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