Question for moms- is BFing really cheaper

I have read this figures that by BFing I will save over $1000 in formula, but I think those figures out for someone who never bumps because I figure I have to :
-rent the pump for home
-buy the pump for work (that In style on is $299 at BRU)
-buy bottles and pumping supplies
-nursing pads and nursing bras

And I will probably have to supplement when I go back to work since it is not going to be easy for me to pump often at work.

I KNOW it is better for the baby but I am just asking about costs involved.

I think breastfeeding saves $$$. You dont have to rent the pump for home, you could use the same pump for work, you could buy a single pump for work (Medula) for $79. Or a manual pump for $30. I dont know what you mean by pumping supplies... you have to buy bottles when you formula feed too. Nursing bras are a good point and for me after 2 months I didnt have to buy nursing pads anymore because my milk regulated itself.

Im a breastfeeding advocate. I love the closeness that only Emma and I can share. I love the bonding.

I know it also gives you back your figure faster.
We have a friend that bf and I couldn't believe how fast she got her figure back.

I have a 2 hour commute each way to work, car/train and subway combo. There is NO way I can bring the pump back and forth everyday. I know a lot of women love that Instyle pump. And those manual ones do not get high ratings from Moms who use them, plus I don't have hours at work to squeeze a pump for 3oz of milk. I mean the milk bags that you put the milk in, or bottles.

I am NOT saying NOT to breast feed I just wanted to learn some practical info about the costs involved.

I have the single Melda pump. It is great! Since I wasnt going back to work why buy both?? I had a friend that bought a manual one and she HATED IT!
I think that breastfeeding costs less than bottle feeding. I cant believe what formula costs and how quickly it goes!! Also its SO much easier to wake up and feed the baby in the middle of the night with some boobie juice instead of getting up, stumbling into the kitchen, making a bottle, heating a bottle THEN feeding the baby. Good luck with whatever you choose to do

Michele, in terms of $$ I think bfding will be cheaper even if you supplement with formula during the hours that you're gone. To me, it sounds like if the pumping doesn't work and is stressing you out and inconvenient you will just need to supplement with formula. Nothing wrong with that at all, you can bf at night, in the mornings and all weekend.

I saw the Madela for $180 I think. From what I hear it's totally worth it for moms who go back to work. Bottles are a one time thing, so not that costly, and maybe you can get a cheaper manual for home?

The main thing is don't stress out. To be honest, if I were going back to work, I would do what is most convenient.

I can give you an example of how much formula can cost. Breastfeeding did not work out for us and Luke was very very gassy and irritable with a few formulas we tried until he finally was put on Similac Alimentum aka 'Liquid Gold'. He was like a different baby on it. The problem with Liquid Gold is it cost around $22-25 per powdered can, depending on where you bought it. On average he goes through 2 a week. So $50 per week just for formula!! We already spent $1300 in 6 months! Thank God he is now switched over to Carnation Alsoy which is $9.50 per can!!! So that's just worst case scenario with formula. Regular formula will cost you about half that. And you have to buy bottle either way, probably more if you are formula feeding. I think though, if you are breastfeeding and pumping, the manual pump is time consuming and arduous, so I'd check out the electric pumps definitely. Good luck.

edited to add: By law, they must provide you with a private room to pump at work. I use to work with someone who pumped and my company had lactation rooms but not our location so they designated an unoccupied office for her to use on another floor. They have to provide you the space and the time. HTH

I work for a small company- under 30 people. I am not sure if the law applies to small business. Do you know where I check on that?
There is NO special nursing/pumping room at my job. There are only 3 women who work at the company!

Michele,
This info might be helpful in terms of Bfding, the law and employment situations.

LLL

Also, on the very bottom of the page on the link below it says 'A bill was submitted in 2001 that would protect mothers when they return to work. 2001 Bill Tracking NY A.B. 7200. Introduced 3/15/01, last action 4/23/01 to Senate Committee on Labor. Sponsored by Destito. Provides that an employee shall have the right to express breast milk at work; requires employer to make reasonable efforts to provide a location for a woman to express milk in privacy; prohibits discrimination.'

Pumping at work

Michele, I definitely think that breastfeeding is less expensive. Not everyone agrees though. I am currently BFing and here is what I have had to purchase so far...I've spent way less than $100.

Playtex starter kit: contains two 4 oz bottles and two 8 oz bottles, plus disposable drop-in liners and 5 nipples

Breast milk storage bottles: two packs of 4

Three nursing bras: Target has a nice selection.

