To think it’s disingenuous to say breastfeeding is free?

[Jerrui]

When pregnant encountered lots and lots of breastfeeding promotion- often it’s cited it being free as a benefit.

I have personally found as soon as you actually have a baby and are feeding it there is absolutely zero support. In my area there is no infant feeding team etc just community midwife who told me to substitute BF with FF at two weeks old when baby failed to regain birth weight.

I have spent hundreds of pounds on lactation consultant, double electric pump, milk storage, trying to keep breastfeeding going.

I have added formula top up and was shocked how cheap it is. We got bottles for free in those Emma’s diary type packs, and Aldi formula costs £2 a week.

I think trying to promote breastfeeding as a more economic option to pregnant women is stupid.
I feel actually public funds would be much better spend on training and recruiting to provide actual support to mothers trying to breastfeed, rather than health promotion with misleading, simplistic and dumbed down messages.
I feel it’s no wonder breastfeeding is mainly the preserve of the middle classes when you have to invest so much money to get any help!

@ConstanceL

I'm sorry you had a hard time, but apart from buying a breast pump set, it really was free for me, and for countless woman throughout the history of the human race. I have no idea what has gone wrong that it is so difficult for some people in modern times (you are definitely not alone OP), would be interesting to read any studies that have been done on this - anyone know of any?

Women couldn’t always breastfeed or died in childbirth. In those cases it was usually a case of a woman in the community breastfeeding someone else’s child or that child dying. I wonder if there is a genetic problem in some cases. My mum tried to breastfeed me and couldn’t produce enough and I seem to have had the same issue. The truth is, without formula I’d have died and my baby never born. The rise that you see is probably formula overcoming some form of natural selection.

@wtaf37

Sorry, but a 'lactation consultant..' As they say, 'a fool and his money...'

A lactation consultant has spent at least 1000 hours supporting BF women to qualify They identified the issue immediately where multiple midwives had just shrugged Worth the money …if you have it!

@ConstanceL I think it’s because of a comparative lack of support today vs in the past. There will always have been some women and some babies who couldn’t bf in the past, and there are today too. But there are others who perhaps could bf if they had the right support at the right time. We don’t have a culture of bf here or adequate support so it’s harder for women to get what they need now. In the past it would have been completely normal, women would have grown up seeing it and multiple friends and family members would have been able to help them. Even the fact that people today often live far from their families is probably a huge factor.

I think the issue here isn't the message that breastfeeding is free, it's the lack of support for struggling mums. If you look at the main costs being listed above we're talking lactational consultants, private tongue tie etc. If women were actually getting this support from the NHS then breastfeeding would probably have higher rates (because you wouldn't have so many dropping out early on due to struggling without support) and would be therefore reduce the cost for these families. But all that costs money (and sufficient staffing) and it's cheaper and easier to tell mums "breast is best", that "it's cheaper" etc then tell them off for not breastfeeding rather than providing suitably educated HCPs across the country (rather than it being a postcode lottery).

I think in the first 6 months with my eldest I needed some re-useable breast pads, a pair of nipple shields and some cream for my nipples. I think my only major purchase in the first few months would have been breastfeeding suitable bras. So yeah, not free but much cheaper than formula feeding (and I'd have probably needed new bras anyway as I"m not the same size as before the pregnancy). Second time around I only needed the cream because I already had the rest from my first. I did have additional costs later (breast pump, bottles/cups, milk storage containers) when I went back to work but that would obviously be dependant on how long maternity leave was (in my case about 7 months so weaning wasn't sufficiently progressed to cut out milk during the day)

But, and this is the most important bit, I was very lucky that I didn't need extra support for either of my kids, as the questions I had were able to be answered by the healthcare professionals I was already seeing.

There also seems to be a lot of incitement to buy pumps and extra kit even when planning to exclusively breastfeed, as well as getting the stuff for bottles "just in case". Yes, you might need one but there almost seems to be a feeling that if you breastfeed then you will definitely need a pump (usually electric so more expensive), a collection of bottles, steriliser etc and it often seems to be bought before baby is actually born or breastfeeding established, and before the mum/family have a proper idea about what they will actually be needing.

Babies used to die in years gone by. Or they'd have milk (maybe a substitute?) in glass bottles. Wealthy families had a wet nurse.
I'd be interested to know if even poor families would wet nurse close families babies. I expect that kept some of them ticking over.

I'm sorry you've had such little support with establishing breastfeeding. I ended up bottle feeding my first. I roughly calculate that I spent around £900 on forumla, bottles, perfect prep, steriliser, etc. Breastfed my second and other than a few formula top ups in a few weeks it has been entirely free. It really does depend on where you live as to the free support you're able to access which is entirely unfair and is something that needs to be tackled.

After reading MN for years, I assumed breastfeeding would be incredibly tough - I was really surprised when it was actually fine! After a few issues with getting the latch right, DS thrived, and I fed him till he was nearly 3.

