News Release from The United States Congress, Feb 10, 2011 It is about time!!!!

Breastfeeding Equipment to be Allowed as Medical Tax Deduction and Reimbursed by Flexible Health Spending Accounts

Washington, D.C. – In response to a request from Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Representatives Sander Levin (D-MI) and Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced they will reverse a ruling that denies equipment used to help women breast feed from being covered as a health care expense.  The previous ruling excluded breast pumps from coverage under flexible health spending accounts and made them non-deductible on tax returns.

  Merkley, Harkin, Levin, and Maloney wrote to IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman in November to call for the decision to be reversed.  Senators Merkley and Harkin were joined by 9 other Senators; 32 other House members joined Reps. Levin and Maloney.

  In response to today’s decision, Senators Merkley and Harkin and Reps. Levin and Maloney released the following statement:

  “Today’s decision is a huge victory for nursing mothers everywhere.  Modern medicine has documented numerous health benefits linked to breastfeeding, including a reduced risk of illness in infants and a reduced risk of cancer in mothers.  And because breastfeeding is so effective in preventing disease, it also happens to save billions in health care costs.  We thank the IRS for their careful consideration and quick response.”

Breastfeeding with Anxiety and Depression

This discussion comes up all the time.  Women who suffer with anxiety and depression often worry that pharmacological treatment for their symptoms would contraindicate breastfeeding.   NOT true!  There are many medications that have been studied in depth and believed to be safe for use during lactation.  As well, there are a number of non-pharmacological therapies that have been shown to be effective.   Depressed mothers are physically and psychologically in pain.  They may not be able to sleep.  They often feel lonely, isolated and sad for no apparent reason.   Depressed mothers may experience frequent bouts of crying and feelings of being out of control or terribly anxious.  So, please, if you are struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Speak to your doctor, a family member or friend.  If you’d like, there is a wonderful local resource for telephone support called the Mother-to-Mother Postpartum Support network.  They can be reached at 314-644-7001 (or toll free at 1-877-644-7001).  There is nothing to feel shy or embarrassed about.  In the long run, it will be better for both you and your baby if you are treated.  Remember, you have to take care of yourself in order to take care of your baby.   Don’t be shy.  Get help!      Additional Note: If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call 911 or The Life Crisis Hotline at 314-647-4357 immediately.