Infant Feeding Basics: The Cost of Not Breastfeeding
How baby feeds can be an emotional topic. We wish to acknowledge that and believe that mothers do the best they can with the knowledge they have in the circumstances they are in. Our objective is to support mothers and their babies exactly where they are.
This is research-based information that parents, and supporting professionals, need to know to help you as a parent to make informed decisions.
What are national infant feeding recommendations?
National recommendations are to exclusively breastfeed to 6 months of age, and then continue to 2 years and beyond (Health Canada).
What about infant formula?
There is a place for formula, and mothers who make an informed decision to formula feed need quality support. Sometimes parents need to mix feed (breast feed and give formula) for medical reasons or they decide to after making an informed decision. We can help with that too.
Why breastfeed?
Breastfeed because it feels good, for your baby’s health, and for your health. Want more detail?
1) For children: non-breastfed babies experience higher rates of:
Illness such as diarrhea, respiratory diseases, otitis media (ear infections), sudden infant death syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and some childhood cancers.
Overweight and obesity.
Long-term health concerns such as the increased risk of childhood cancers, asthma, Type 2 diabetes.
Problems related to a formula such as manufacturing errors, mixing errors, contamination, and the use of unproven and hazardous additives.
2) For mothers: non-breastfeeding mothers have an increased risk of:
Illness such as diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer, postpartum depression.
Reduced weight loss.
3) To save money, and time:
Even though a consult has an attached expense, formula feeding is more costly. A modest estimate of exclusive formula feeding cost is approximately $1800 per year (RNAO, 2010). Cost estimates range from $1000 to $3400 per year (BFI Strategy for Ontario, 2017). These estimates do not include bottles, nipples, cleaning supplies, and the cost of preparation and storage. Think of the money you could spend elsewhere.
Breastfeeding may take time to learn and to go smoothly, but then it usually becomes simple and easy.
RNAO, 2010. Put Food in the Budget Joint Statement: Implications of 2010 Ontario Budget for Food Security and Health of People Receiving Social Assistance, Registered Nurses Association.
Infant Formula: What You Need to Know, 2020, BFI Strategy for Ontario found at Best Start by Health Nexus.
What is the priority order for feeding a baby?
Mother’s own milk directly at the breast.
Mother’s own fresh milk given initially by spoon, cup, syringe, then possibly an at-breast feeding system, finger feeder, or bottle.
Mother’s own breast milk that has been frozen and thawed just before using (given as above)
Another mother’s pasteurized, human milk from a human milk bank. Some milk banks may only have enough milk for babies with special needs such as preterm babies.
Cow milk-based commercial formula.
Specialty formula.
*Soy formulas are not recommended except in the case of galactosemia.
Having challenges? Call us. We can help.
“Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival”
© May 2020 Lactation Care, S.Boersma, MScN, RN, IBCLC