Nursing Pads (breast pads for leakage)

I borrowed the Medela Pump in Style from someone...do you know anyone who could lend it to you?? Also, I am LOVING the manual pump that comes with it...you don't have to worry about spending the time to set up the electric pump (withthe tubes, wire...etc) and I have been getting a lot more milk this way. This morning it only took me 10 minutes to get 4oz. Of course, everyone is different.

I don't pump that often...so you will inevitably need MORE of everything I listed, but it's still relatively inexpensive. Good luck.

You have to really think about what you mean by 'costs.' If you are strictly talking about out-of-pocket dollars, than BFing will probably save you a few bucks, depending upon how long you actually keep it up.

However, if you are considering the necessary time you need to committ to the act of BFing your child, pumping, preparing bottles and sterilizing equipment, than 'costs' add up MUCH differently. You need to decide what's the bigger issue for you - the actual $$$ saved, or the huge impact BFing has on your lifestyle vs. the convenience of formula feeding.
JMO.

Michelle, why would you need to rent AND buy a pump? One should be more than enough.
As far as the big impact BFing has on your life, that perspective really changes as you adjust to it. I can just say from seeing it through my sister, you would never know she BF's because of how natural and simple and part of every day it has become to her. I dont think its as 'impacting' (for lack of a better word) as those of us think that have breastfed for lesser periods of time. We have the memory of the overwhelming first few months.
BFing for longer periods, it becomes SOOO much easier and more natural. My sister sees formula feeding as the most tedious, time consuming, and inconvenient thing in the world. So its really a matter of where youre coming from.

Anna - I see things as your sister does... Im so glad you could put my thoughts into words

I cannot carry a pump back and forth to work everyday so I want one that I can leave here and I am thinking that I will still need to pump sometimes at home too. Right?

I am very on the fence about BFing and knowing that I have to go back to work 12 weeks after the baby comes. I am very worried about us getting used to it and then having to transition to bottles for 3 days per weeks and that not going well or it getting too much for me with working and then having to give it up and being even more upset about working.
I guess I just have to see what happens. Thanks for all the advice.

Michele, why not contact a local chapter of Le Leche League? You can start going to the meetings before the baby arrives, to educate yourself and decide what might work best for you. They are known to be a little bit opinionated about BFing, but they mean well and are very helpful.

Or, contact a certified lactation consultant. Tell her your concerns and your time limitations w/going back to work. I am SURE she can help you work out a plan for BFing and then working and supplementing once the baby arrives. There's no need to try and figure this out on your own.

I understand your concerns and your indecisiveness - this is a difficult decision. I agree with Anna and Karen that BFing can become second nature once a Mom gets used to it, but I honestly don't know if that can happen if you are opposed to BFing in public or with friends and family around. I know how private you are about that stuff (which is totally understandable), but I also firmly believe it's not realistic to have to run and hide every time the baby needs to eat. Maybe an LC can help you figure out these issues too.

HI Michele-
the medela pump in style comes in a backpack type of bag and weighs about 5- lbs...just about the same as my regular pcoketbook (when I carried one) . SO, it is not a VERY HEAVY object to carry- sling it over your shoulder and go and NO ONE can tell there is a pump in there.
I do it 3x/week and I have a 1-1/.2 hour commute: Lirr and subway..so it is doable..the thing is IF YOU want to do it
I will be moving up to 4x.week in the city and will continue to carry the pump.
The medela system comes with 4bottles already and a starter set of the freezer bags. I bought a BRAND new MEdela on EBAY and got a GREAT PRICE...so if you are serious about this, start peeking on ebay and watch the auctions.

The freezer bags can be purch on EBAY too- as NEW items...or at brus, Buy buybaby,etc. not too expensive.

THEN you can also let people know you will breastfeed,,,and for your shower people usually give bottle brushes, cute bottles, etc...and you can use this stuff with your pump. I use the playtex nursers to feed that baby breastmilk that has been pumped. That too can go on your shower registry.

bfeeding is way cheaper...and FASTER. Its always reday, never need to be warmed up, shaken , stirred, etc.

You are voicing some anxiey about BFeeding and going back to work. Best bet may be to pick up some good books on this - education can allay a lot of fears. Plus, your baby DOES know how to nurse. I nursed Julianne about 10 min after she was born! make sure to talk to your dr/midwife about this.

feel free to ask any questions.... HTH!