Breast is Free? Think Again. The Hidden Costs of Breastfeeding
Before you go gung-ho about definitely breastfeeding, you need to consider the extra costs. A younger, slightly more naive version of myself assumed that it would be free! Although this was a tragically wrong assumption, it carried me through wrestling with my newborn who refused to latch and all-nighters when he finally got on board. Since there’s no motivation like saving that dolla dolla bill y’all, I clung onto breastfeeding like my little bills counted on it. While sticking with breastfeeding has proved its perks, a peek at our credit card statement shows it’s been more costly than I anticipated.
Truth is–there are several hidden costs to breastfeeding that no one really tells you to account for. Especially if you’re like me and assume that breastfeeding is essentially free. (It really can’t just be me, right?)
Here’s what you need to know about the hidden “costs” of breastfeeding:
1. Pump
Most breastfeeding moms use a pump in conjunction with regular feedings. Translation: Your pump is the friend you never really wanted but have to get along with. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, basic pumps should be covered in your health care plan. However, not all recommended pumps are available for free. Depending on your coverage, what’s available may not be the pump you are looking for. Translation: the elite line up of breast pumps like Spectra Plus (the wireless one), Medela Sonata will most likely require an upgrade fee. And if you’re working mama like me, you’ll want to purchase extra pump parts to avoid washing and reusing them at work. If you have a long commute, you might even need to purchase an extra pump system to keep at work.
2. Breast Pads
Cue the inevitable leakage when baby is seemingly cluster feeding again and/or when you finally re-enter society without back up. This when your breast pads become your new BFFs. Since I don’t have laundry onsite, I decided to go with thesedisposable breast pads. And especially because I added teaching back to my resume, I wear them on a daily basis. Even if you aren’t a regular user, I’d definitely recommend having a pack or two around. They prevent the embarrassing leakage and soaking that just feels uncomfortable.
3. Nursing Bras
Not all nursing bras are created equal, and you can’t get by without a proper nursing bra. If you nurse primarily, you’ll need a good amount for daily wear. You can get lucky to find a good quality one for under $40 but I’d stick to the ones that you’ll actually enjoy wearing. And trust me, there’s a difference. Check out my post on the world’s best nursing bra (as I know it!)
4. Nursing Cover
Power to women who feel totally comfortable breastfeeding freely in public! But for those of us who like to be a bit more private, you’ll need to purchase at least one durable nursing cover. Since you will need one in your diaper bag for all excursions and target trips with your little one. This one makes me feel all sorts of luxe (it’s even got Chateau in the name) because of it’s print! Plus, it’s super lightweight and easy to stuff into your diaper bag on the go.
5. Breastmilk Storage Bags
Chances are, you’ll want to store your milk for your baby if you start working or to create a stockpile. In order to do this properly, you’ll need a great deal of storage bags. It’s recommended to store milk in smaller increments since once you reheat the frozen milk you cannot store it again. This means you’ll go through an exorbitant amount within a month. Remember, it’s best not use these bags in HOT water. We usually thaw in the fridge then take it out to warm up in lukewarm water before putting in a bottle. You know, the typical whole nine yards to feed stored breastmilk for a baby. #workingmomstruggles
6. Freezer
Real talk: our apartment fridge has broken down twice. The second time we had to spend over a month eating out primarily because everything spoiled. And there is no greater fury than a new hormonal mama throwing out her no-longer-frozen breastmilk. There will be tears, mumbled not-so appropriate words and the immediate search for a separate freezer.
We bought ours from Best Buy and it helps me feel a tad bit more secure about my frozen supply. Ours has external light that lets us know that everything is working perfectly (something that a regular fridge lacks). If you’re renting and/or concerned about the preservation of your precious liquid gold, you’ll want to buy one ASAP.
6. Mastitis and/or Clogged Ducts
The struggle and pain is real when you get hit with one of these ailments. The intense fevers, body aches, and inability to hold your baby is one of the worst parts of breastfeeding. I seriously considered throwing in the towel after I got Mastitis once. My husband had stay home to take care of Wilder since my body was on fire. After countless hot showers, doctor ordered antibiotics, and one season of Terrace House, it wasn’t pretty but I recovered.
Some women get both frequently and still press forward, serious kudos. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot you can do to prevent it. Pumping and feeding regularly keeps it at bay but once an irregular schedule interrupts, you could be susceptible to it.
7. Lactation Consultant
If you’re struggling with breastfeeding (and who doesn’t at some point?), you’ll want to see a lactation consultant. I know I did. I saw two and luckily, my insurance covered the visits at a nominal fee. If your insurance doesn’t cover it, which is not uncommon, you’ll should expect a fee schedule depending on how many visits you need. I had two but I know some mamas who needed more. I highly recommend scheduling time with the lactation consultant at the hospital every day if a private visit is out of the question. Read more on this post if you are considering a visit!
Final Breakdown
Breastfeeding isn’t easy and definitely not for everyone. It took lots of breakdowns and weeping to get through the brunt of it (read more about cluster feeding). But I’m thankful for the journey with Wilder and even the hidden costs we’ve had to pay. Still, for all you new mamas out there… add these major costs into your baby budget so you won’t be caught off guard. And if you happen to be choosing this route cause it’s cheaper, think again– there’s tons of great reasons to breastfeeding, saving money just might not be one!