Breast Pumping and Formula Feeding: worth it?

KLJurewicz · May 2013

I was dead-set on formula feeding when our little one gets here. My husband has been talking to the guys at work. They said their wives had breast pumps to save money. I still was planning on formula, mostly because with all that goes into taking care of baby, I didn't want to worry about keeping myself in tip-top shape as well. I'm totally ok with letting my immune system take a hit because of stress and not sleeping and anxiety and not eating right, etc.

After talking to a friend of mine who works at babies r us who told me about the free or partial reimbursement you can get with a breast pump (that was like strike 3) I finally decided to think about it. Now I'm thinking of breast pumping and using formula (to make it a little easier when need-be).

It seems like a good idea because it can save us on some costs. Plus, I'll be able to share feeding responsibilities with my husband or anyone who wants to help. It seems like a win-win, except everyone seems to make the issue black and white. It seems like if your for breast milk then you're against formula. I can't get any straight answers as to how much this will help. I'm not looking for the easiest way. I don't want to breastfeed - end of story. Don't try to convert me. It's just not right for me.

I just want to know it's worth considering breast pumping and formula feeding? Or am I just weird?

mben1119 · May 2013

I don't think its a huge argument like some make it out to be. The ultimate goal is to feed your child, however you end up doing that. However, the evidence is overwhelming that breast milk is the best thing for a little one. If you can, why not try nursing or pumping? See if it works for you. If not, there's formula. Breast milk has lots of perks, one of the best being that its free.

williswifey2 · May 2013

I'm all for pumping if you can't breastfeed. Yes it's free, but the breastmilk is best for your baby. I would strongly urge you to try BFing in the hospital and for the first few weeks before you make you decision.

kennazebrowsky · May 2013

I say do whatever you feel is right for you screw what anyone else thinks

PrimRoseMama · May 2013

You can do a combination if you choose. Honestly, pumping is a commitment. I disliked it vs. baby at the breast. So, it's something where you could pump until your supply tanks [which it will if you aren't on top of it] and then switch to formula.

You'd still have to be mindful of what you are consuming when pumping. It might also do a number on baby's stomach if you switch back a forth on a whim.

So if you'd like to pump or BF in the beginning then give yourself a time limit to see how it goes for you. If it works then you can give yourself more time or go to formula.

In my experience once your supply tanks that's it. So if you want to attempt BF/pumping then that commitment needs to be made at birth. You can always change your mind and decide that BF is not for you. It's easier than doing formula first then suddenly finding out how much you want to BF. then you'd be fighting to recoup your supply and that is seriously tough.

Good luck.

thedash · May 2013

I was not "against formula" and did end up supplementing. But I understood that breast milk is the best option for babies when it is possible. And nursing is the best way to breastfeed when it is possible. So I started off nursing.

" I can't get any straight answers as to how much this will help."

Help what? I don't understand what your question is.

atcwag · May 2013

I REALLY want to flame you, but I won't.

The only thing that should matter is what's best for baby. You come 2nd. Breastmilk is best and I think you should at least try. With that said, if you don't go into it saying "I'm going to do this no matter what", it probably won't work and you'll end up with formula anyway.

Breastmilk is free and what's best for baby. To me, that's a no-brainer.

mrsmegs06 · May 2013

I say do what you think is best.

However, just a little tip. Breastfeeding is obviously cheaper in many ways. Although, I spent a lot of money on a pump, bags to transport milk, new parts for the pump over time, breast pads etc because I was a working mom.

It may save some money but I think it's not necessarily something that should be considered based on cost in my opinion.

JuneBug86 · May 2013

Think about it, you won't have bottles to wash, you won't have to wait for a bottle to warm up while you have a screaming baby, you won't have to worry about packing bottles every time you leave the house, you won't have to worry about running out of formula and running to the store, you won't have to worry about finding a way to warm up a bottle when out and about.... etc. Try BF'ing. It's really worth it, and not as hard once you get the hang of it. And you don't have to keep yourself in tip top shape for it and eat nothing but healthy food. You can totally indulge once in a while, and give in to cravings too. And another thing, it helps you loose weight fast!!

slh6363 · May 2013

It just might be more difficult than you think. I am a FTM but have been lurking on the BF board a lot just to learn some things and it seems that if you plan to pump only, it may be difficult to build and regulate your supply. From what Ive read, you really need a consistent schedule of either BF/pumping for things to work out. You may end up with lack of supply or oversupply.

cookie2279 · May 2013

My two cents: if you're willing to pump, you might as well just try nursing. Pumping is uncomfortable compared to nursing and takes at least twice as long because you have to pump, then feed the baby too, then clean and sterilize bottles AND pump parts. And baby is much more efficient at nursing than the pump is at getting milk out.

