Breast vs Formula: The Financial Bottom Line

by Anne Bulin

First, I must point out that breastfeeding can be absolutely free.  All you need are your breasts and your baby.  These breastfeeding costs, however, are based on what I actually spent on breastfeeding accessories.  I admit I went a bit overboard with the accessories, since it was my first baby.

People with different needs may not have to purchase all the items listed.  For example, a significant expenditure for me was for a breast pump.  I had to get a high-grade electric pump because I returned to work full time.  Mothers who are not returning to work outside the home would not have this expense.  I also really didn't need special nursing clothes.  Ninety percent of the time I just wear a regular shirt.  There are occasions, however, when I am around people who are squeamish about breastfeeding, so I wanted to be as discrete as possible.  These clothes could be worn even if I wasn't nursing.

The same dual purpose applies to other items on my list.  I am full busted and must wear a bra.  Nursing bras were not much more expensive than the good quality support bras I would normally purchase, I just wear the nursing bras instead.  The Boppy pillow was also used when my son was learning to sit up, so it too was not just for nursing. Taking all these factors into account, the total cost of breastfeeding could be reduced to $162.95. That is almost 75% less than the cost of formula feeding.

I figured the formula costs on what I would have spent feeding my particular baby.  The rough guideline for formula feeding is 2.5 ounces per pound of body weight.  The range of formula intake is 14-28 ounces for the first month, 23-50 ounces months 2-6 and up to 32 ounces after that.[2] I estimated the cost based on the low end of the ranges, therefore they could be higher depending on actual formula intake.  Also, I priced bottles based on those I use to hold expressed breastmilk and counted six bottles - one for each feeding, without washing in between.  Frequent use of bottles would probably require replacements but I did not include that cost.

I didn't add anything else to the list, because I was unsure of what other items may be needed.  The cost could be higher if things like bottle warmers, bottle drying racks, mixers, etc. were added.

There are many other considerations not listed in the breakdown.  For example, being able to get up at 2 a.m, uncover my breast and nurse rather than getting out of bed and preparing a bottle, all while the baby is wailing for food, is priceless to me.  My baby has also not yet been sick at 8 months old (knock on wood), thus saving me the cost of doctor's visits.  While it is possible that he may not have been sick even if formula fed, studies have shown that breastfed babies have less incidence of ear infections[3] and diarrhea [4].

The results are clear, breastfeeding is cheaper than formula feeding, even with all the "paraphernalia."  The cost of formula alone was pretty close to my total for breastfeeding.  The total for breastfeeding is also relatively static.  I shouldn't have to buy anything else, unlike formula which must be purchased regularly (additional four months of formula would be $242).  If you don't buy a lot of accessories, the cost difference between breastfeeding and formula feeding is quite significant.  That, in addition to the health and psychological benefits, makes breastfeeding a great choice.