Breastfeeding is often touted as a “free” option and it can be perceived — sometimes inaccurately — as easier than buying baby formula. But moms rack up many costs, both obvious and hidden, over the two years that doctors recommend they breastfeed.
Breastfeeding a newborn may be the oldest, most natural thing a new mother has done since ancient times. But breastfeeding today is a totally different ballgame: It’s a complex task for working mothers — that, in fact, comes with several hidden costs.
“While breastfeeding may be natural, it is not always easy and it is absolutely not free,” McKenzie Closen, chief operating officer at The Lactation Network, a platform that connects new parents with certified lactation consultants, told MarketWatch. “Even when breastfeeding is going well, it still takes time and supplies.”
In contrast, breastfeeding equipment can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the type of products, and the medical attention you need, through your two-year journey. Lactation consultant: A lactation consultant is a health professional who helps parents with breastfeeding issues, from identifying problems with breast milk supply, to helping moms figure out breastfeeding positions, to easing discomfort such as sore nipples. Lactation consultants are often provided by hospitals and will generally drop by in the hospital soon after a parent gives birth.
Portable pump: A normal pump usually needs to be attached to a power source, but there are portable battery-powered pump options which come in clutch form when you’re on the go. But it costs a pretty penny — $200 or more. Trying to find the right one that fits would cost roughly $50, as it’s primarily on a trial-and-error basis, unless you get yourself fitted by a lactation consultant.
Sanitizing items: If your baby is very young, you’ll likely want to sanitize some of their feeding items to make sure it’s bacteria-free. It’s roughly $9 if you’re buying microwaveable sanitizing bags; a bigger price tag if you’re looking for an electric sanitizer. Pumping bra: You don’t wanna be holding up your flanges to your breasts for 15 to 20 minutes while pumping — you’ll likely want to multitask, with the help of your pumping bras. These bras have special holes cut out in them that you can insert your flanges through, and they’ll stay there while you pump. That would set you back around $50 each. Two are ideal to be rotated around, since you need to wash them regularly, as milk likely spills.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Greenwood hospital delays resuming inpatient operations following sewage leak, cites financial troublesGreenwood Leflore Hospital will delay resuming inpatient operations even after clean-up efforts related to a sewage leak have been completed, hospital officials announced Thursday.
Read more »
Houston Co. Health Dept. continues to provide assistance in search of baby formulaThe public health department remains making it a priority to help many of these families who struggle finding formula.
Read more »
Demand for These Grocery Items is Dropping Amidst Continued Shortages — Eat This Not ThatSeveral well-known shortages have happened at the grocery store this year, but new data says demand for them is finally dropping.
Read more »
Baby-formula shortage is finally easing, although some states are still seeing high out-of-stock ratesAs of Monday, there were 25% more baby-formula products available nationwide compared to the peak of the shortage in late May, according to consumer-data company Datasembly.
Read more »
Target Is Making It Super Easy to Identify Black-Owned Beauty BrandsIt's not perfect, though. Here's what you need to know.
Read more »
Michigan Judge Blocks Enforcement of 'Dangerous and Chilling' 1931 Abortion Ban'I am proud of my team today, but our work continues,' said Gov. Whitmer after a judge blocked enforcement of Michigan's 'chilling and dangerous' 1931 abortion ban.
Read more »