chestfeed + person | Campus Safe Words

TERM: chestfeed + person
RISK LEVEL: High

Why It’s Risky

The phrase “chestfeed” combined with gender-neutral language such as “person who chestfeeds” originates in efforts to accommodate transgender and nonbinary individuals who do not identify with traditional maternal terms. While intended to be inclusive, this terminology is flagged under conservative-backed legislation like Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act and Arkansas Act 1002, which oppose replacing sex-based language with identity-based alternatives in public institutions. Using “chestfeed + person” in official materials, trainings, or curricula may be interpreted as advancing gender ideology rather than academic or clinical accuracy.

Common Critiques

Critics argue that this phrasing reflects a political agenda that prioritizes ideological inclusion over scientific clarity and tradition. Some see it as an attempt to erase the word “mother” and redefine biological functions through the lens of identity. Lawmakers have cited such terms as evidence of institutional overreach and misuse of public resources for social engineering rather than education or healthcare.

When It’s Still Appropriate

“Chestfeed + person” may be used in medical, psychological, or nursing contexts when referring to transgender health care or inclusive clinical guidelines, provided it is grounded in peer-reviewed literature or professional standards. In such cases, the language should be clearly framed as specific to a patient population and not presented as institutional default or value statement.

Suggested Substitutes

1. Breastfeed (in general or clinical contexts)

2. Mother or nursing mother (for traditional usage)

3. Lactating parent (used cautiously in medical literature)

4. Female parent who breastfeeds (when clarification is needed)

5. Individual receiving lactation support (in healthcare settings)

Notes:
Avoid using “chestfeed + person” in general education, public communications, or policy documents unless tied to a medically justified, narrowly defined context. In politically sensitive environments, align terminology with biological standards unless explicitly required by clinical practice. When inclusion is necessary, explain that the language reflects specific patient needs or scholarly exploration, not institutional endorsement of identity-based frameworks.