Chestfeeding 101: An Inclusive Guide for All Parents

What exactly is chestfeeding?

Chestfeeding is simply another term for feeding a baby milk directly from the chest. It's the same physiological process many know as breastfeeding, but with language that feels more comfortable and affirming for some parents.

Who might use this term?

• Transgender men who have given birth

• Non-binary or gender-diverse parents

• Anyone who feels the term better aligns with their identity

• Healthcare providers aiming to be inclusive

The term gained recognition as research showed that many transgender and gender-diverse parents were more comfortable with "chestfeeding" than with "lactation" or "breastfeeding." Rather than replacing traditional terminology, chestfeeding is an expansion of our vocabulary to include everyone.

Love feeds in many forms

Imagine being a new parent, exhausted and vulnerable, trying to get help with feeding your baby, but every form, every conversation, every resource uses language that feels like it's erasing your identity. That's the reality for many transgender and non-binary parents.

As Dr. Caroline Davidge-Pitts from the Transgender and Intersex Specialty Care Clinic at Mayo Clinic explains, "The push for gender-neutral terms is really to bring people into the conversation so that they're included in important medical decisions and discussions."

The ripple effects of inclusive language:

• Improved healthcare access: When parents feel seen and respected, they're more likely to seek help when needed

• Better mental health outcomes: Affirming language reduces gender dysphoria and supports overall wellbeing

• Stronger parent-baby bonds: Parents who feel supported can focus on what matters most – their baby

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recognized this in their 2021 position statement, acknowledging that not all people who give birth and lactate identify as female, and that some individuals identify as neither female nor male.

What research tells us about chestfeeding

Let's bust a myth right off the bat: chestfeeding is physiologically identical to breastfeeding. The milk produced contains the same antibodies, nutrients, and liquid gold magic regardless of the parent's gender identity.

Recent research has revealed fascinating insights. A large-scale study of 647 transgender and gender-diverse parents found that while exclusive chestfeeding rates were lower than in the general population, this was largely due to systemic barriers rather than physiological differences.

The hormones and the how

For those assigned female at birth (AFAB):

• If not on testosterone: Lactation typically proceeds normally

• If on testosterone: This hormone can interfere with prolactin, the key lactation hormone, potentially affecting milk supply

• Post-top surgery: Some individuals who had chest masculinization surgery were still able to produce some milk, especially if nipple connections were preserved

For those assigned male at birth (AMAB):

• Transgender women can successfully induce lactation using protocols involving hormones and breast pumping

• Recent case studies confirm that milk produced by transgender women on hormone therapy is nutritionally adequate for infant feeding

Navigating challenges: The honest truth

Chestfeeding as a transgender or non-binary parent comes with unique hurdles:

Physical considerations

• Top surgery impact: Chest surgery may affect but not necessarily eliminate the ability to produce milk

• Hormone effects: Testosterone can reduce supply; stopping requires careful timing and support

• Binding concerns: Chest binding during lactation can lead to blocked ducts and mastitis, but some parents carefully bind for short periods after milk supply stabilizes

Emotional landscape

• Gender dysphoria: Some trans people experience severe gender dysphoria when chestfeeding and may decide not to nurse for mental health reasons

• Societal pressure: Constant questions and assumptions can be exhausting

• Support gaps: Literature shows that transgender families face considerable stigma and challenges in accessing appropriate lactation support

Systemic barriers

• Healthcare access: Research found that discrimination during health seeking is associated with poor chestfeeding outcomes

• Legal recognition: In many places, non-birth parents face legal hurdles

• Provider knowledge: Many lactation consultants lack training in supporting trans parents

Your toolkit for chestfeeding success

Before baby arrives

1. Build your team early

• Find trans-affirming healthcare providers

• Connect with lactation consultants familiar with gender diversity

• Consider joining support groups specifically for trans and non-binary parents

2. Plan for your unique situation

• If on testosterone: Discuss timing for stopping with your provider

• If post-surgery: Understand realistic expectations for milk production

• If inducing lactation: Start protocols 3-6 months before baby's arrival

3. Prepare for the emotional journey

• Consider therapy with a gender-affirming therapist

• Create strategies for managing potential dysphoria

• Build a support network that uses your preferred language

After baby arrives

Making the feeding experience work for you:

• Experiment with positions: Some parents find certain holds less dysphoric

• Use tools that help: Nipple shields, supplemental nursing systems, or pumping might feel better

• Set boundaries: It's okay to limit who's present during feeding times

• Remember alternatives: Pumping and bottle-feeding your milk is still providing incredible nutrition

When chestfeeding isn't the right choice

It's important to note that fed is best, and your mental health matters. Choosing formula is a healthy option, and seeking support for this decision is just as valid as seeking chestfeeding support.

Some parents find that:

• The dysphoria outweighs the benefits

• Their milk supply isn't sufficient due to surgery or hormones

• Formula feeding better supports their mental health

• A combination approach works best

There's no shame in any of these choices. Your baby needs a healthy, present parent more than they need any specific feeding method.

Napper supports every parent's journey

At Napper, we believe every parent deserves to feel supported, seen, and celebrated, regardless of their gender identity or how they feed their baby. Because let's face it: whether you're chestfeeding, breastfeeding, or bottle-feeding, we're all just tired parents trying to feed tiny humans.

Our philosophy is simple:

• Your identity is valid

• Your feeding journey is uniquely your own

• Your baby is lucky to have you

We're here to support your parenting journey with the same inclusive, judgment-free approach.

The future of inclusive infant feeding

The landscape is changing, slowly but surely:

• More research is including transgender participants to better understand lactation in all people

• Healthcare providers are receiving training on inclusive care

• Specific protocols for trans parents are being created by medical professionals

But we've still got work to do. In many countries around the world, advocacy is needed for:

• Insurance coverage for lactation support regardless of gender

• Legal protections for all parents

• More research on hormone effects and surgical outcomes

• Training for all healthcare providers in inclusive language and care

The bottom line: Fed babies and supported parents

Whether you call it chestfeeding, breastfeeding, nursing, or just "that thing where the tiny human attacks me for food," what matters most is that both you and your baby are healthy, supported, and thriving.

Your journey might include:

• Exclusive chestfeeding for years

• A combination of chest and bottle

• Pumping and bottle feeding your milk

• Formula from day one

• Any creative combination that works for your family

All of these are valid. All of these are parenting wins. All of these deserve support and celebration.

To every parent reading this, whatever your gender, whatever your feeding journey: You're doing an amazing job. Your love for your child transcends any terminology. Because at 2 a.m., when you're covered in milk (yours or formula) and running on fumes, we're all just parents doing our best. And that's more than enough.