In a message dated 96-06-06 17:32:44 EDT, you write:

>I am looking for statistics on the cost efficiency of breastfeeding.  I
>specifically need statistics for when BF continues for longer than 3
>months.  (Everything I can find so far refers to BFing up to 12 weeks).

I have "The Bottom Line on Children's Illnesses"  OB/GYN Research UMC,
Jacksonville,  FL  info sheet that states:

Diarrhea- Disease kills 500+ infants/children, 200,000 are hospitalized each
year, treatment costs range from 4-10 million.  Breastfed infants are 3-4
times less likely to have diarrheal diseases.  $50-$70 (mild) $1500-$3000
(severe). Employee days off are 1-5.

Ear infections- By age 3, 1/3 of all children have one or more, physician
visits cost $1 billion++ annually.  Breastfed children have a 60% decreased
risk.  $60-$80. Employee days off are 1-2.

Allergies-  Lower risk for food allergies in BF.  $400 (diagnosis and
treatment).  Employee days off are 1-2.

Respiratory Synctial Virus-  Widest spread virus in the US,  more severe
among infants under 6 months.  Decrease in severity and few hospitalizations
in BF.  $60=$80 (mild) $4600-$5000 (hospitalized).  Employee days off are
2-7.

Bronchitis Pneumonia-  $19 million annually in US treatment.  80% decrease in
risk for lower respiratory infections in BF.  $60-$80 (mild) $4600-$5000
(hospitalized).  Employee days off are 2-7.

Meningitis-  4-fold decrease in risk in BF and decrease in severity.
 $4500-$32,000.  Employee days off are 3-21.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay-  Very low risk in BF.  $250 (cleaning & repair)
$3000 (reconstruction).  Employee days off are 1-4.

Diabetes Mellitus-  120,000 children afffected, triggered by inappropriate
proteins (cow milk).  Reduced risk, especially if given only breastmilk first
few months.  $3000-$5000.  Employee days off are 5-15.


Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC
The Breastfeeding Connection/Medela, Inc
Naperville, IL