While the earth has been around for millions of years, it seems that it’s just been in this century that everyone has finally come to the conclusion that if humans don’t stop making and dumping more garbage into Mother Earth we will eventually be consumed by our own waste.
The “Go Green” policy is now everywhere we look on television, billboard ads, radio, and the Internet. Not only is everyone concerned with reducing pollution from big manufacturers, but also what we, as individuals can do to reduce or eliminate the amount of garbage we produce in our own homes. Not only is the reduction and/or elimination of our personal waste good for the environment, it also results in financial savings.
One way to reduce waste and save money is by breastfeeding. Current statistics show that the cost of formula averages $1500-$2000 per year, per infant. And that doesn’t include the cost of bottles, liners, nipples, and the time it takes in making the formula and cleaning the bottles and nipples. Nor does it include the cost to the Earth when the formula containers, old bottles and nipples, and those plastic liners are disposed of.
Now consider the cost of breastfeeding. For breast pump, maternity bras (if used), nipple cream and bra liners, the cost is approximately $300 per year per infant, or less. Plus there isn’t the detrimental impact to the Earth as with bottle-feeding. Except for the nipple cream and bra liners (if used), bras and breast pumps can be recycled and reused.
Breastfeeding is not only healthy for the infant and the mother; it is also easy, economical and eco-friendly.
Comments
Wonderful article! My brother and his wife are fostering a baby girl who is now 6 months old. She breastfed her two older children but have to feed formula to Miley (the foster child). She is baffled as to why anyone would ever want to choose formula over breastfeeding. The cost alone is rediculous and to her it's throwing money away. Like paying double for the no-name brand. Time is the other issue. She can't get over the sterilizing, cleaning, preparing, heating etc. that goes into formula feeding is such a waste of time. I do realize that some moms don't have the choice but to formula feed because of milk not coming in, etc. but if you do have the choice... why NOT breastfeed?
And... most breastfeeding mothers, if not working, don't necessarily need a pump at all. This cuts the '$300' cost you mention down a bunch. :O)
I agree with you, Carla. When I had to pump I found it much easier and more efficient to hand express.
For some, even hand expressing isn't necessary!
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