IRS Sez Yes!

With tax deadlines approaching, breastfeeding moms might be interested to find out that that for many, breast pumps are tax-deductible expenses: IRS says breast pumps tax deductible expense, Washington Post, 2.10.11

The ruling, long sought by advocates, means that women will be able to use money set aside in pretax spending accounts to buy the pumps and related equipment, which can cost several hundred dollars. For women without flexible spending accounts, the cost of pumps will be tax deductible if their total medical costs exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income.

Previously, the IRS considered breast pumps to be feeding equipment, not medical devices. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics argued that breastfeeding has many medical benefits for both mother and baby. Advocates hope that making breast pumps more affordable will enable more women to breastfeed longer.

I'm a little confused as to the specifics, but I'll see if there's better information out there. Speaking of good information, the National Resources Defense Council has this to say about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Nettles.

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