Induced Lactation 101: Queer, Trans, and Chestfeeding Realness

Can cis men be lactation consultants? Can trans folks chestfeed? Can someone who had top surgery still make milk? YES, YES, and YES. In this eye-opening Pride Extravaganza episode, Jaimie sits down with Jacob Engelsman, a cisgender queer man, lactation consultant, and author of Lactation for the Rest of Us, a groundbreaking guide designed specifically for queer and trans families. Together, they dive into all the whos, whys, and hows of induced lactation—debunking myths and expanding the conversation around who gets to feed babies with their bodies. Jacob also shares his personal story of love, queerness, and staying connected to his trans husband through their evolving identities.

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🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways

• Inducing lactation for trans women, trans men, and non-binary folks
• Breastfeeding/chestfeeding after top surgery
• How society sees queer families (before vs. after transition)
• What most people don’t know about lactation
• Jacob’s unique journey from food service to lactation expert
• Staying connected through a partner’s transition
• Queer visibility, medical bias, and access to care
• Becoming a “guncle” and chosen family pride
• The power of scrappy queer problem-solving

🏳️‍🌈 About the Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈

Jacob Engelsman (he/him) is a queer cisgender man, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), educator, and the author of Lactation for the Rest of Us: A Guide for Queer and Trans Parents and Helpers. He specializes in supporting LGBTQIA+ families on their feeding journeys and is committed to making lactation knowledge more inclusive and accessible.

🏳️‍🌈 Resources Mentioned

• 📚 Order the book on Bookshop
• 📱 Instagram: @jacobibclc