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.

🎉 NYC Queer Fam! Don’t forget to RSVP to the Pride Family Meet-Up on June 28th at Sugar Mouse!

There’ll be games for the kids, a full bar for the adults, and a Drag Story Hour with Miz Jade! All the info is right here. 🏳️‍🌈

📸 Learn more about discounted photo sessions with Suzanne:

www.suzannefiorephotography.com

Mention The Queer Family Podcast to receive a special offer.

🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsor California Cryobank!

Thinking of growing your queer family? Use code QUEERFAM25 at cryobank.com for a FREE Level 2 subscription to their donor catalog!

🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Check out our sponsor packages ⁠⁠⁠here.⁠⁠⁠

🎧 Loved this episode?

Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive!

OR become a paid subscriber through our RedCircle page for bonus episodes and one-time or recurring donations:

🔗 redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content

🏳️‍🌈 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

🌐 Website: jacobengelsmanibclc.com

🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?

Drop a comment, DM us, or email [email protected]—we love hearing your stories!

🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!

Find us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on YouTube

🏳️‍🌈 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book

🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here. 🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website

🗳️ VOTE. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ADVOCATE. 🍼 BUILD QUEER FAMILIES.

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation!