Free baby food. Yup, that’s one of the things that I loved the most about breastfeeding both of my kids. For the six months they were exclusively breastfed, I spent a big fat goose egg–or $0–on food for them. If I’d bought six months worth of formula during that time, I would have spent anywhere from $350 to $1,000 per kid to feed them.
Since August is National Breastfeeding Awareness month, I figured I’d give a shout out to a breastfeeding incentive plan that Independence Blue Cross (IBC) in the Philadelphia area is offering its members and which is designed to save money.
Through IBC’s Baby BluePrints program, members can receive up to $50 back for taking a childbirth or breastfeeding class, $50 back on the purchase of a breast pump, and $100 towards support from a lactation consultant.
I realize that not every mother can or chooses to breastfeed. But if you’re on the fence–and on a budget–consider these facts about breastfeeding before making your final decision. Breastfeeding can:
- Develop a bond of closeness and trust between mother and infant
- Reduce cases of ear infections, diarrhea, bacterial meningitis, allergies, and obesity in infants
- Lower risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer for mothers
- Help mothers to their pre-pregnancy weight faster
- Decrease costs for programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
- Lower annual health care costs by $3.6 billion in the U.S. if every new mother attempted to breastfeed their baby.
OK, so I did incur some costs from breastfeeding, including buying a breast pump and supplies for it, and nursing pads and bras. But I’d like to think that in the long run, we saved more money, and helped to set our daughters up for healthy, happy lives. As teens they may tell you differently, but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
READ LEAH ON HOME GOES STRONG
I had never before thought about breastfeeding as a frugal thing, but you are spot on by posting about it. I nursed both my children and was fortunate to have hand-me-down nursing bras and tops from friends (not everyone will be as open to second-hand bras as I was), and I never needed a breast pump or pads. My only expense was a nursing night gown. The hardest part was limiting caffeine. While breasfeeding is great for keeping costs down, the incredible bonding experience was what made it so worthwhile.
One of the most horrifying parts to my rare, pregnancy related heart damage was the idea of having to go on a Beta Blocker and not be able to nurse. I literally cried harder about not nursing than I did about my heart not working properly!
My parents and in-laws talked and agreed if I had to go on drugs and not nurse, they’d pay for formula because you’re spot on: IT IS EXPENSIVE! It was nothing we had to budget for because I produced it for free.
Thankfully I didn’t have to go on drugs, and was able to nurse both my kids for 1.5 years each.
(I also found, through my church, a pro-breast feeding family doctor who did amazing research for me on the CT Scan injection safety while nursing along with BF save heart meds. She was an angel in my time of need.)
while I agree it is a money saver- I CHOSE to not nurse our five kids. There are ways of costing costs when going the bottle / formula route. And all my kiddos are happy, healthy and well bonded with myself and their father.
And that was clearly the right decision for you. I am saying that 100% sincerely. Thanks for posting your comment.
Leah
It’s also a better alternative for the environment. No water to wash bottles, no cardboard packaging to throw away, etc.
Cheaper? Great!
Environmental? Wonderful!
Awesome alternative for me, the lazy mom?
Ding ding ding! Winner all around.
Great post. I breastfed my son for 3 years and four months and it was an incredible experience. I wrote about it also for La Leche League. If it works out for Mom and baby, it’s the way to go. Thanks for sharing.