Breastfeeding and New IRS Ruling

New York Times article written by David Kocieniewski published 02/11/11

The Internal Revenue Service, without acknowledging the health benefits of mother and baby, allowed nursing mothers a tax break on pumps and breastfeeding accessories, such as all pump related products, milk storing products, and nursing pads.

Nursing moms will be allowed to use their flexible spending accounts for breastfeeding supplies.  Nursing moms without such a pretax account will be allowed to deduct non-covered medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of their adjusted gross income.

In 2007, about 75% of mothers chose to breastfeed at birth.  Rates dropped to 43% and 22% by 6 months and one year after birth.  Medical benefits of breastfeeding have been established:  physical, emotional, and psychological.  For the mother - breastfeeding reduces Type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer and breast cancer.  Breastfeeding mothers are less prone to postpartum depression and helps with her with bonding.  Breastfed babies are more attached to their mothers, feel more secure, and suffer less from medical problems, such as asthma, viral and bacterial illnesses, and childhood obesity.

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