I basically exclusively pumped for the first few weeks until my son would finally latch. It was completely exhausting. I swear all i did for those first few weeks was pump, feed, clean bottles/parts, sleep for a few minutes or eat and repeat...over and over. Exhausting.

Once my son and i learned to latch, easy peasy, and i had so much more time to take care of myself. Bottle feeding will eat up more time than nursing, so you'll have less time to take care of yourself, or juat time to yourself, period.

Oh, and i read a study at one point comparing the breastmilk of moms in the us who took great care of themselves to street moms in India who had horrible diets -- there was barely a difference in breast milk quality between the groups. Your body will suffer if you dont take care of it, but your milk will still be the best thing for baby.

rohrs55 · May 2013

I exclusively breastfed and worked full time, so I also had a very close relationship with my pump I made the mistake of pumping too soon b/c I was engorged and it made it worse. I know some mothers do it, but it is very hard for me to imagine pumping right away instead of breast feeding to establish your supply. I didn't start pumping until she was 2 1/2 months old and that was just because I needed to build a supply to go back to work. Just to give you some perspective, I pumped three times a day for about 10-15 minutes each, once in the morning after feeding her and twice at work. That provided me with enough supply for daycare and occasional babysitting, but my boobs always got super huge and leaked if I missed a feeding. It was nice to have a "break" from work, but pumping definitely felt like a task. I much preferred to breast feed instead of pump. You sound really on the fence about it, and in my experience you really have to be "all in" in order to stick with breast feeding and pumping. I don't mean exclusively breast feeding, you just really need to be committed to it to keep it up. That said, it was difficult to get used to, but I would never go back and change it. I plan on breast feeding this baby, and I am looking forward to it. And, you do loose weight faster, reduce your risk of various cancers and your period will probably stay away for a while. Mine didn't come back until my daughter was 8 months old. Good luck with your decision.

kje120 · May 2013

Doing a combination is not weird. Any breast milk your baby gets is better than none. I BF'd my son for 14 months, having to start supplementing a little with formula when he was 7 months due to me getting the flu and my supply taking a hit. DS was very healthy and never went to the pedi due to being sick until he was almost a year old. My nieces, on the other hand, were FF and were riddled with ear infections and seemed like they were constantly at the pedi.

That being said, I do judge women who decide that they aren't going to BF at all just because they don't want to. IMO that is selfish. If there is a medical reason that is one thing, but just saying "I don't want to do it" is sucky. I am sure I will be flamed to high hell for expressing that opinion, but I don't really care, it's my opinion.

Miss_2010 · May 2013

kennazebrowsky:
I say do whatever you feel is right for you screw what anyone else thinks

Yes

BrideMay2005 · May 2013

As a person who BF'd for two years, I think pumping is worse than regular BFing. If I were going to try this hybrid approach, I'd probably BF and save formula for when I wasn't around. But if you want to pump you'll probably need to do it a lot, especially at the beginning, to regulate milk supply.

katiebenes · May 2013

kennazebrowsky:
I say do whatever you feel is right for you screw what anyone else thinks

THIS.

I'm a FF Mom, and I've gotten used to hearing people tell me why that's wrong (which for the record, is really freaking insulting and rude as hell). You have your reasons for choosing whatever you do... and no one else will fully understand those reasons...

It seems as if you want to look into research pumping and "supplementing." this will probably help you find the most answers to whatever question you have

kaswanson · May 2013

I did all three with DD (nursing, pumping and bottle feeding, and formula feeding). Nursing was the cheapest and easiest once we got the hang of it.

In my experience, once you get over the initial start... nursing is acutally easier in a lot of ways. Here's my story. I BF DD for 10 months (although I pumped a little at work, worked half time). Then she went on a nursing strike and refused to nurse from then on. She decided she was done. I tried to pump and feed with breastmilk and HATED IT. Again... just my story, others might be different. There was so many parts and bottles to clean, things to pack, etc. Also, my milk supply was dropping a lot (it's easier to keep a supply up with an actual baby sucking vs pump). I had to pump extra times to try and build up my supply again. I got to the point where I was just so sick of sitting around with that darn pump!! I wanted to cry just looking at that thing. I gave DD formula for about 6 weeks until she was old enough to have whole milk. Could not stand pumping and bottle feeding full time. I don't know how people do it!

little_bren · May 2013

williswifey2:
I'm all for pumping if you can't breastfeed. Yes it's free, but the breastmilk is best for your baby. I would strongly urge you to try BFing in the hospital and for the first few weeks before you make you decision.

