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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Lactation support conference in Ireland - the quiet part out loud

281 replies

ArabellaScott · 25/08/2026 11:16

https://genspect.org/where-does-male-lactation-fit-in-breastfeeding-support-networks/

'This year’s program lists a lactation consultant called Jacob Engelsman speaking on “communicating inclusively: creating gender-affirming clinical spaces for families” and “lactation support for gender-diverse families”.'

'Jacob Engelsman is a Certified Lactation Consultant based in the US. He describes himself as an infant care specialist, speaker, and writer. He is the author of a recently published book, Lactation for the Rest of Us: A Guide for Queer and Trans Parents and Helpers, and specialises in inducing lactation in non-gestational parents (parents who haven’t given birth). “Lactation is for anyone” Jacob tells us in this podcast interview.
Engelsman’s interest and expertise is not limited to lactation for the purpose of feeding an infant. One of his previous presentations was “Inducing Lactation for Kinksters” and according to his CV he has been giving various talks including on lactation at Frolicon, an adult lifestyle and fetish convention held annually in Atlanta, Georgia with substantial programming around kink, BDSM, sexuality, polyamory, LGBTQ+ relationships and alternative sexual/family cultures.
He is not a nurse, midwife, doctor, or healthcare professional (nor does he claim to be). He is not a parent or someone with personal experience of breastfeeding. He got his certification five years ago and prior to that worked in the food service industry.'
...
'Why would a man want to lactate? In Engelsman’s own words:
“There are several reasons a person may choose to lactate regardless of whether they can gestate a child…a non-gestational parent might choose to induce lactation as a way to feel emotionally closer to the baby, assert their own feelings of parenthood, gender euphoria, or just for the unique experience of it.” (p.49)
Writing specifically about “cis” men, that is men who identify as men, he says:
“As to the question of why they would want to, it seems reasonable to believe that cis men want to lactate for the same reasons as anyone else. Which is to say, usually to feed and bond with their baby and to a lesser extent for curiosity, fun, or sexual gratification.” (p.152)'

Where Does Male Lactation Fit in Breastfeeding Support Networks? — Genspect

The Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland (ALCI) will host its annual conference this coming October in Galway. Promotional posts on social media feature a lactation consultant, Jacob Engelsman, who promotes some practices that many people fi...

https://genspect.org/where-does-male-lactation-fit-in-breastfeeding-support-networks/

OP posts:
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MarcTheGenderSkeptic · Yesterday 17:58

AimsAndObjectives · Yesterday 17:52

I know that you find it hard to believe that some women are putting up with or even promoting this sort of shit, but you have a habit of almost making it sound like an accusation. You don't walk in our shoes, so try not to be so judgemental.

That's not it, really. I'm just curious as to whether professional women would dissent with the atmosphere prevalent in the last decade. Even if their dissenting was by far the majority view in the room.
I guess we'll never know.

AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · Yesterday 18:46

MarcTheGenderSkeptic · Yesterday 17:39

Genuine Q...had his talk gone ahead, how would the 100% female audience have reacted, especially if his previous comments had been brought up?

I lack the crystal ball to use in order to answer that. Sorry!

ArabellaScott · Yesterday 22:30

AngleofRepose · Yesterday 13:56

Once/if ALCI get wind that you have posted the programme, I predict that they will ask MN to delete your post (don't ask me how I know this), so I recommend that if anyone reading this wants to keep a copy of the programme for themselves, screenshot or otherwise save it before it disappears!

It's all archived to the back teeth, anyway..

OP posts:
BernardBlacksMolluscs · Yesterday 22:37

mrshoho · Yesterday 17:25

How on earth did he ever become a 'lactation consultant'? So one minute he was a receptionist booking appointments and arranging for breast pumps to be delivered and the next he's a renowned expert in the field? His accusations that women who say they are exclusively breast feeding are lying is absolutely bonkers! It is just unbelievable that women take any notice of this charlatan.What I should say is why the hell are health authorities and organisations promoting his crap? I couldnt agree more re the ick factor. He's out in plain sight.

who the heck is hiring a man who has never bloody breast fed to advise them on breast feeding?

i'll tell you one thing I know about breast feeding - I was a hell of a lot better at it the second time around. someone who has never done it is going to be fuck all use when it comes to advice

MrsOvertonsWindow · Yesterday 22:55

BernardBlacksMolluscs · Yesterday 22:37

who the heck is hiring a man who has never bloody breast fed to advise them on breast feeding?

i'll tell you one thing I know about breast feeding - I was a hell of a lot better at it the second time around. someone who has never done it is going to be fuck all use when it comes to advice

"who the heck is hiring a man who has never bloody breast fed to advise them on breast feeding?"

The same type of people who enabled porn soaked queer theorists to "advise" schools about pastoral care, sport, sex ed and the benefits of sex change for children.
The same type of people who enabled dodgy adults to insist that the words woman and all related accurate female language should be removed from medicine, maternity care, menopause and menstruation policies and care etc etc
The same type of people who insist that multiple sex crimes committed by men should be ascribed to women and that the police should harras women daring to raise concerns about extreme transactivism.

We're in this mess because people have been allowed to bully their way into influencing institutions using the cloak of the "sacred caste" with no criticism or challenge allowed - let alone the idea of exercising critical thinking or due diligence.

What a world.

AstonCanKissMyArse · Yesterday 22:57

BernardBlacksMolluscs · Yesterday 22:37

who the heck is hiring a man who has never bloody breast fed to advise them on breast feeding?

i'll tell you one thing I know about breast feeding - I was a hell of a lot better at it the second time around. someone who has never done it is going to be fuck all use when it comes to advice

When my son was in special care, i was struggling to express at home and called the unit, as they told us to.

I got the one male nurse on the unit. As soon as i explained what i needed advice with, i was pleased that his instant response was 'I'll go and get a woman'.

Kinder for my dignity and an acknowledgement that he didn't really know.

What a contrast.

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