If I'd believed all the doom and gloom on here about how it's a nightmare for pretty much everyone I'd probably not have bothered persevering when DS wouldn't latch properly - luckily for me my mum could help me.

Yes, some people have trouble - some don't actually make enough milk full stop - but for most people, bf is relatively straightforward once you and the baby get the hang of it. The bit missing I think is access to lactation consultants in all areas, it's a massive lottery and many women miss out on support in the crucial early weeks.

(N.B. I'm NOT dismissing people's struggles by the way - having a baby is a massive thing, and feeding difficulties are awful and make you feel like a crap mum - as long as baby is fed, warm and loved you are doing a great job).

When my sons were born 40 , plus years ago,there was no breast pumps. I hand expressed,gave up on maternity bras, thought they were revolting, just wore the usual ones, bigger size. Cousin gave me plastic "pads". They were sterilised and yogurt pots to keep the milk in, when I wasn't around. No one ever mentioned extra calories,you were just told to increase your fluid intake. Got mastitis with no one son,it was absolutely agony. In those days, advice was stop feeding immediately on that side,which caused its own problems. Definitely working class. The middle classes I knew wouldn't have been seen dead breastfeeding
You used to have to do so many minutes each side, sitting with a clock. By the time I had my 4th,that had stopped. With each of my DKs breastfeeding went in and out of fashion
With my first, the healthcare professionals were actually shocked I wanted to do it

I breastfed my children with no problems so it was free. Didn't do it for that long but that was because it suited me not to. Not because I found it difficult. I think the majority of people don't have the issues you are talking about and if they do they switch to formula which is fine. It's your choice to spend hundreds of pounds.

@Jebbs

I think the issue here isn't the message that breastfeeding is free, it's the lack of support for struggling mums. If you look at the main costs being listed above we're talking lactational consultants, private tongue tie etc. If women were actually getting this support from the NHS then breastfeeding would probably have higher rates (because you wouldn't have so many dropping out early on due to struggling without support) and would be therefore reduce the cost for these families. But all that costs money (and sufficient staffing) and it's cheaper and easier to tell mums "breast is best", that "it's cheaper" etc then tell them off for not breastfeeding rather than providing suitably educated HCPs across the country (rather than it being a postcode lottery).

I think in the first 6 months with my eldest I needed some re-useable breast pads, a pair of nipple shields and some cream for my nipples. I think my only major purchase in the first few months would have been breastfeeding suitable bras. So yeah, not free but much cheaper than formula feeding (and I'd have probably needed new bras anyway as I"m not the same size as before the pregnancy). Second time around I only needed the cream because I already had the rest from my first. I did have additional costs later (breast pump, bottles/cups, milk storage containers) when I went back to work but that would obviously be dependant on how long maternity leave was (in my case about 7 months so weaning wasn't sufficiently progressed to cut out milk during the day)

But, and this is the most important bit, I was very lucky that I didn't need extra support for either of my kids, as the questions I had were able to be answered by the healthcare professionals I was already seeing.

There also seems to be a lot of incitement to buy pumps and extra kit even when planning to exclusively breastfeed, as well as getting the stuff for bottles "just in case". Yes, you might need one but there almost seems to be a feeling that if you breastfeed then you will definitely need a pump (usually electric so more expensive), a collection of bottles, steriliser etc and it often seems to be bought before baby is actually born or breastfeeding established, and before the mum/family have a proper idea about what they will actually be needing.

Yeah exactly - obviously the companies who make this stuff want us to buy the pumps, the bottles, the equipment etc to cover all bases, and vulnerable mums to be will do it. The whole baby industry is like that though.

Anyway, tbh I think the money/time thing is kind of irrelevant. No one really breastfeeds because it’s cheaper, in my experience it’s usually for other reasons.

1. You had a bad experience which is in no way typical.

1. Of course it's free. I have known dozens and dozens of people breastfeed and no one has ever had to use a lactation consultant.

1. In the UK where there is a long legal maternity leave of course it is free.

1. The only cost is pads in bras, and maybe a couple of special bras.

breastfeeding is only free if a woman’s time is worth nothing

The opportunity cost is massive. If you reduce breastfeeding to an economic activity (which is precisely what the "breastfeeding is free" brigade tries to do when they say that), then breastfeeding is massively costly for any significantly economically active woman.
I could make more than ten times over the same money by working, in the time it would take me to breastfeed (especially considering how tiring breastfeeding 24/7 really is, and the resulting productivity drop in other activities). It would comfortably pay for formula, bottles, and in fact an additional person to feed the baby.

You would have to be economically illiterate, and/or unable to generate any income from your own time, to not realise that.

As it turns out, breastfeeding is about more than money, and I happily invested the lost income into time spent bonding with my own child. And some formula and baby bottles as well, because breastfeeding turned out not to work anyway.
But the "breastfeeding is free" economic argument is pure bollocks. It only applies to the chronically unemployed, and it's massively insulting to assume that's what all mothers are.