This. Do try it, but do what's best for you. I want to pump for the same reason.

booksrgood4u · May 2013

Do what makes you feel good. There will be enough things to give you anxiety with a new baby in your life. I wasn't fond of the idea of breastfeeding, I'm a very modest person, but I was willing to try because of the "best for your baby" thinking. However once little man arrived my inverted equipment his being tonguetied put a quick end to that. I tried a couple times in hospital with help of nurses, but after much stress for baby I, I used the pump they had and we were all much happier. No sense making baby hungry when there is a simple solution.

That being said, I continued pumping at home, but never produced enough for each feeding, so I supplemented with formula. As he started eating more it became more formula, less breast milk. I made it to 4 months and went all formula. I felt fine with my decision since he grew great and never lost an puce once we were home, but I still tried to get some of the "natural benefit" into him until it became too stressful. I didn't care for pumping much.

I will also mention that I am a stay at home mom. I doubt I would have pumped at work. That would have made me super uncomfortable.

I now have a super curious, physically advanced, 80 18 month who is happy healthy. No ear infections, respiratory infections, or anything else detrimental.

Do what makes you happy and stressfree.

mswood26 · June 2013

I breast fed my first baby for almost a year without the need of formula. I think you need to try it before saying no. By the way, health insurance are supposed to cover your breast pump 100 without copay or any minimal payment. I found out about this in Target and I am getting a new pump for my second baby. I can definitely tell you, we saved money and time. And I used to work at the same time breastfeeding.

OtterPop1 · June 2013

cookie2279:
My two cents: if you're willing to pump, you might as well just try nursing. Pumping is uncomfortable compared to nursing and takes at least twice as long because you have to pump, then feed the baby too, then clean and sterilize bottles AND pump parts. And baby is much more efficient at nursing than the pump is at getting milk out.
I basically exclusively pumped for the first few weeks until my son would finally latch. It was completely exhausting. I swear all i did for those first few weeks was pump, feed, clean bottles/parts, sleep for a few minutes or eat and repeat...over and over. Exhausting.
Once my son and i learned to latch, easy peasy, and i had so much more time to take care of myself. Bottle feeding will eat up more time than nursing, so you'll have less time to take care of yourself, or juat time to yourself, period.
Oh, and i read a study at one point comparing the breastmilk of moms in the us who took great care of themselves to street moms in India who had horrible diets -- there was barely a difference in breast milk quality between the groups. Your body will suffer if you dont take care of it, but your milk will still be the best thing for baby.

The bolded is very true. My son was unable to nurse, so I pumped for six months until my supply finally tanked completely.

I had to do a combination of formula and breast milk (again, supply issues). I was told many times about how much more efficient a baby is compared to a pump, which was probably part of my low supply.

My insurance covered most of the cost of renting the hospital-grade pump, but between the copay and the many herbs I tried to help with my supply, I really didn't save any money by pumping. The time it took to pump, feed, clean bottles and pump parts, etc definitely took a toll on me as well.

If you are simply looking at it as a cost-saving measure, I don't know that it is worth it (or at least, it wasn't for me). If you want your baby to have breast milk (even a small amount) but do not want to nurse, then pumping is the answer. I'm glad I did it because I did want to breastfeed and couldn't, so pumping was the next best thing.

Good luck with whatever decision you make!

KLJurewicz · June 2013

I appreciate the feedback I'm getting. However let me make something clear, solely BFing w/o pumping is impossible. I will be working full time. I would have to pump no matter what.

I wanted to look at this from a cost perspective. Would the work of of pumping out weight the fact that BFing is free?

If you've just come to comment because you're on a crusade to get every woman to breast feed, save it.

Again, I'm looking at this from the cost perspective.

Thanks!

JocelynB0911 · June 2013

If you dont want to breast feed then dont. Personally, I feel that breastfeeding (pumping or nursing) is best and a definite committment. With my first I supplemented with formula when it was needed. Maybe one or two bottles every few days otherwise it was straight breast milk. With my second I made the decision to exclusively feed him with breast milk. I ended up having to pump exclusively but that was ok with me because it was something I chose to do.

No one can force you to do one thing or the other. Heck, if you want to do a few bottles of BM and a few of formula then go ahead and do it. As long as your LO is happy and fed then who cares what anyone else thinks?

I think you have the answer to this. You said you arent looking for anyone to convert you and you made up your mind that you want to formula feed.

Mommycait · June 2013

I totally understand looking at this from a cost perspective!! With my first I nursed for 3.5 weeks and stopped for a million reasons. I figured out all the problems after the fact, hindsight is 20/20, lol! Looking back I could have pumped but I honestly have no regrets about FF. For those that say FF babies are less healthy, it's a crock!! My son is 3 and has had 2 fevers EVER, no ear infections, and no coughs beyond a seasonal 23 day cold!!

