Back in 2010, our government felt that breast pumps were not a medical "necessity" and therefore did not qualify for tax breaks or for any deductions from federal income taxes. Then in 2011, it became a part of the new tax code that breast pumps and accessories that "promote lactation" can be used as a tax break for some women. I am not a tax expert, and this is not official taxation advisement, but here are some things to consider when trying to use this tax benefit.
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Do you "do" New Year's Resolutions? Some moms do, some moms don't. Here's a list of some resolutions to consider for you and your families when looking at the New Year ahead:
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Holiday music, decorating gingerbread houses at the library, Santa Claus on the fire truck -- these are all signs it's holiday time in my community. In my house, though, it wouldn't be Christmas unless one of my children is sick or has a fever. This is just the way it's worked out the past few years. One year it was the flu - and we were all quarantined. Last year it was a stomach bug and this year the littlest one has a fever so we won't be doing our normal Christmas Eve routine tonight.
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Last night I was watching an old episode of Law & Order from 2000, named Mother's Milk. They addressed the concepts of inexperienced motherhood, breastfeeding, lactation consultants and the dreaded "failure to thrive". I found it very interesting that almost 15 years later some of the same concepts are today affecting mothers we speak to about breastfeeding.
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This hectic time of year reminds me of my awkward moments in breast pumping. The most awkward was answering the front door to our mailman Kevin (who has three kids my sons' ages). He held out the holiday packages very gingerly, never lost eye contact, and rushed away from the porch before I could yell "Happy Holidays" or "Don't forget your cookies in the mailbox". I closed my door and looked down - my shirt was unbuttoned, nursing bra was undone on both sides because I had been nursing and pumping at the same time: I had flashed my poor mailman because I put the pump and baby down to run to answer the door. Poor Kevin. I made a normal moment for me a very awkward moment for him.
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I live next door to wonderful people. Mr. and Mrs. D have been happily married for almost fifty years and raised three children in a small house. They came over to meet each of my sons within hours of us arriving home from the hospital with them. They're great people, inside and out.
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My children know this is my favorite holiday - the one without the presents, the one without candles to blow out, the one without crazy amounts of candy. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it's the one where we sit down together, enjoy each other's company, and share what we're thankful for.
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There's nothing like the holiday season in New York City. The tree, the shopping, the roasted peanuts, the parade, the parties -- but what about pumping?
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His arrival was the most peaceful moment of our lives. The midwife and nurse left the room, and my husband and I looked down at our red-headed angel and agreed - he was perfect.
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When I returned to work after having my first child, my boss was a full-time working mom and our employer was a small division of a large, multi-national corporation. I am thankful that my superiors and co-workers were so accommodating to help me comfortably pump but still get my work done.
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