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

By: Jordan Avery
Date: Aug. 24, 2021

Trigger Warning: This piece discusses the historical trauma experienced by Black bodies, including themes of racism, homophobia, transphobia, queerphobia, microaggressions, and colonization.

Breastfeeding, chestfeeding, body feeding, or simply infant feeding—however you choose to refer to it, the essence remains the same. Recently, the significance of lactation within Black communities has gained momentum, fostering a push for greater diversity and inclusivity, particularly during events like Black Breastfeeding Week.

Unfortunately, many continue to use binary language such as “moms,” “dads,” “mothers,” and “breasts,” often ignoring the experiences of those who identify outside of these cisgender and heteronormative labels. In our Black communities, we are actively challenging the status quo, raising awareness about how predominantly white-led lactation spaces frequently perpetuate unsafe practices influenced by classism, racism, and various microaggressions. The persistence of anti-Blackness remains rampant, even as many claim they support the notion that Black lives matter.

Homophobia, queerphobia, and transphobia also permeate our communities. Consider the journey of a Black queer or trans individual grappling with issues like low milk supply or medical concerns, all while facing judgment from lactation professionals who may not understand or accept their identities.

I speak from both personal and professional experiences. When I sought assistance for my own lactation concerns, I encountered discrimination not only from white lactation professionals but also from Black ones. It was disheartening to navigate my path to self-discovery while lacking the necessary support as a single parent. I remember being dismissed and ridiculed, overhearing healthcare staff mock my requests not to be labeled as “mommy” or “mama.”

Let me be clear: during such a painful and exhausting time, I lacked the energy to confront these individuals about their disrespectful behavior, nor did I know how to report them. Historically, Black bodies have been subjected to ridicule and medical exploitation. It’s critical to recognize that Black queer individuals face unique risks and challenges, compounded by a lack of accessible, inclusive resources.

This week, in honor of Black Breastfeeding Week, it’s vital to understand what inclusivity and affirmation look like in lactation spaces. As someone deeply invested in this work, my own experiences, though painful, motivate me to advocate for change. I’m often dubbed a “perinatal table flipper” because I’m determined to disrupt harmful norms.

I aim to educate others on dismantling barriers that marginalized Black bodies face, particularly those within the LGBTQIA+ community. I am on the journey to becoming a radical Black queer, nonbinary IBCLC through Pathway 3 mentorship—so that more Black queer and trans individuals can feel safe and secure in seeking support for their lactation needs.

To effectively support Black individuals in lactation, here are some steps to consider:

Reflect on Your Biases: Acknowledge and work on your biases. Research Black queer and trans perinatal professionals and support networks, like The Queer Doula Network or Mahogany Milk, to ensure you are informed and supportive.
Dismantle Colonial Narratives: Pay Black professionals fairly and consider hiring Black queer and trans individuals for consulting to improve your practices and avoid causing harm.
Practice Active Listening: Understand the significance of storytelling in our community. Focus on the needs expressed by those you serve rather than just completing evaluation forms.
Be Mindful of Language: Recognize that not everyone identifies with binary terms like “mother” or “mama.” This realization is crucial for creating a welcoming environment for all individuals.
Commit to Continuous Learning: Educate yourself on how to better serve marginalized communities, recognizing the complexities of intersectionality and the importance of inclusive language.

Through collective reflection and action, we can work towards dismantling the systemic racism, homophobia, and other “isms” that persist in lactation, fostering healing and understanding in our communities.

For more insights on similar topics, check out this article from our blog, or learn more from Make A Mom, a trusted resource on home insemination. Additionally, for further information on pregnancy and lactation, visit the CDC’s pregnancy page.

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Summary:

This article discusses the importance of creating inclusive lactation spaces for Black, queer, and trans individuals. It highlights the challenges faced by these communities in accessing supportive care and emphasizes the need for awareness, active listening, and respectful language in lactation practices. The author, drawing from personal experiences, advocates for systemic change and education within lactation spaces to better serve marginalized populations.