Women outraged as speaker who helps men lactate for ‘curiosity, fun or sexual gratification’ is booked for breastfeeding conference funded by the Irish taxpayer
A breastfeeding consultants’ conference in Galway has drawn criticism over its decision to host US lactation consultant Jacob Engelsman, who is due to speak on supporting gender-diverse families. Women’s rights activist Catherine Monaghan argued that the event should focus public resources on women’s breastfeeding support and infant welfare, rather than male lactation or adult sexual interests.
The Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland receives annual HSE grant funding, according to Monaghan, who questioned whether this was an appropriate use of taxpayer money given Ireland’s comparatively low breastfeeding rates. Engelsman, author of a guide for queer and trans parents, says he supports induced lactation in people who have not given birth and in men using medication; Monaghan cited his previous kink-related presentation and argued that male lactation can indicate medical problems. The article does not include a response from Engelsman, the ALCI or the HSE.
- Irish conference criticised over gender-diverse lactation speaker
- Activist questions use of public funding
- No response from organisers included
New here? Start with this
Breastfeeding support in Ireland is provided by health services and specialist lactation consultants, who advise families on feeding infants. The Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland holds conferences for professionals, including sessions on supporting families with different circumstances.
Some people who have not given birth may induce lactation, sometimes with medication; this can include transgender men. The practice sits within wider discussions about how breastfeeding services should support gender-diverse families and how medical guidance should address lactation.
The dispute also raises questions about the use of public funding and the priorities of breastfeeding services. Ireland’s breastfeeding rates and the needs of infants and families are part of that debate.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Inclusive healthcare requires that lactation professionals understand and support all individuals, including transgender men and non-binary people who may seek lactation—a legitimate clinical and medical need. Expanding professional education to encompass diverse family structures need not undermine focus on traditional breastfeeding; rather, it reflects modern clinical practice where professionals must serve all patients. The speaker's expertise in supporting gender-diverse families represents precisely the kind of professional development contemporary healthcare demands.
The case against
Given Ireland's comparatively low breastfeeding rates and the public health implications for infant nutrition and maternal welfare, taxpayer-funded conference resources should prioritise addressing this evidence-based priority. Breastfeeding's core purpose—infant health and development—is distinct from adult-focused lactation topics, and limited resources devoted to the latter represent an opportunity cost. Professional conferences should concentrate expertise and discussion on their primary clinical mission, particularly when public health budgets face urgent maternal and infant welfare challenges.