Say What? An IRS Tax Break for Breastfeeding!

Attention, nursing mamas! It now pays to breastfeed your little ones in more ways than one. In addition to it being a great way to feed your baby, thanks to the IRS, you will be able to write off the cost of breast pumps and nursing supplies as medical deductions. That’s fantastic news!Attention, nursing mamas! It now pays to breastfeed your little ones in more ways than one. In addition to it being a great way to feed your baby, thanks to the IRS, you will be able to write off the cost of breast pumps and nursing supplies as medical deductions. That’s fantastic news!

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has been pushing for this breastfeeding tax code change for a very long time. When things like vasectomies and weight-loss programs are considered allowable medical expenses, one has to wonder why lactation supplies and things that promote and support breastfeeding have gone without consideration for so long. In other words, it’s about time!

New moms: Here’s what you need to know to get a tax break for breastfeeding…

Breastfeeding Tax Breaks Basics

Of course, there is a catch: In order to deduct such medical expenses, your costs associated with nursing have to exceed 10 percent of your adjusted gross income. But don’t fret. Crossing that threshold, especially in your baby’s first year of life, will come before you know it. Breast pumps and supplies can be incredibly expensive, not to mention trips to the pediatrician’s office, classes, and lactation workshops, and the other various prenatal and post-natal expenses can rack up pretty quickly. Keep track of all your related expenditures!

What’s Included in the IRS’ Tax Breaks for Breastfeeding

Anything used for extracting milk! In a CBSNews.com article, Michelle Eldridge, an IRS spokesperson, explains: “When looking at the supplies, what is really included in this is any item used primarily for extracting milk.”

If the nipple creams, special bras, and lotions are used for medical reasons (can we say “cracked nipples”), they may be considered applicable toward the tax break. But even if they are not, the milk extraction items are generally the most expensive things needed, so those who can reap even that aspect of the tax break can enjoy a big savings.

So How Much Can New Parents Save?

Reuters estimates that the average breast pump is $200+ and other lactation supplies can run up a bill over $1,000. With all the other new baby costs for items, including diapers, clothing, medication, etc., having a baby is very costly. With the tax break for nursing moms, they can use the money toward other needs for their child. Not to mention the health benefits of breastfeeding that are – as you know – priceless!

How to Make Breastfeeding Tax Benefits Work for You

Those who have a flexible spending account (FSA) through their employer are advised to set aside some money to cover the cost of their breast pump and breastfeeding supplies (attachments, cream, bottles, storage bags, nursing pads, etc.). Be sure to check on the specifics of your particular FSA plan (not all of them cover every IRS-approved item) or with your employer’s HR/benefits representative.

For more detailed information, visit the IRS website and/or talk to your financial adviser or tax person. Heck, talk to your mommy friends, too, and spread the word!

Original source Parent Society 

Shakeology and Breastfeeding: How it Helped Increase My Breastmilk Supply

Increasing Breastmilk Supply Is Just ONE of the Many Benefits that Shakeology Has To Offer!

This is a blog post that a friend sent me when I was having supply issues breastfeeding. I tried EVERY single supplement under the sun, including tons of oatmeal, fenugreek, Mother Love drops and anything people suggested.  Unfortunately nothing worked so I kept looking for options.  That's when a friend suggested Shakeology. I heard about it and wanted to try it but thought it was too pricey for me and didn't really believe in it's benefits. After almost giving up on breastfeeding, I decided to give it a shot since I wanted to try and lose weight anyway. My good friend lost a lot of weight incorporating it into her diet so I figured I had nothing to lose.  

I started drinking it and did not notice anything with my breastmilk supply at first. I did, however, love the taste and felt full after breakfast through lunch.  Then my husband started drinking it too and felt the same. After a few weeks though, I started to notice that my son was choking a little bit when he fed.  Since I had a baby scale, I weighed him before and after eating and he drank over an ounce more than he  usually did. I am still drinking it to this day and, at 9 months, my son is having no issues at all getting enough milk anymore.  Read below for the blog post that encouraged me to try it and, if you want to give it a shot, click on the Shakeology link in this sentence. It's 100% guaranteed with a 30 day, money back, bottom of the bag guarantee. Even if you finish the bag, if you don't like it or it doesn't work out for you, you get your money back!  

