WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nursing mothers are getting a new tax break from the IRS-- which puts breast pumps and other supplies on the list of tax-deductible items.

Breastfeeding women can spend as much as $1,000 each year on nursing supplies, thanks to pressure from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other advocates that pushed to define breast pumps and other supplies as medical devices.

The reason for the IRS's change of heart is the many long-lasting health benefits of breast milk for mothers and their babies.

The IRS announcement read:



"The Internal Revenue Service has concluded that breast pumps and supplies that assist lactation are medical care under 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code because, like obstetric care, they are for the purpose of affecting a structure or function of the body of the lactating woman."