Yes, lets all imagine a world where mothers refused to feed their own children unless they were getting paid.

Why are we comparing now to olden times? In Norway 98% of mothers start breastfeeding and 80% are still doing so at 6 months. Their babies do not die FFS. Most countries have much better breastfeeding rates than the UK - in the UK its extremely unfashionable to breastfeed, midwives are criticised for promoting it, everyone talks about how hard it is, lactation consultants are assumed to be a necessity. Threads like these just contribute to the negative view of breastfeeding and I feel like they set up an expectation that mothers should expect to fail at it, find it hard and it's not that important anyway.

I'm not saying you shouldn't talk about your negative experiences, just the endless negativity around BF seems ... convenient.

In the UK where there is a long legal maternity leave of course it is free.

Because maternity leave covers 100% of a woman’s salary now? Economically illiterate nonsense.

I didn't use pumps etc but I expressed occasionally so still needed bottles. Nursing top and bra, though I only got 1 top and was donated 2 bras. Nipple cream was a one time cost, nipple pads were a regular cost. When we moved to formula that added a regular cost though we just bought the formula and none of the other stuff.

"everyone talks about how hard it is"

People are allowed to say how it was for them and what might have made it better. If we silence people then nothing changes.

"I'm not saying you shouldn't talk about your negative experiences,"

That is exactly what you are doing.

Sorry you had a bad experience op

I agree that the midwives I saw after birth were well meaning but there advice was contradictory, inconsistent, and not terribly helpful.

Part of the problem is the shortage of midwives causing them to be spread thin for time.

Did you speak to your health visitor about bfing? I found that once I moved over to the health visiting team and was able to see their breast feeding councillor I received top level support and advice in a short space of time. I agree getting to that point was very stressful.

I think it is a bit unfair and scaremongering to suggest that breastfeeding is more expensive. Breast milk is clearly cheaper than Aldi formula and not everyone will have an Aldi near them. Formula is harder to digest and it can be hit and miss as to what brand/type a baby will tolerate so mother’s could end up spending significantly more.

If you actually follow the formula instructions correctly then you spend the best part of an hour preparing every feed unless you buy expensive equipment to speed up the process.

I agree that midwives should have better specialist knowledge about bfing to help in the immediate days after baby is born where it feels like time stretches out forever.

Haven’t personally seen any advertising about breastfeeding and only hear about it through family, friends and online groups.

Hmm, i seem to have messed up the quote. Was responding to this....

EmiliaAirheart

I’ve also heard: breastfeeding is only free if a woman’s time is worth nothing.

This

Imagine if women just stopped doing the unpaid labour worth trillions.

And in most cases there is no need for a pump etc. Its marketing rather than necessity.

The discussion is about breastfeeding specifically, rather than taking time off work to have a baby and care for the child.

Having a child is economically individually negative for a woman. However, people choose to have children because they want to and want to care for them.

The breastfeeding aspect is free. Caring for a child is not

I ebf'd both of mine. I bought a breast pump, bottle steriliser and a couple of bottles with dd1 as I wanted to do a mix of bf and expressed bottles. She had other ideas so it wasn't used much. So the main expense there was actually things that were to use for bottle feeding, even though it was breast milk not formula in the bottle.

With DD2 she rejected bottles straight off, but was an immediate easy breast feeder. I bought a few feeding bras, had some bf tops left over from the first time around, was given a few more by friends who'd finished with them. So she really was pretty much free to feed.

Both babies were easy to breast feed, no tongue tie and so I didn't need any help. So yes, it was very much a) free, and b) easy for me, both times.

The vast majority of women in the UK are not going to be going back to paid employment outside the home in the first six months post partum whether or not they breastfeed so there is no loss of earnings associated with BF for them. I mix fed mine breast/expressed/formula top ups at various times and they were excruciatingly slow bottle feeders so I don't think of FF as a time-saver.

I breast fed my children and was working class, not middle class. At times it was hard, but the positives really do outweigh the negatives. It was much easier to literally have the milk ready to use straight away, especially when out, rather than have to find somewhere to heat up the bottle of formula.

The comment that “breastfeeding is only free if a woman’s time is worth nothing” is absolute rubbish. If you consider the time spent washing and sterilising bottles, making up the formula, heating up the formula, then breast feeding can be so much quicker. Also, think about feeding baby at night. If you ff you have to get up and warm formula, whilst a hungry baby is crying. If you bf all you need to do is pick baby up, cuddle them in and feed them, and the whole household isn’t woken up by a crying baby!

I know bf isn’t for everyone, and no one should feel a failure if it doesn’t work for them, but in my case it was definitely the correct (and free) thing to do.

I think in your case no it wasn't. But that's not to say in general it's not. For me it was pretty much free. No bottles, no sterilising, no pump. A few breastfeeding tops and that was it I'd say.
But then I probably had it easy...