Most of us have heard that breastfeeding gives babies the healthiest start in life, but there's a good chance that we haven't been told that the practice is worth billions of dollars a year.
 
The World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatricts and other medical organizations recommend that babies be exclusively breastfed for at least the first six months of life.  Not only is it best for their health, it's estimated that if all American mothers breastfeed for that time period, it would save  $13 billion dollars a year in healthcare costs alone.
 
Liz Mcnulty of Altoona breastfed her three children and plans to do the same when her fourth child arrives in October.  In her words,  "I know that my kids are healthy and I know that when they were babies they weren't sick probably till they were close to a year old."

Her observation goes along with studies that show breastfed babies have  fewer gastrointestinal problems and fewer ear infections--common reasons for pediatric office visits.

Liz also said breastfeeding saved her family a significant amount of money.  She explained,  "up until about 6 months,  you don't have to buy a whole lot of anything.   The breast  milk's always there, so it's been a huge financial help."

It's estimated that baby formula costs a family $2,000 dollars a year, but according to Altoona Regional Health System Lactation Consultant Maureen Mitchell, you'll pay significantly more  if your child has sensitivities to  formula ingredients.

She said, "if the baby is allergic to standard formula, they switch it to a soy formula,  from the soy, they switch it to hypo-allergenic formula which is $5.00 a day."

Mitchell said 99% of women are physically able to breastfeed, but in most parts of our region, fewer than half do.
She helps them overcome issues that may hinder their efforts. So do members of the LaLeche League, like President, Alison Keating.  

Keating said mothers having trouble breastfeeding can meet with League members.  They can also reach them by phone 24 hours a day.

Also with a doctor's referral, health insurance will pay for the help of a lactation consultant. The help of a   lactation consultant made a big difference for new mother Allison Ritchey, who had difficulty breastfeeding early on.

She said, "it's a challenge.  You  have to make a commitment to it and when you do, if you stick with it, it's worth it in the end."

Both Allison and Liz said the support of their families helped make breastfeeding possible for them.  Lactation consultatants add that one of the biggest reasons more women don't breastfeed is that they don't get the support they need from their community, including their employers.

For more information on breastfeeding, contact La Leche League International.