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Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
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Thu, 6 Jan 2011 11:05:14 -0500
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Henya writes regarding the high cost of infant formula. Yes, it is certainly an expensive item. The monetary cost of infant formula feeding has indeed been written about previously. I have discussed this topic in 2 publications from the National Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy (NABA), "Selling out Mothers and Babies" and "Still Selling out Mothers and Babies." The high cost of formula relates to the extensive marketing of the product and the fact that infant formula theft is a big business. Out of over $30 billion in annual retail theft in the United States, about $7 billion of infant formula is stolen and resold for an enormous profit. Some of this formula is sold on eBay, shows up repackaged and sold to small grocery stores, is bought at flea markets, or is used to cut drugs. eBay currently has over 2700 items of infant formula for sale, some of which are CASES of formula. Stores often mark up this item to offset the losses from theft.


The price of formula is driven up every year by these factors. The small size of formula cans of powered formula have been downsized from 14oz to 12 oz and the price jacked up every year. In 2001, a 14.1 oz can of powdered Similac cost $10.79 and in 2006, a 12.9 oz can cost $12.49.  A 32 oz can of Enfamil in 2001 without DHA cost $20.99 while a 25.7 oz can of formula with DHA cost $23.99 in 2007and $25 in 2010. It always amazes me how easily some mothers will shell out $75 for 3 cans of formula but won't invest that $75 in a visit from an IBCLC.


Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA



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