Can Transgender and Nonbinary Parents Lactate and Chestfeed?

There’s no one way to feed a baby. And if you’re a transgender or nonbinary person looking to start a family, you may be wondering what your options are. Whether you choose to give baby formula from the get go or try to induce lactation, know that you’re doing what you need to do to help your little one thrive. Read on to learn more.

What is chestfeeding?

Chestfeeding is an inclusive term that’s often preferred by transgender and nonbinary parents to describe feeding baby milk from their body. It is also sometimes used to describe the process of feeding baby formula or breast milk from a tube attached to a parent’s nipple via a supplemental nursing system.

Can transgender and nonbinary birthing parents lactate and chestfeed?

With some work and commitment, you can have the incredible experience of chestfeeding your baby, regardless of your gender identity or the gender you were assigned at birth. “Any time a person gives birth, their body will make some milk,” says Jacob Engelsman, IBCLC, a lactation consultant who specializes in supporting gender-diverse families. “There are several factors that determine how much milk they make and how easily the milk can be expressed (for example if they’ve had top surgery), but the hormones responsible for lactation are controlled by the pituitary gland so the milk will be made regardless.” In fact, lactation can be induced for birthing or non-birthing parents. It will take some extra diligence and a few proactive steps you’ll need to work through with your provider and/or an IBCLC (international Board Certified Lactation Consultant).

Can a transgender woman or someone assigned male at birth chestfeed?

Again, it’s all about the pituitary gland, which exists regardless of whether you were born male or female. The pituitary gland produces the hormones responsible for milk production and ejection, prolactin and oxytocin. “Any full-grown, healthy human can induce lactation if they really want to,” reiterates Engelsman. That said, cis-male (or someone born male) would “almost certainly have to start taking hormones (i.e. estrogen and progesterone)” to initiate and encourage this process, Engelsman adds. But for trans women, who’ve already been on hormone replacement therapy, this step would already be underway.

Can a transgender man chestfeed?

Someone born female definitely can chestfeed if they choose to. However, trans men on hormone therapy will likely need to stop taking testosterone and potentially start taking estrogen and progesterone to begin lactating. If a transgender man or nonbinary person has had top surgery with removal of mammary tissue, it may hinder their ability to chestfeed. A supplemental nursing system can help.

Can a non-gestational parent breastfeed?

Thinking about sharing chestfeeding responsibilities with your partner? Parents who haven’t given birth won’t naturally produce the pregnancy hormones to stimulate milk production, but that doesn’t mean they can’t take additional steps to induce lactation. Again, it’ll take a personalized plan coordinated in partnership with a doctor.

Chestfeeding Benefits for Parent and Child

The benefits of chestfeeding are plentiful and well-documented. Essentially, they’re the same as breastfeeding: Skin-on-skin contact helps expedite bonding, and, of course, there are immunological benefits to human milk too.

Why a Trans or Nonbinary Parent Might Not Want to Chestfeed

Chestfeeding is not the right answer for every parent. There are a number of reasons a person may choose not to chestfeed: pain, emotional difficulties, trauma and logistical implications may make it an unrealistic option for some. “Choosing not to induce probably has more to do with the time commitment or medications involved (which are not obligatory but people often think they are),” adds Engelsman. Basically, on top of becoming a new parent, inducing lactation can be stressful—and there are no guarantees. Finally, chestfeeding can potentially exacerbate gender dysphoria and/or body dysmorphia, says Engelsman.

How to Find Support in Your Decision and Journey

Becoming a parent and beginning your chestfeeding journey can be trying on anyone. It’s important to feel confident and secure as you prepare for this major life goal. “Partner support is one of the most important factors,” says Engelsman, as is “having a network of friends or other lactating parents.” You’ll also want to seek gender-affirming care as you weigh your specific options. Finding a doctor and IBCLC can help you navigate the physical, physiological and mental hurdles you may face. But if you want to try, know that you can pursue a personalized plan to reach your goal.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Beyond Mom and Dad: How to Choose Your Name as a Nonbinary Parent

5 Microaggressions LGBTQ+ Parents Face–and How to Respond to Them

Body Dysmorphia in Pregnancy: How to Combat Negative Body Image