I now have a 5 week old and chose to try BF for 2 reasons neither of which included that's its "Best" for baby: 1 I did it to save money, times are tough 2 for the weight loss/calorie burn! Honestly I think research is stupid saying that BF is best because what is honestly BEST for any baby is a solid family who are ALL happy and comfortable with how things are done!!!

That being said, pumping and feeding pumped milk while also FF would most likely save money. But pumping is a lot of work so your savings would come at a small price: your free time.

Good luck with your new baby when s/he arrives! Congratulations and best wishes!! Continue to throw out "the book" and do what you know is best for you and your family ;

mynano2411 · July 2013

This is my second baby I didn't breast feed much with my first so I was so determined to do it this time around.
I did succeed for her first month that was about it. I tried mothers milk breast feeding pumping but my milk never "came in" strong. My main concern was that my daughter get what she needs. Due to stress other factors maybe my body just didn't produce. I went through the feelings of failure guilt. But not everyone's body is the same. Some woman can fill a whole bottle just by looking it. I was lucky to reach 1 oz. the most I ever produced was 2oz. By next feeding I was back to ML's. I am proud of myself for the time that I was able to provide breast milk for my daughter. She is healthy so far has not been sick seems to have a strong immune system. But I came to accept that I was no longer producing enough. You do what feels right don't feel guilty. You will figure out what works for you.

And in a cost perspective, breast feeding definitely is best. My daughter is on a special formula it costs us 36 for a 19 oz canpowder is cheaper than ready to drink It last about 2 to 3 weeks but as she starts to consume more we will have to purchase more. It was dificult to find in the beginning but thankfully it is more available. In that perspective I wish I was breast feeding. Formula is costly !

Red_Dahlia · July 2013

From purely a cost perspective - Bfing and pumping would be best. Formula is expensive. Your insurance may cover the cost of a pump, or you could save up and buy one (its still way cheaper than formula for months and months). You'll have to buy (and wash) bottles either way. If I were you I'd bf at home (pumping when the baby is sitting RIGHT there seems like a total pita to me) and then pump at work.

eyevet05 · July 2013

Pumping is so worth it. We saved a ton in formula; however, it goes better of you set up your supply first. BF is the easiest way to do this even of its just a few weeks during your maternity leave assuming you get any. Ideally 6 weeks. If that's still unpalatable then I'd suggest pumping with baby in your arms to really get a good let down. Most people I know that exclusively pumped without getting their supply up first lost their milk around 34 months. Pumps are not as efficient as baby and you'll have to be aware when baby needs you to up your supply. When bf, baby does this naturally by 'cluster feeding'. You'll have to pick up on it yourself baby finishing bottle and still hungry, asking for food more frequently, age, etc and get your supply up. I do agree w others that bf is WAY easier once you get a good latch and more desirable to me than pumping but when you work all day that's not an option. If you work hard at first, it all gets easier, in that after your supply is well established, you can choose which times you wish to pump and you'll have milk only at those times. Like I pumped am and 23x pm and not at all at work and my supply learned my schedule so I wasn't engorged all day. Easier than pumping at work. But you can't really do that until your supply is well established. Congrats mama and good luck!

ghostof5letters · July 2013

I did this exact scenario. It's absolutely doable, and worked great for us. Please don't listen to the advice of anyone who hasn't been through this.

I attempted to breastfeed for 11 days until I was hit with back to back mastitis and then a large breast abscess. After that, I pumped for the next 9 months. I used formula whenever pumping was inconvenient or I had no frozen breastmilk on hand.

Unlike what Prim said, it never did a number on my daughter's stomach. As a matter of fact, I switched formula brands frequently because I just wanted to use every sample sent to me.

Depending on your work/home scenario, you can totally train your body to meet your lifestyle needs. In the beginning, I'd feed the baby a bottle and then pump the next bottle immediately afterwards. Within two months, I had trained my body to only pump 4x's daily and get 28-32 oz of milk expressed during those 4 sessions.

I loved having the freedom (especially emotional freedom) to feed my child anyway I liked that was convenient for my husband, myself, and whomever was watching our child.

At the end of the day, this was not a money saving decision for us. In fact, thanks to medical bills from the mastitis and abscess, combined with in home lactation consultants and breast milk bags....this was more expensive. lol - I'm just hard headed and determined.

Whatever you do, just feed your darn kid. It's no one's business but your own and that's all that matters. Good luck with whatever decision you make.

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