Blog Post Regarding Shakeology and Breastfeeding from a Fellow Coach

As a BFing mom that has low supply issues, I encourage you to read to the end of the blog. It could really help.

"I know most breastfeeding mothers admit this, but I didn’t enjoy breastfeeding and I had a terrible time with it. Latching problems, a lazy eater, a fast let down, sores, and cracks made connecting with my son through breastfeeding almost impossible. I cried. I winced. I ached. I prayed for it to be over. I didn’t quit though. Armed with a breast pump and enough bottles and storage containers to move a small apartment, I decided I would pump and bottle feed to give my son what I believed was the best for him. (That said, if you are a formula feeding or formula supplementing mom, you are just as awesome and I think no less of you!)

Even with all the trouble that I had, one problem I never had was supply issues. I was able to pump and feed my son, and still save and store about 8-10 ounces per week, for my 2 month old, roughly 2 bottles. It wasn’t a lot, but enough that if I had to run an errand or something, I could leave him with someone instead of bringing him with me. I store extra milk in the fridge from Monday-Saturday and then on Sunday’s I bag and freeze it. For the last almost four weeks though I have saved and stored 40 Ounces (10 Bottles), 40 ounces (10 Bottles), 56 ounces (14.5 Bottles), and now I am not track to store over 75-80 ounces (18-20 Bottles) this week! All of a sudden I just started having to pump every 2 hours and was producing 6 plus ounces each time. I started looking into how to DECREASE supply issues it was getting so much. I did some research and there didn’t seem to be any medical reason for my sudden explosion of milk, so I started to evaluate my lifestyle and came up with this:

Over the last almost 4 weeks I hadn’t done anything new except start a new workout and balance out my diet and start drinking Shakeology daily and then it hit me…SHAKEOLOGY. I had been working out lightly so I couldn’t attribute it to that. I had changed my diet to more fruits and vegetables and less bread and bad fats, but I couldn’t really attribute it to that either. But Shakeo, that was new and maybe that could have been it. Now, I don’t know if it was the combination of my diet and Shakeology or just the Shakeology itself, but I do know that since beginning drinking it, my fridge and freezer are busting at the seams with milk. Before sharing this information with anyone, I wanted to make sure I thoroughly did my research, so I began analyzing the ingredient list of Shakeology and comparing it with known lactogenic foods and herbs. My findings were pretty astounding."

This is a recipe you can try with Shakeology BUT it's not necessary to add these ingredients to notice a boost.  Shakeology alone has natural ingredients that boost supply. A recipe like this just helps even MORE!

Shakeology has a bunch of ingredients but the list below is just a few of the ones that are in Shakeo and are also known to be lactogenic.

Flax – is full of phytoestrogens that can influence milk production.

Beta Carotene – Beta Carotene is needed in extra amounts during lactation. Carrot seed has been used as a galactagogue, and the vegetable, also containing the volatile oils and phytoestrogen, acts as a gentler support.

Spinach – Dark green vegetables like spinach are a potent source of minerals, vitamins and enzymes, as well as phytoestrogen that support lactation.

Spirulina - is a non-toxic variety of blue-green algae. It has been farmed in lakes and ponds as a food source for thousands of years. It is valued for its proteins, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, chlorophyll, and essential fatty acids. Spirulina’s nutrients are easily absorbed, even when a person’s digestion is not up to par.

Chlorella – Like Spirulina, green foods are reputed to increase the fat content of breast milk, it is known to have lactogenic and medicinal properties.

Barley Grass/Oat Straw/Oat Grass – It was recorded in Greek medicine two thousand years ago as a galactagogue. Taken for a week or two, it often helps mothers with chronic low milk supply.

Sesame Seed/Sesame Oil – Large, black sesame seeds are used to increase milk production across Asia. Husked, light-colored sesame seeds are also effective and easier to digest. Sesame is our most potent vegetable source of calcium!

Rose Hips – Contain a lot of vitamin C and can aid the body in the increased production of breast milk.

Sacha Inchi – Has the best source omega 3, 6, & 9 in the world, and omega 3 is essential in the neurological development of your baby.

These are just a few of the primary lactogenic ingredients and galactagouges found in Shakeology. Many, many women drink Shakeology while pregnant and breastfeeding and now I know why!

