Formula is even cheaper if the hospital puts it on its' formulary, and requires bids from the formula companies, taking the lowest. I think Evergreen said at last year's ILCA conf that each formula feed cost them .17, most of which was for the single use bottle and nipple. One of the concerns about block grants replacing WIC is that the requirement for competititive bidding for formula suppliers would be eliminated with the rest of the WIC regulations. The other thing the hospital is not looking at are the cost savings if the breastfeeding rate were improved. Beth Israel Medical Center here in NYC once did a calculation of the money saved by the hospital in reduced readmissions and infant illness for uninsured patients, and reduced staff time in bottle feeding infants and handling formula. It came out to quite a bit of money. Does your hospital really need preprinted 4 color nursery record forms and bassinet tags, or could you make do with looseleaf paper and index cards? It's like the telephone company asking you to buy wire insurance because if you don't and something happens they will charge $100. to replace a $5. wire..... Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC