Chestfeeding is feeding your baby with milk from your chest.
If you’re able to chestfeed, it’s your decision whether you do and you can change your mind at any time. You will be fully supported in any decisions you make.
Chestfeeding if you’ve had top surgery
If you’ve had top surgery to remove soft tissue, you may still be able to chestfeed or express your milk.
It is not possible to know how much milk you will produce and if it will be enough for your baby. You may need to offer your baby supplementary feeds.
Your baby may find it difficult to latch on to your nipple if there is less soft tissue available. In this case, talk to your midwife.
Non-urgent advice: Speak to your midwife or a GP if:
- you want to take testosterone while chestfeeding
Testosterone can decrease your milk supply. Your midwife or a GP can advise you.
Binding while chestfeeding
If you bind (reduce the appearance of soft tissue by flattening your chest) and are chestfeeding, there may be a higher chance of you getting an infection called mastitis.
Mastitis is when your chest becomes swollen, hot and painful. You may want to try wearing a larger size binder than before.
Speak to your midwife or a GP if you think you may have mastitis.
Skin-to-skin contact
Skin-to-skin contact with your newborn is a great way to bond with your baby.
Skin-to-skin means holding your baby naked or dressed only in a nappy against your skin.
It’s good to do at any time and will help to comfort you and your baby over the first few weeks as you get to know each other.
Further support
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Gender Inclusion has a support leaflet and resources, which might be helpful for you to take to appointments
- La Leche League GB: Support for Transgender & Non-binary Parents