The Claims

1. Breastfeeding will save you $1200 a year!

Um, no. If I were to add up the cost of what I've spent on breastfeeding, I'm sure it would be more expensive than formula. I won't exactly add it up here, but I'll give an idea:

Breast Pump: $330
Nursing Support Pillow: $35
Session with Lactation Consultant: $85
Nursing Cover: $35
Nursing Bras and Tanks: ~$60 (I get the cheap kind at Target)
Lanolin Ointment: $10
Second Tube of Lanolin Ointment When First Became Contaminated with Thrush: $10
Prescriptions to Treat Thrush: ~$60
Acidophilus, Yogurt, Gentian Violet, and Tubes of Lotrimin AF and Monistat for Thrush: ~$60

I think this will only save me money if I were to nurse Henry exclusively for the next two years, which I don't think I'll be able to do since I go back to work in the fall. [Edited: Okay, not exactly, but I think that if I end up weaning at six months, which I may not, but we'll see, I won't have saved much money at all.] It *might* save money in the long run if -- as we hope -- we have another child and exclusively breastfeed for at least part of that time.

2. Cloth diapering is addictive.

Um, yeah, it kind of is, actually. Or at least I can see how it can be for some people. Cloth diapering and knitting have a similar appeal: they both make me feel more connected to the past, if that makes any sense. Plus, they make the CUTEST cloth diapers and diaper covers now -- very colorful with cheery prints.