Supporting Men’s Lactation Like a Boss

Helping Your Trans Men & Trans Masc Clients Realize Their Feeding Goals

Objectives: 

Feeding and lactation issues are among the most significant challenges faced by new parents. How do we build the confidence to answer trans men and transmasculine non-binary birthers’ questions about feeding options? The vast majority of resources including courses, books, and props, are designed with cis women birthers in mind. How can we apply this information to our supportive work with trans and non-binary birthers who may not connect with “breastfeeding”? Where do we find information and resources on lactation and feeding that are relevant to the needs of trans men and trans masculine people in our birthwork practice?

Description/workshop overview: 

In this 60-minute virtual Q&A, our member Jess Surtees will generously share their lived and professional experience as a non-binary doula and birther to create an open, non-judgmental, and respectful environment to explore feeding and lactation considerations on the perinatal journey of our men and masculine birthing clients. 

Jess is a labour, birth, loss, and termination doula completing studies with Doula Training Canada (DTC) with backgrounds in sexual education, political theory, and the culinary arts.  Jess has a thirst for knowledge and a passion for puns, nature, their three cats, and their (now very active) one-year-old child.

Participants will have an opportunity to learn about how to provide evidence-based, thorough, and inclusive information and referrals on topics like:

• Inclusive language, referrals, and resources
• Considerations regarding testosterone treatment
• Options for birthers who have had mastectomies
• Supporting gender dysphoria
• Affirming lactation support devices (e.g. SNS systems)

This Q&A is for doulas and birth workers looking to improve their expertise and confidence to support trans men and trans masculine people, ensuring their ability to build their client base within this underserved group.

This webinar is offered freely to members and alumni of DTC and is $35 for external participants. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance that can be used as a continuing education unit at DTC.