Forum Index
»
Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Anyone who says breastfeeding is cheaper than formula is full of it!
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
I'm the EPer from above. While I'm sure formula was more expensive in the long run, here were my breast milk costs:
$300 home visit from LC before I decided to EP hospital pump rental for 9 months Medela Harmony hand pump for work back up Medela Freestyle (yes, I had 3 pumps b/c when you EP, you're pumping A LOT) 2 nursing bras 1 My Brest Friend- useless since couldn't nurse 1 recliner- not useless, but purchased for nursing purposes 1 Arms' Reach Co-Sleeper- not totally useless but again, purchased for overnight nursing sessions 1 nursing cover 2 deep freezers b/c I had a lot of frozen milk 20 or more Dr. Brown's bottles At least 14 Ameda/Medela bottles Bags and bags and bags for freezing milk Various membranes/flanges for two brands of pumps 10 sets of organic nursing pads |
Anonymous
|
Really?? I got 2 nursing bras, a PIS and some bottles, nursing pads, and a pumping bra. Didn't break the bank. Was able to reuse PIS for DC2 (though I rented a hospital grade pump for a month due to NICU stay). That rental cost less than 2 dinners out. One dinner if it's a decent restaurant and you order drinks!
Plus, I have had 3 people offer me their pumps this time around. Declined those since I already had one, but gladly accepted hand-me-down accessories, nursing pads, extra bottles and will pass them along when I'm done. All that to say: can't agree with you on this one! |
Anonymous
|
I'm another busty mama (hit an H at my milkiest), and those bras do NOT come cheap. Don't forget that kinky holster, either -- 2 of those -- and those bra pads, plus whatever lotions, gels, etc. Also few sessions with a LC at home and at the BF Center.
I also rented 2 pumps (for work and home), and never regretted not buying one or schlepping one back and forth. The bottles and pump parts weren't that pricey, as I recall. On top of all of this, we also used some formula (the horror!), so it was kind of the worst of both worlds. Then again, we have a healthy, happy kid and didn't spend more than we could afford, so really not a big deal. |
Anonymous
Ha. Yes. I figure my increased costs at the food by the pound place for lunch are offset by the fact that I am not spending money on booze. |
Anonymous
I preferred to rent a hospital pump and keep it at work. I was on the phone all day with customers and on conference calls and the PISA was too loud for that. I used the PISA at home and trips. |
Anonymous
| What about the back up generator to keep the freezer running in case of a power failure! $4K. LOL! |
Anonymous
Yep!!! I lived in fear of every storm. And just last night we discovered that the compressor in our deep freeze went kaput and we lost a ton of food - luckily past the nursing stage (for the moment) or I think would have been institutionalized. |
Anonymous
|
I'm a WOHM and I had a Pump in Style ($300) lasted me through three kids with a total pumping time of about 2 years.
I didn't buy special bras or nursing cover ups. I pumped into bottles that were cleaned and rinsed for the next day. Bottles that were used for formula or breast milk. So that cost is a wash. The nursing pads were washed and reusable. For me it was much cheaper to BF. |
Anonymous
Just for frame of reference, I've EBF 3 kids and below are my thoughts on what is actually needed when you EBF. All b/c a person spends more doesn't mean it is "more expensive":
Not trying to be difficult here, but just wanted to point out that many of these costs are unnecessary if you are on a budget. |
Anonymous
And have you actually read them? I wouldn't put most of that shit in my body, let alone be able to pronounce most of them. |
Anonymous
|
I don't understand spending all the money.
My experience: twins are now 4 and I nursed for 14 months, pumped at work for 12. Sing Etonian is now 18 months and I urged for 17 months, stayed at home. Costs: hospital grade pump: $30/month for 12 months. Got a reduced rate because I work in a hospital. Brought it to and from the office every day. Breast milk pump tubing kit: $30 Replacement flanges (replaced once in a year of pumping) $6 Bottles: had less than 10 total over two pregnancies. Got these as a shower gift. Reused for second pregnancy. Twin ez-to-nurse pillow: $10 on craigs list Lanisol: never used Breast pads: never used Lactation consultant: free during my hospital stay Nusring bra: had two. Gap maternity: $20, bravado: $35 Reused after second pregnancy. Nursing camis/clothing: never bought Breast milk storage: lansinoh bags 50/$10. Used about 200 with twins, less than 20 with singleton. Hand pump (manual) for occasional pumping at home with singleton. (not working outside of the home): free from a friend Formula: never used Insulated bag and ice packs: free from hospital Nursing cover: never had. Used blanket Recliner: never had. Sat on the sofa. |
Anonymous
|
Whoops, previous post should have read:
"singleton is now 18 months and I nursed for 17 months. Stayed home." |
Anonymous
| Formula is just over $1,000 for 12 months if you are buying name brand (not knock off) powder formula..not the sensitive stomach stuff . That doesn't include bottles...which is probably only about $200 extra and I've used them for three kids. |
Anonymous
| oh my goodness. that's so much stuff.... |
Anonymous
| Hosp. grade pump rental is, at most places, around $70/mo. That's def. the biggest cost at $800+/yr if you use it a full year (I only needed it 7 months). If you travel for work and/or need to be on the phone while pumping, or if you have nipple/duct problems, a hosp. grade pump is a necessity, though cleary not a necessity for everyone. A PISA is $300. Pump acoutrements, if you need a few sets of bottles and to replace membranes, etc., periodically, amount to about $100 in a year. Nursing bras, if you are well-endowed and need very good support, are $60+ each, I needed 3-4. Plus sleep bras (2 @0 $30ish/each) and a bravado ($30ish) for non-work days. Add in 2-3 LC visits at $100/each. Add in the cost for several bottles for nanny to use at home while WOHM. Total = far in excess of $1000, the cost of formula for a year, though clearly it wouldn't be if you didn't need to rent a hospital grade pump. |