The Hidden Costs of Breastfeeding: A Labor of Love

Breastfeeding is free? Well, in theory, yes—the milk itself doesn’t come with a price tag.

But if you’ve been on this journey, you know it’s far from cost-free. The reality is that breastfeeding, especially for pumping moms, comes with a long list of expenses, not just in money but also in time, energy, and emotional endurance.

From the start, there’s the breast pump, which can be a significant investment. Then there are all the accessories — spare parts, replacement valves, flanges, and tubing that wear out over time.

Servicing the pump? Another expense.

On top of that, there’s the milk collector, cooler bag, storage bags, bottle warmer, and an endless supply of baby bottles, some of which need to be replaced every 3-6 months depending on the type and material of the bottle.

It all adds up more than we realize at first.


And then, just when you think you’ve got everything in place, unexpected challenges arise. Clogged ducts, nipple blebs, and even mastitis can become part of the journey, often leading to visits to lactation consultants or breastfeeding centers.

These sessions, while invaluable, can be costly—sometimes even more than what formula feeding might require.

Beyond the financial aspect, breastfeeding takes a toll in other ways too. The sleepless nights, the hours spent pumping, washing, and sterilizing parts, the worry over supply—it’s not always an easy road. It can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and even isolating at times.

Speaking from experience, when I was still breastfeeding my son, I went back and forth from the office to home just to deliver my milk supply because he used to drink so much!

No matter how much I stashed on the weekend, it kept running out on weekdays. My office wasn’t that far from home, but I still spent money to ensure my milk supply got to him safely — whether by hiring a courier or, sometimes, borrowing a friend’s motorbike to deliver it myself. 

So much effort, I know! But that was the reality of making sure my baby was fed while juggling work and everything else.


Then there’s the emotional and mental load that comes with breastfeeding. The self-doubt when supply dips, the pressure to keep going even when you’re drained, and the feeling of constantly being needed can be incredibly challenging. 

For working moms, the schedule revolves around pumping sessions, finding time and space to pump, and making sure there’s always enough milk stored. It’s a full-time commitment on top of everything else we do.


And yet, despite all these challenges, we keep going. Not because it’s easy, not because it’s always the most convenient option, but because we want the best for our babies.

So when someone says, "You're lucky breastfeeding saves money," I take a deep breath and smile.

Because while the milk itself is free, the journey comes with its own set of sacrifices that not everyone sees. It’s not just about money—it’s about time, effort, patience, and a whole lot of love.