Hi All,

 

After a series of discussions with others I have decided to create a
database of LGBT Friendly lactation experts.  Why?  Simple really.  I know
that not everyone in our field is OK with the LGBT community (Lesbian, Gay,
Bi-sexual, Transgender).  For me, I don't care what someone's personal bias
is as we have a right to our own personal opinions and I respect that right
(even though I may not agree with one's personal bias).   But same-sex
couples who need breastfeeding help (or just an HCP) do care.  The LGBT
community is often faced with being treated with disrespect by their HCP due
to personal bias.  I myself have been subjected to this treatment within the
past year.  It can be very scary for a mom in a same-sex relationship to
call for help, fearing judgment and disrespect by someone who does not agree
with or approve.  I hear it frequently from the same-sex couples I work with
and have spoken with around the country and in LGBT groups I am a member of.


 

While I know some may not understand why there may be a need for this
database, I do NOT want to start a debate on this subject.  Many of you are
already work wonderfully with same-sex couples.  But many same-sex couples
do not know who is safe to talk to.  I want them to know who they can trust
- who they can go to for support.  We in the LGBT community deal with
discrimination and disrespect all the time - we do not need it when we have
a baby to care for or need help with breastfeeding - an intimate situation
that calls for the best and most accepting of caregivers.  Knowing who we
can go to without the risk of being rejected is a wonderful gift!

 

As an Out Lesbian IBCLC, I get a lot of calls and emails from around the
country (and some from other parts of the world) from same-sex couples
looking for an LGBT Friendly LC or HCP.  It has been an interesting
challenge, to say the least, on my part to find them the support and
acceptance they need and deserve.  So I have decided to create a database
with my Wife's help (she is amazing with databases and Excel spread sheets!)
that will allow the LGBT community to find LGBT Friendly Lactation Support
in their area.  It will take time to put together but when it is done, I
hope to be able to make it available to all in some manner.

 

If you are LGBT Friendly, and are interested in being a part of this
database to support and assist same-sex couples in their journey of
parenting and breastfeeding please send the following information to
[log in to unmask]

 

Name

Location (city, state, zip country)

Contact information you can be reached at (phone, email, etc)

Website if you have one.

 

If you ARE LGBT please let me know - I'd like to chat!  I am only 1 of 2
lesbian LC's I know of and I am the only one who is Out internationally.  J
There have to be more of us!  J

 

Thank you!

Warmly,

Jaye

 

Jaye Simpson, CLC, IBCLC, CIIM, MoM

Breastfeeding Network

www.breastfeedingnetwork.net

 


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