From a Black, Queer Birthworker: Creating Inclusive Lactation Spaces for Black Communities

By: Jaden Rivers
Date: Aug. 24, 2021

Trigger Warning: Trauma to Black bodies, racism, homophobia, transphobia, queerphobia, microaggressions, colonization.

Breastfeeding, chestfeeding, body feeding, or infant feeding—regardless of the term you choose, the essence remains the same. Recently, there has been a significant push within Black communities to spotlight the importance of lactation, particularly during Black Breastfeeding Week, promoting diversity and inclusion. However, many continue to use traditional binary terms like “breasts,” “mommy,” and “daddy,” often overlooking those who do not identify with these cisgender and heteronormative labels.

Within the Black community, we are actively challenging the dominance of white-led lactation spaces, which often perpetuate unsafe practices rooted in classism, racism, and various microaggressions. The ongoing spread of anti-Blackness persists even as others claim to value Black lives.

Moreover, homophobia, queerphobia, and transphobia impact our communities too. Consider the experience of a Black queer or trans individual grappling with concerns like low milk supply or medical issues, all while facing judgment from lactation professionals who may not understand their identity.

My insights come from both personal and professional experiences. When I sought help for my lactation challenges, I faced discrimination from both white and Black lactation professionals. It was disheartening to navigate my identity as a Black queer, nonbinary parent while seeking support. I remember overhearing staff mock my preference not to be called “mommy” or “mama.”

Experiences like these highlight the ridicule and shame often directed at Black bodies, which have historically been subjected to exploitation in medical settings. If you think I should have responded differently, it’s essential to reconsider your perspective. Black bodies have a legacy of trauma as subjects of medical experimentation, and Black queer bodies face even more discrimination. Research indicates that Black queer and trans individuals experience higher levels of mental and emotional trauma compared to other people of color who aren’t part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The lack of accessible, inclusive resources contributes to this disparity.

Additionally, we must also recognize the unique challenges faced by disabled Black queer and trans individuals and those from nontraditional family structures. This aspect demands further exploration within lactation work.

In the spirit of Black Breastfeeding Week, it’s crucial to understand what inclusivity looks like in lactation spaces and how we can create environments where marginalized Black bodies feel secure. My personal experiences, though painful, fuel my passion for this work. Others may call me a “perinatal table flipper” because I am committed to challenging the status quo.

As a professional, my role involves educating others about the barriers that marginalized Black bodies, especially those identifying as LGBTQIA+, encounter. I aim to confront the shortcomings in lactation practices and teach necessary improvements. I am also pursuing further qualifications to become a radical Black queer, nonbinary IBCLC, ensuring that more Black queer and trans individuals feel safe approaching me with their lactation concerns.

Essential Steps for Lactation Professionals

Here are some essential steps lactation professionals can take to support Black individuals:

Examine Your Biases: Research Black queer and trans perinatal professionals and support networks, like The Queer Doula Network or Mahogany Milk, which aim to uplift and protect Black lactating individuals.
Dismantle Colonized Narratives: Compensate Black professionals fairly for their contributions and insights. The story of the Fultz sisters exemplifies the exploitation of Black bodies in the medical field.
Practice Active Listening: Value the stories and needs of your clients. Prioritize understanding over paperwork.
Mind Your Language: Recognize that not everyone identifies as a mother or a woman. Avoid assuming terms like “mama” or “mommy” for all individuals, and use the language they prefer.
Acknowledge Intersectionality: Understand that not all individuals fit neatly into binary categories. This awareness is crucial for providing effective lactation support.

By addressing our biases and dismantling harmful narratives, we can work towards healing and inclusivity in lactation practices. If you want to learn more about Black Breastfeeding Week or explore additional resources, you can check out this related post. For those seeking fertility supplements, Make a Mom is an excellent resource. Additionally, Healthline provides valuable information regarding pregnancy and home insemination.

Search Queries:

In summary, the journey towards creating inclusive lactation spaces for Black individuals—especially those who are queer or trans—requires a conscious effort to challenge existing biases, employ inclusive language, and actively listen to the diverse needs within the community. It is imperative that lactation professionals recognize and adapt to these evolving understandings to foster a safe and supportive environment for all.

Keyphrase: Inclusive lactation spaces for Black individuals
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]