Here's a recipe to REALLY boost your production by adding ingredients that are known to increase supply.  Shakeology on it's own will help increase it but this super recipe will be an added boost!  If you're interested in giving Shakeology a shot, message me or click on this LINK.  It comes with a 30 day, bottom of the bag, money back guarantee.  This means that, even if you finish the bag, you can return it and receive a full refund.  Beachbody is THAT confident that you'll love it! You really have nothing to lose! 

The Baby Carrier Wars: Ergo 360 versus Baby Bjorn One

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I've owed this review for a WHILE and I've finally had the chance to sit down and write it!  First of all, let me begin with the fact that I've been using my Ergo 360 A LOT lately.  It's like my stroller.  I don't leave home without it.  I've also had a lot of opportunities to compare it to the Baby Bjorn One I tried and a few things stand out.

Front Facing Seated vs. Hanging Position
First and foremost, I have to address the baby "sits" in the Ergo 360 versus the way the baby "hangs" in the Baby Bjorn One. Baby Bjorn has long had it's critics because of the way babies hang in their carriers.  It is not considered ideal for baby's hips.  Bjorn has made a marked improvement in the way baby is seated in the One while facing mom or dad in the front of back carry position in the carrier so that is a plus.  But, baby still hangs versus sits while in the front carry position   A seated position is always preferred and is ideal for baby's developing hips but it is difficult master when designing a carrier. Well, Ergo mastered it with their Ergo 360.  If you look at a baby in the Ergo 360, the carrier forms like a cup under baby's bottom and baby is sitting in the carrier versus dangling with his/her legs spread out.  The baby looks and feels much more comfortable than in the Baby Bjorn One.

Front, Back, Forward, Rear and Side Carries
Both carriers offer you the ability to carry baby on your back and on the front.  They also both offer a front facing position.  What the Ergo 360 offers that the Bjorn one doesn't is the ability to do a side carry.  This can be more comfortable, putting less direct pressure on your lower back and can help get things done while wearing baby since baby isn't directly in front of you.


Padded Shoulders
Both carriers excel in this arena and have very padded shoulders to help alleviate the pressure from carrying baby.  Ergo also sells suck pads (shown below) to place around the shoulder straps to help prevent excess wear to your carrier when a teething baby sucks on the straps or drools all over them as they most do :).  Mine were a little high because I had not yet adjusted them when hubby took the photo but you get the point :)

Head Support
Both carriers have sturdy, adjustable head support that can be folded down when baby is older and can support his or her own head.  This is very handy when they're newborns though.  One perk to the Ergo 360 that the Bjorn does not have is the hood that is concealed within the head support area.  When unfolded and snapped into place on the shoulder straps, it protects and covers baby's head.  This comes in very handy when breastfeeding in the carrier and/or out in the sun to protect baby's head from the harmful rays of the sun.

Bib
This is the only thing that I think the Ergo does not have that the Bjorn does.  When baby is carried in the front facing position, the baby's drool may get the front portion of the carrier wet.  Bjorn makes a bib that attaches to the front of the Bjorn one to protect the carrier and keep it dry.

Price
When it comes to price, the Ergo 360 stands ahead as well. The Ergo 360 retails for $160 while the Bjorn One is $199.

Age and Weight
The Bjorn can be used from newborn up until approximately 3 years of age.  The minimum weight is 3.5kg or 8lb and baby must measure at least 53 cm or 21 in.   The max weight is 15kg or 33lbs and the max length is 100cm or 39 in. Bjorn recommends not carrying baby in the front carry position until at least 5 months of age and not past 12kg or 26lbs.  The Ergo 360 is usable with baby from day one.  The company suggests using the newborn insert (sold separately) until baby is at least 12 lbs or 5.5kg.  The Ergo 360 can be used until baby until baby is approximately 3 years old and is 15 kg or 33 lbs.

Material
The Bjorn One is made out of a cotton blend with 60% cotton and 40% polyester.  The waist belt lining is 100% polyester.  The Ergo 360 is 100% and machine washable.  That comes in very handy with kids as any mom can tell you!

Overall
Overall, I'd have to say that the Ergo 360 is superior to the Baby Bjorn One.  The fact that baby is in a seated position versus a hanging position not ideal for baby's hips alone is enough to deter me from using that carrier.  I have long been an Ergo carrier fan and used the original Ergo I bought for my daughter for over 3 years.  It was very comfortable, never hurt my back and she loved it. My son now loves the 360 and can sit in there for hours as we go for walks, go shopping, etc.  He sleeps in there, breastfeeds and just hangs out without fussing.   The Ergo's price and the fact that it's 100% cotton is also a plus since the polyester can get uncomfortable and hot in the summer.  Last but not least, the hood that comes on the Ergo 360 is great! I can nurse him while I walk around and no one can even tell I'm doing it.  It's great to be able to do that and not have to use my nursing cover since it can be cumbersome and get in the way.

