What Is the Cost of Formula Feeding?

Formula feeding costs money. The dollars add up because 

you must buy extra formula as your baby grows, since WIC 

does not give you all the formula your baby will need. But 

the real cost of formula is the cost to your baby’s health ...

and the time you spend away from work or at the doctor 

when your baby is sick.

Compared to mother’s breast milk, formula is missing many 

things babies need to be strong, healthy, and smart.

See for yourself!

Breast milk has more of the good things babies need.

Contact your local WIC office for more information.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

This project was funded by USDA/FNS WIBR-05-TX-1.

October 2008

Minerals

Vitamins

Fat

DHA/ARA

Carbohydrates

Protein

Water

M

M

Dads Play an 

Important Role

Breastfeeding: A Magical Bond of Love

Breastfeeding Is Healthiest for Mom

• Breastfeeding helps mom’s uterus shrink to its 

 pre-pregnancy size.

• It may help mom lose weight faster.

• It reduces her risk for breast and ovarian cancer, and 

 osteoporosis (brittle bones) later in life.

Breastfeeding Saves Money

• It saves on formula, bottles, utilities, and medical bills.

• It reduces sick days used by 

 working mothers.

• It’s good for the environment 

 because there is less trash 

 and plastic waste.

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How Fathers Can Help

Some fathers think they may feel 

left out if their partner breastfeeds 

the new baby. But there are many 

ways you can help your partner 

care for your baby.

• Help with housework and 

 cooking.

• Help limit the number of visitors and visiting time. 

 New moms do need plenty of rest!

• Bathe and dress your baby. Change his diapers. Sing 

 and talk to your baby. If you see the baby searching for 

 mom’s breast, sucking his fist, or making sucking noises, 

 take him to mom for a feeding. Cuddle and protect her 

 while she feeds the baby.

It takes time for mom to learn how to breastfeed.

If your partner is uncomfortable or has pain, it may be 

because the baby is not latching on correctly or because she 

is engorged. Many new mothers need help in the beginning. 

Contact a WIC breastfeeding counselor who can help her 

stay on track.

Take the baby to mom when she is ready to feed. Look at 

your baby’s tiny fist and remember: that is about the same 

size as his or her stomach! The baby will need to nurse often, 

every 11⁄2 to 3 hours, around the clock. 

Mom’s early milk, called colostrum, is there from the 

beginning and is the only food the baby needs. Colostrum’s 

special role is to help your newborn stay healthy. It is filled 

with important vitamins, minerals, proteins, and immunities. 

Between the third and fifth days after birth, mom will start to 

feel fullness in her breasts, indicating her milk has come in.

Do not give your baby water or formula in the first weeks.

Feeding the baby anything other than breast milk interferes 

with mom’s ability to produce enough milk.

The Magical Bond of Love and Family

As you and your partner expand your family circle, you will 

have many new experiences as a father. 

Taking care of your family is a big responsibility, and you 

want to protect them and make healthy choices. That is why 

encouraging your partner to breastfeed is important.

Breast Milk Is Healthiest for Babies

• Breast milk is easier to digest. Breastfed babies 

 have less diarrhea, constipation, and colic.

• Breast milk contains antibodies to fight 

 infections. 

• Babies may have less risk of becoming obese, 

 having diabetes, and developing other diseases.

• Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, 

 allergies, and certain cancers.

• Breast milk contains special ingredients to 

 promote brain growth.

Let Your Partner Know How Proud You Are

Breastfeeding is a loving commitment. Let your partner know 

how proud you are of her accomplishment! Sometimes moms 

worry that their babies are not getting enough milk. You can 

reassure her that the baby is getting plenty of breast milk in a 

number of ways: 

• Baby is interested in feeding every 11⁄2 to 3 hours, 

 around the clock. 

• Baby wakes to feed.

• Mom can see or hear your baby swallowing.

• Baby appears satisfied and content after feeding.

• Mom’s breast softens during the feeding.

• Baby has 3–5 wet diapers and 3–4 soiled diapers by 

 3–5 days of age.

• Baby has 4–6 wet diapers and 3–6 soiled diapers per 

 day by 5–7 days of age.

• Baby’s poops are yellow and seedy (by day 3).

Do not worry if your baby loses a little weight in the first few 

days. After about 5 days, the baby should gain 4–8 ounces or 

more per week with breast milk. After 6 weeks, the number 

of dirty diapers may decrease.

You Can Bond With the Baby Too!

• Babies love skin-to-skin contact with their daddies!

• Talk, sit, sing, rock, read to, burp, or diaper the baby.

• Make some time just for you and your baby - 

 babies need cuddles and hugs from their dads too.

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