One Way Families Can Cope

New mothers are considering a relatively new factor in the bottle versus breastmilk debate – THE ECONOMY. In fact, 88 percent of new moms are weighing the budget benefits of breastfeeding right alongside the health benefits, a recent survey shows.

Families are now realizing that they can save around $1,200 in one year using breast milk rather than formula. Plus, the health benefits of breast milk truly outweigh formula. Families also want to give their babies the best start possible.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies get breastmilk exclusively for the first six months, and then continue to get breastmilk at least for the first year. While many moms are aware of the health benefits, they may not realize breastmilk can same a ton of money.

This recession is making it necessary for most families to cut expenses and breastmilks can be a healthful way to keep feeding costs down for the newest member of the family.

Depending on the cost of formula, a newborn baby can consume from $43.86 to $194.22 in formula just in the first month. By six months, the cost for formula can add up to be $375.34 to $1,662.22. Over one year, a family with one infant could save between $714.42 to $3,163.86 by feeding breast milk rather than incurring the cost of formula. And, in the long run, breastfeeding also helps save on health care costs, as breastfed infants typically need fewer health care visits, prescriptions and hospitalizations.

A breast pump proved to be very economical for my family. I work full time and suffer from low milk supply. With pumping families never have buy formula and they are able to use the pump for 2, sometimes 3 babies.

Breastmilk truly does pay off for moms and babies both in health benefits and cost savings For moms purchasing a breast pump to provide breast milk for their child, the initial investment may cause a bit of sticker shock. However, when compared to the annual expense of formula, the cost is easily justified. In addition, there are also rental options for breast pumps.

Question from a New Mother

My baby is 2 weeks old and due to issues latching on I am trying to pump for him. Our first week and a half was so hectic that I wasn’t very disciplined about pumping and I have not been able to collect enough for more than 1 bottle a day for him. My supply is pretty low right now so I just ordered Increase Breast Milk – More Milk Plus Vegetarian Capsule – 60 count. My initial plan was to give both breast milk and formula for the first few months and then transition to formula only. However, due to colic and gas issues I would love to increase my supply enough to give him breastmilk only. Sometimes I worry that it’s an impossible task. I read your statement on the side of the page on your website and just wanted to contact you and ask for any tips advice. I rented an electric pump from the hospital when we left and am using it. Any advice or even just encouragement would be wonderful.

Answer

Know that you can do it. My first recommendation is pump every 3 to 4 hours, plus you really need to pump at night.

Here is a basic schedule that will get you on the road to making ample milk for your son.

Breast Pumping Schedule

You can adjust this schedule to you biological clock. (earlier waking or later bed time)

Waking AM to Noon
6 AM, 9 AM, 12 Noon

Afternoon to Midnight
3 PM, 6PM, 9 PM, 12 Midnight

Wee Hours (A Must!)
3 AM

What you will notice, as early as tomorrow morning or the next morning, is the first wake up pumping session in the morning will be your best milk supply of the day.

Night feedings are critical to increasing milk supply. Most successful pumpers state that although they would love to stop night pumping, they do it usually 2 times per night, even if they pump for a year or more. There is good reason for night pumping. The hormone Feedback Inhibitor of Lactation (FIL) signals the mammary glands to slow or stop production when large gaps exist in pumping/feeding times, especially at night.

The next important step that many mothers don’t know about, is that milk hangs back even when you think you’ve pumped it all out. As you pump or breast feed, massage your breasts. This will get to the “hind milk”. Getting the hind milk out sets other hormones into action that increase breast milk supply.

The massage technique is to start at the side, under the arm and press forward toward the nipple. Try to feel the glands and apply gentle pressure where you feel full glands. Do the same under the breast lobe and again gently apply pressure toward the nipple.
Do this once you feel “let down” or if you don’t feel “let down”, once milk begins to flow. Continue all during each breast pumping session.
Within a few feedings, you will notice a difference in the amount of milk you produce and with the hind milk you get to the higher fat content and nutrients that will satisfy your baby better.

You have noted colic and gas. So while you are pumping, set a diet that doesn’t have gassy foods/veggies for a while. Then add foods to your diet and watch your baby for 2- 3 days for colic. If none happens that continue to add the foods you like with the usual caution.