Moms Talk: The Debate About Breastfeeding

The choice of whether or not to breastfeed your child is a personal one, but lately the issue of nursing has become a political debate involving everyone from First Lady Michelle Obama to Sarah Palin and Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann.

Just last month the Internal Revenue Service issued a ruling that breast pumps and other nursing supplies can be deducted from a woman's medical expenses. Through a health savings account, women also can receive reimbursements for these supplies.

Bachmann has argued that the ruling is just another example of government intervention in public life. She also called it an effort to promote a "nanny state."

However, the First Lady has issued her support for breastfeeding, saying she has breastfed her own children and that the practice tends to lower the rate of obesity among children. Some research also indicates that breastfeeding leads to kids having higher IQs, less food allergies and less behavioral problems than formula-fed kids.

Rye Patch readers, what do you think about this issue?

Here's this week's discussion topic:

Should a woman breastfeed her children and is the IRS ruling a subtle way to encourage more women to undertake this practice?

Do you think there is a correlation between childhood obesity, nutrition and breastfeeding? Does our current work culture even facilitate the practice of breastfeeding for working women who may want to nurse their children but find it difficult to do while working full-time?

Please take a moment to weigh in on this topic in the comments section below.