Breastfeeding benefits individual families as well as the nation's economy. The average cost of formula to feed one baby for a year is $1,750 plus additional medical expenses. It is estimated that at least $3.6 billion would be saved annually in health care costs to treat only three common illnesses if half of U.S. women would breastfeed to six months. Through free classes and public campaigns, women could be educated on the benefits and be encouraged to breastfeed.
Nursing in public deters many women from breastfeeding. If businesses, particularly malls, parks, and restaurants, had designated nursing areas, mothers would feel more comfortable taking their nursing babies out, which in turn leads them to spend more. Incentives for businesses to create such areas could make this happen.
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