aliliv · February 2010

BTW: I'm pretty sure, for myself, BFing would have been cheaper if I would have been pumping as well:) Formula is expensive, but so is not working..... So, had I been one that could pump a decent amount (with DD#1, pumping never resulted in much), BF would have been TONS cheaper than FF:)

But, dollar for dollar spending BFing has got to be cheaper even when factoring pumping suppllies...

katesmom73 · February 2010

RivieraMaya05:

Are you adding in doctors bills? BF'ed children have more resistant immune systems.

I know they've done studies that support this but my experience is contrary to it. I only bf'd my dd for about a month and she's never sick. I've only recorded a fever on the girl once - and this was a few months ago (she's almost 6). On the other hand, my friend EBF'd her dd, never sent her to daycare and she was constantly sick. There are a lot of other variables at play, I think.

Karibride · February 2010

I guess I don't really understand the argument or question here. Or is it just for the sake of causing an argument? It doesn't really matter either way. It's what works for each family. I BF'd for 6 weeks solid and never had a good milk supply. I drank tons of water and tried to increase my food intake a bit. Nothing helped. I switched to formula and DD thrived. So I guess having a happy baby that was not hungry far outweighed the cost of formula. BF'ing was my first choice, but it didn't work out. You do what's best for the baby regardless of the cost.

robinsokj · February 2010

katesmom73:
RivieraMaya05:

Are you adding in doctors bills? BF'ed children have more resistant immune systems.
I know they've done studies that support this but my experience is contrary to it. I only bf'd my dd for about a month and she's never sick. I've only recorded a fever on the girl once - and this was a few months ago (she's almost 6). On the other hand, my friend EBF'd her dd, never sent her to daycare and she was constantly sick. There are a lot of other variables at play, I think.

To base your findings on two children is ridiculous.

teelaman · February 2010

katesmom73:
RivieraMaya05:

Are you adding in doctors bills? BF'ed children have more resistant immune systems.
I know they've done studies that support this but my experience is contrary to it. I only bf'd my dd for about a month and she's never sick. I've only recorded a fever on the girl once - and this was a few months ago (she's almost 6). On the other hand, my friend EBF'd her dd, never sent her to daycare and she was constantly sick. There are a lot of other variables at play, I think.

I was BF'd........and I was the sickest kid I knew.

Oh and did I really see a post about the "price of a mother's time"? IMO that's just one other thing you give up when you become a parent (whether you're breastfeeding or not).

Aliliv · February 2010

teelaman:
katesmom73:
RivieraMaya05:

Are you adding in doctors bills? BF'ed children have more resistant immune systems.

I know they've done studies that support this but my experience is contrary to it. I only bf'd my dd for about a month and she's never sick. I've only recorded a fever on the girl once - and this was a few months ago (she's almost 6). On the other hand, my friend EBF'd her dd, never sent her to daycare and she was constantly sick. There are a lot of other variables at play, I think.

I was BF'd........and I was the sickest kid I knew.

Oh and did I really see a post about the "price of a mother's time"? IMO that's just one other thing you give up when you become a parent (whether you're breastfeeding or not).

ITA agree about the time thing.... it just seems like sometimes more time is given up (or actually, redirected would be the optimum word) by the mother. And, I certainly think more time for the BFing mother, which is why I do applaud all women who breastfeed (and all women who take care of their children, too!!!) - I think it's fabulous!

Anyway, for anyone interested - I found that article. Like I said before, it's interesting and nothing more. Please also don't think that I agree with everything in this article either (I am pro-breastfeeding - well, I guess I'm pro-feed your baby more breastmilk or formula and nothing else, though!). I just thought it was an interesting and different perspective.

https://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200904/case-against-breastfeeding

MWoodside · February 2010

There is no way it's not cheaper. You don't need to eat THAT much more.

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