In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Jacob Engelsman, IBCLC and author of Lactation for the Rest of Us: A Guide for Queer and Trans Parents and Helpers.

**Special Discount: Receive 20% off until 10/31/25 on Jacob's book with code "LACTATION20" here.**

Jacob shares his journey into the lactation field, from working in restaurants to finding his calling as an IBCLC and writer. His work centers on supporting queer, trans, and non-binary families who are often left out of mainstream lactation education. His book fills a long-standing gap by providing practical information, first-person stories, and affirming guidance for families who want to chestfeed, induce lactation, or navigate infant feeding after top surgery.

Together, Margaret and Jacob explore how lactation consultants can expand their knowledge and language to better serve all families. They discuss topics such as:

• Inclusive language and recovering gracefully from missteps.
• Lactation after top surgery and the realities of chestfeeding.
• Binding while lactating and the balance between supply and mental health.
• Induced lactation for adoptive, queer, and non-gestational parents.
• The power of personal stories to reshape how we understand parenting and feeding.

Jacob also shares about his unique childbirth education program for first-time fathers, originally taught in a bar with wings and beer, and why creating approachable spaces for dads—including queer dads—can change the way families prepare for birth and early parenting. Looking ahead, he highlights the importance of more training, advocacy, and resources that affirm the diversity of today’s families.

Links:

• https://www.badoulatrainings.org/blog/5-meaningful-ways-to-be-a-gender-inclusive-provider
• https://www.badoulatrainings.org/blog/top-surgery-and-lactation-what-you-need-to-know
• https://www.lactationtraining.com/shopping/online-shop/continuing-education/gender-diverse-clinic-spaces-detail

Guest Info:

📚 Author: Lactation for the Rest of Us

🌐 Website: JacobEngelsmanIBCLC.com

📸 Instagram: @JacobIBCLC

Connect with Margaret:

📧 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty

📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty

🎙 Hosted by: Margaret Salty

🎧 Guest: Jacob Engelsman

🎵 Music by: The Magnifiers, My Time Traveling Machine

#BehindTheLatch #QueerParenting #IBCLC #InclusiveLactation #TransInclusiveCare #Chestfeeding #InfantFeeding