This week the I.R.S. newly classified breast pumps as tax-deductible medical devices.  Do you think breast pumps should be tax deductable?  Why? (Or why not?)

Lisa Faircloth, Douglasville mom to a boy (7) and girl (3)

Before Daniel (my husband) finished grad school, we had to take advantage of social programs such as WIC for a very short period of time. The WIC nurses were very adamant that no woman should feel pressured to breastfeed if they don't want to, but I was surprised to learn that WIC will pay for all-your-baby-can-eat formula. If Big Brother is going to hand out formula like that as it is the woman's choice if she wants to breastfeed or not, then I certainly think that mothers who do (especially those who make the additional sacrifice of pumping after going back to work), should get a little break.

Sabrina Cott, Douglasville mom to two teenagers

I am not in favor of this new IRS decision.  I don’t consider this a medial expense and I don’t think it should be subsidized.  I fed my kids formula and they turned out o.k.  

Denise Thatcher, Douglasville mom to a boy (8)

Life can throw curve balls at us and especially in these tough times it’s nice to know that this new decision may help some that are less fortunate.  Breast pumps are expensive and this may enable some folks to buy them now.  Formula is expensive too but less healthy for a baby.  I think breast milk is best and I’m glad that no matter the problems that a mom may have (financial, physical troubles with breast feeding, etc.) that breast milk may be an option for her baby.

Minde Herbert, Douglasville mom to nearly five-year old boy/girl twins

Research shows that it’s ideal for babies to drink breast milk so I am in favor of this new IRS decision.  I think it may encourage more women to breastfeed that otherwise may turn to formula instead of breast milk due to challenges with latching, etc. Many women, especially in the multiples community, struggle with breastfeeding and often need a bit of help.  Pumping is beneficial in many ways, including helping to increase milk production. An additional benefit to pumping is that it enables another caregiver to help with feedings.  I think that having the opportunity to get directly involved with feeding really helped my husband bond with his children.