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The BIGGEST Misconception About Breastfeeding!

When it comes to breastfeeding, you are going to get A LOT of advice from A LOT of people. What's important is being informed and not being too hard on yourself if you're having difficulty with it.  I have two kids and had no problem at all with my first.  She latched on right away and would have breastfed for hours if I let her.  She gained weight quickly and was at the top of the percentile bracket across the board.  My second baby, however, did not make it so easy for me.  He had some trouble latching on, moved around a lot while feeding and seemed to lose interest quickly.  To make matters worse, he wasn't gaining weight as he should have and was in the 1-2 percentile from his 2 week appointment through 4 months.  This is even though he was born at a whopping 8 lbs. 6 oz. at birth.

What my biggest problem was with him was figuring out how much milk he was getting from me.  This was actually a problem for me with my first as well but, since she was growing so well and so quickly, I didn't worry about it and figured she had to be eating enough.  When I talked to my husband about my frustrations, he said, "Well, he may not be getting enough because look how little you get when you pump each time."  And what he's referring to is when I'd pump after 3-4 hours of not breastfeeding or pumping.  I immediately got worried and started trying anything and everything I could think of to increase my supply.  I tried drops, pills, teas....anything I could find!  While some products seem to have worked a little bit, none really increased my supply to the point where I'd pump any more than 3 oz at a time.  I got very depressed and spoke with my son's pediatrician.  This is the best thing I could have done.  My children's pediatrician is amazing and, although she knew he was slightly under weight, she knew I was trying to avoid formula and exclusively breastfeed, so she supported me as much as she could.  So, here's the answer to the BIGGEST BREASTFEEDING MISCONCEPTION.... JUST BECAUSE YOU PUMP ONLY 2 OZ DOESN'T MEAN THAT'S ALL BABIES GETTING WHEN HE OR SHE EATS.  Read on for the explanation!

The pump is not a natural way to remove milk.  The body knows this and will not excrete nearly as much as when a baby is breastfeeding.  She explained that you can pump 2 ounces and seem like you have nothing left but, if you latch baby on right afterwards, he or she will be able to get a lot more from you!

So, I went home and did exactly as she told me to.  I put baby down for a nap and, after about 2.5 hours (30 minutes or so before I expected him to wake), I pumped for 15 minutes and got only 2 ounces out. My son then woke up about 45 minutes later. I did as she said and weighed him just prior to feeding. I made sure he had a dry clean diaper on and nothing else. As soon as I was finished feeding him, I weighed him again.  To my surprise, his weight was up 5 1/2 ounces!! Which meant he was able to get an additional 5 1/2 ounces out of me that the pump could not!

 This shocked me and also gave me an ENORMOUS sense of relief!  I wasn't starving my baby after all. I was about to throw in the towel and supplement with formula and, thanks to this piece of advice, I realized I didn't have a supply issue at all. My body just prefers baby versus the pump and that was the only difference.  After having my first and now my second, I have spoken to SO many moms that have the same preconceived notions about breastfeeding. They are afraid of supply issues and, because they didn't think they made enough for their first baby and/or their current one when they pumped, they started supplementing with formula and eventually gave up breastfeeding all together. See, if you breastfeed less often (when you supplement with formula, this will happen) your supply WILL go down. The way to keep supply up is to feed more often, hence supply and demand.  While some women may not be able to breastfeed, either due to personal or medical reasons, if you can, it is THE BEST choice and the HEALTHIEST choice for your little ones.  Not to mention the cheapest!  It's a free nutrient we have within us and it's an incredible natural remedy as well! Stay tuned for my next post on the many ways breastmilk can heal your baby AND you!

