‘Chest’ Feeding vs. Breastfeeding and the Semantics of ‘Gender Inclusion’

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‘Chest’ Feeding vs. Breastfeeding and the Semantics of ‘Gender Inclusion’


‘Chest’ Feeding vs. Breastfeeding and the Semantics of ‘Gender Inclusion’

In an effort to “respect, promote and fulfill the human rights of all LGBTI people,” the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine announced that it will begin using and recommending “gender inclusive” language when it comes to talking about birth and infant feeding.

In areas of the world that “affirm and support gender-diverse lactating persons,” breastfeeding will now be referred to as “chest” feeding, and the product that results from such feeding will now be referred to as “parent’s milk.” The actual process will be called “human milk feeding.”

While The Associated Press has not yet addressed this issue and presently only refers to breastfeeding as one word — meaning that official AP style would read “chest feeding,” with two words — the Academy has chosen to make it one word, chestfeeding.

In a four-page statement, the Academy explained the nuances of its language choices and acknowledged that some areas of the world do not recognize LGBTQI+ terms or pronouns. Therefore, the new wording will not be enforced in those areas, as it could “do more harm than good,” especially in places where those who use the new language could be subject to arrest, prosecution or other punishments.

Gender-inclusive language also may be hard to understand in some areas, the Academy added, because of the way some cultures translate “parent” and “mother.” They suggested that other terms, such as “expressed milk” or “father’s milk” or simply “milk” could be used in certain situations.

In a separate section of its statement, the Academy addressed scientific issues such as how to discern who is what when it comes to “birthing people” and medical studies where birth gender was previously an important clinical component. The Academy also acknowledged that some people may not like the new terms and may choose to use whatever language best suits them, despite the Academy’s recommendations.

 The Academy of Breastfeeding did not say whether they intend to change their gender-specific name to more inclusive language, such as Academy of Chest Feeding.

 

SOURCES:

Fox News August 14, 2021

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine August  2021

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