With tax season right around the corner for many countries, stories about interesting tax breaks and deductions are beginning to crop up in the media. One that caught our attention: tax breaks for breastfeeding supplies.
According to American tax specialists at H&R Block and the federal government’s Internal Revenue Services (IRS), parents can now make “health deductions” for items such as breast pumps and lactation supplies since breast milk has been acknowledged as providing substantial health benefits to babies.
The question is, will Australia follow?
Breastfeeding: Saving Millions Per Year
A recent study released by the NHS (conducted by researchers from Brunel University) in late 2014 revealed just how much breastfeeding parents are helping ease the NHS’s financial burden. The study showed that increasing breastfeeding could save the NHS up to £40m each year since breastfeeding helps reduce the need to treat a number of childhood diseases (such as middle ear infections, bowel infection and lower respiratory tract infection) and it reduces a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Australia’s Commitment to Breastfeeding
The Australian government kicked off its National Breastfeeding Strategy in 2010. This extensive 5 year plan is geared towards improving the health, nutrition and general well being of babies and young children through the promotion, protection, support and monitoring of breastfeeding on a national scale.
Laws have been established to support and protect breastfeeding in the workplace and in public, and opportunities for breastfeeding help and support have been made widely available. Now the final step may be to provide financial support which could come in a similar fashion as the system in the United States.
Global studies have shown that lower income communities have lower rates of breastfeeding for a number of reasons, from lack of education to the inability to pump or breastfeed in the workplace. Additional financial support from governments can be what will help new mums better realize her feeding options and be able to make a decision on how to feed her baby not based on financial need or welfare, but rather what is best for her bub.
Save Money on Breastfeeding Today
Mums need not spend a lot of money on breastfeeding gear and supplies. We have some quick money saving tips below:
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Rent a pump: Many mums don’t need to buy a breast pump and can rent one when necessary.
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Washable breast pads: Mums can save hundreds of dollars by purchasing washable breast pads rather than opt for disposables.
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Choose your clothes wisely: Be smart when purchasing your breastfeeding attire.
The intuitive design of the breastfeeding clothes at Peachymama allow for mums to not only comfortable feed her bub, but our system is so discreet that no one can tell that the clothing you’re wearing is designed for breastfeeding!
Many of the mums who choose Peachymama breastfeeding clothing continue to wear the clothes for years after they’ve weaned their bub.