Milky! Giveaway: Win a Chance to Try the Organic Way to Increase & Improve Breastmilk Supply

As the mom of a beautiful 4 year old girl and expecting #2 in January, I am always on the lookout for new products.  I love discovering new products that I can use and that other moms will love as well.  Recently I discovered Need Brands.  Need Brands was created by Tia and Tamera Mowry, the famous twins that many of us thirty something moms grew up watching on t.v.!  As they started their own families, they had similar concerns to most moms.  Breastfeeding and producing plenty of milk to feed their little ones was a big one!  They decided to create a tasty, effective product that could increase milk production, be healthy for mom and baby and be affordable too!  From this idea, they came up withMilky!

Milky is a natural, organic lactation herbal tea supplement.  It promotes lactation without having to go through the trouble of brewing hot teas throughout the day and it was designed by a pediatrician to help boost the quality and quantity of breast milk. Some of the main ingredients are fenugreek, fennel, ginger, chamomile and rooibos.  Unlike teas you have to prepare at home, you can take Milky! with you in the convenient bottles they are packaged in and drink them on the go.  They will make for a healthier lifestyle for you and nourish your baby too! One of my favorite aspects of Milky! and all of the Need Brands products is that they are all vegan and are not tested on animals.  They are also all eco-friendly and they are scientifically proven to work.

So, do you want a chance to win your own box of Milky!?  It includes a 6 day supply and it is valued at $29.99 plus $5 flat rate shipping.  Below are the rules to enter and a 10% discount code for all to use as well!

Rules to Enter the Giveaway:
The winner will be selected at random and given points per entry.  Ways to enter are:
1) Like us on Facebook at
2) Follow us on Twitter at
3) Tweet about the giveaway on Twitter
4) Comment on this blog post below

Contest begins September 25, 2013 at 12 am and ends September 29, 2013 at 12 am.  Get started and win yourself a box of the best breastfeeding supplement around.

If you would like to order a supply of Milky! in advance, enter NICK10  at checkout to receive 10% off your entire order of 2 boxes or more.

I was not paid/compensated in any way to test/review this product.


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Vitamin D Supplementation for Breastfed Babies

While breast milk is the most nutritious and complete source of nutrients for a baby, it is usually lacking in one vitamin that many babies need for growth and development. Breast milk does not give babies ample vitamin D. If mom is not supplementing with formula a tall, babies should receive vitamin D supplementation from another source.

Vitamin D from Sunlight
Most physicians suggest that babies get some vitamin D from natural sunlight . Since babies have sensitive skin, however, it is not recommended that they be exposed to sun for long periods of time. Moms should expose baby to sunlight without sunscreen and wearing only a diaper. This should be for no more than 30 minutes per week or 5 minutes per day. If baby is fully clothed, exposure should be increased to about 2 hours per week or20 minutes per day. Families that reside in a cold climate or prefer to supplement vitamin D in addition to sunlight can add Polyvisol orTrivisol to the baby's diet. These are liquid vitamins commonly sold at drug stores and grocery stores.

Vitamin D from Daily Diet
VitaminD is also found in many foods. Since infants and babies do not eat solids until 4-6 months of age, however, this is usually only an option for the mother's vitamin D intake. Vitamin D is found in fortified foods such as milk, orange juice, cereals and yogurt. Some fatty fish,including salmon, tuna, herring and sardines, also have vitamin D and fish oils. Cheese, egg yolks, margarine and liver are also good sources of vitamin D.

Vitamin D deficiency differs amongst ethnicities and populations living in colder regions. Moms and babies that have darker skin or moms deficient in vitamin D will need additional supplementation themselves. Since some vitamin D will travel through the breast milk,the amount the baby is getting from mom depends on mom's diet.

Vitamin D supplementation is also recommended more so for those living in colder regions or in northern areas such as Canada and Alaska. These regions don't receive much sunlight during the year making it difficult for mom and baby to get sufficient vitamin D.

If you are not sure whether your child needs additional vitamin D supplementation, you can get him or her tested. Babies can get blood test to determine the vitamin D in their system as can mom in hers.

US Recommendations for Vitamin D Intake
In the US, the recommended intake of vitamin D for babies and lactating mothers is 200 IU (5 micrograms) per day, the same as for anyone else under the age of 50. Infants 0-12 months should not exceed 1,000 IU (25 µg) per day. Anyone aged1-50 years should not exceed 2,000 IU (50 µg) per day.

In an April 7, 2003 Policy Statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that "all infants,including those who are exclusively breastfed, have a minimum intake of200 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day beginning during the first two months of life since adequate sunlight exposure is not easily determined for a given individual."