So how much does it cost to breastfeed?  Not much if you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby directly. You will need to eat about 500 extra calories a day to make breast milk, and this can be done relatively inexpensively. In fact, moms on the WIC program get an extra food allowance. 

Don’t give into the urge to buy all of the breastfeeding accessories. 
Mothers often spend a lot of money buying breast pads, nursing bras, breast pumps, and other accessories such as nipple shields, nipple shells and milk storage containers. But the truth is, most mothers do not need all of the supplies that you might associate with breastfeeding.  And if you’re crafty, some supplies that you may find a need for can be made from items that you already have in your home. 

The lowest prices for hospital grade double electric breast pumps are online at the company websites. Look for just the pump and not all of the accessories that usually come with them in a retail store such as milk storage containers, cooler bags and a carrying case.  And, if you are not going to need to pump milk on a regular basis you may do fine with hand expressing or using a hand pump. Manual pumps are much less expensive to buy but also more aggravating to use.

• Breast Pads
Crafty moms can make breast pads that are washable out of cloth diapers or layers of old T-shirt material. 

• Nursing Bras
Ok, this one there may be no getting out of buying.  A few nursing bras are a good idea since pulling a bra out of the way to feed may cause plugged ducts that can lead to breast infections (mastitis).

• Nipple Shields/Breast Shells
Most mothers don’t need to buy breast shells or nipple shields.  These may be helpful if your nipples are flat but most babies will learn to effectively breastfeed with patience and perseverance. 

• Milk Storage Containers
If you know anyone who is feeding their baby food from jars you can recycle the jars as breast milk storage containers.  Breast milk will stay good for up to 4 months in the freezer.  Place it in the refrigerator to thaw a few hours before you want to use it.

It’s possible to spend a lot of money on breastfeeding supplies and equipment, but as with all things baby, you can probably spend less than the average parent if you are creative.

Let’s face it, children are expensive.  But, the money that you save by breastfeeding might just give your budget a much-needed cushion. 

How have you kept the expense of having a baby within your budget?  We want to hear your cost-savings ideas!  Post your comments below.