Only a few things are as exciting as having a baby. Motherhood is a journey, and you get to learn something new with every other pregnancy. We all know the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, but did you know that it can save you money? If you are expecting a young one or already parenting, it is crucial to cut down on expenses whenever you can. Here is why and how breastfeeding saves you some chums.
1. Breast milk is “free”
Formula costs about $2,000 to $3,000 for the first year of a child’s life. As for breast milk, it is essentially “free” since it is produced from the food that a mother consumes. Considering that the mum needs to eat, either way, it is a low-cost alternative.
2. Breastfed babies fall sick less often
Several pieces of research have proven that babies who are breastfed regularly are less likely to experience childhood diseases and Sudden infant death syndrome. One primary reason for this is that the milk contains antibodies that give the baby immunity against the conditions that the mother has already experienced. A healthy baby will spend less money on medical bills.
3. Breastfeeding equipment is tax deductible
Most mothers, especially those who are working, will require storing milk for the baby when they are not at home. Therefore, you may have to buy breast pumps, milk bags, and other breastfeeding equipment. You need not worry about the costs, now that you will spend less on the equipment after the IRS ruling that made the expense tax deductible.
4. You will save money on lost income
Imagine how much a family would suffer financially if a parent keeps missing work because of a sick baby. A study published in Pediatrics last year showed that if all the women in the United States followed the recommendation to breastfeed their children exclusively until they are six months old, the nation would save over $13 billion in medical costs every year. The statistics show that a well-breastfed baby will be healthy and the parent will not have to lose many working days in caring for them.