The Cost of Formula

I don't think we talk about this enough...formula is expensive! The cost is estimated to be $1200-$1500 over the first year. That's over $100 per month-what could you do with that extra cash?

Not to mention other expenses-formula fed babies are more likely to need to go to the doctor for sick visits. This could result in parents missing work too.

In 2022 with all of the supply chain issues, many families had trouble getting the type they need, regardless of the cost. There is also the risk of contamination or having to deal with a recall.

Some people argue that breastfeeding has a different cost, the time. I don't disagree with that, but no matter how you feed your baby, caring for them is a full time 24/7 job. If you formula feed, you may have to spend more time soothing your baby in other ways. Breastfed babies are calmed just by suckling at the breast. Even if they aren't hungry, a lot of times they will look for that comfort. You may be able to find ways to relax while breastfeeding, which is a lot harder if you are feeding from a bottle.

If breastfeeding is challenging for you to the point where you are considering switching to formula, not because you want to but because you don't see any other options, I am here to help.

This can be a touchy subject and at the end of the day, YOU have to do what is right for YOUR family. You're the boss! I hate to hear about someone not having enough support and not having a choice but to do formula. I feel compelled to help so if you feel like this is you, reach out!

Sources:

Stuebe A. The risks of not breastfeeding for mothers and infants. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Fall;2(4):222-31. PMID: 20111658; PMCID: PMC2812877.