In light of this article, my question is:
Would you feel comfortable going to a man for breastfeeding help?

No, I wouldn't. Just as I wouldn't feel comfortable going to a FEMALE lactation consultant that has never breastfed. To me, one of the biggest parts of the job is knowing the woman helping you has been there, and suffered some of the same challenges as you did, and was able to over come and continue breastfeeding. We have a LC at one of our hospitals that has never breastfed, and she just doesn't have the same compassion for things like sore nipples or being so tired, or any of the other typical early BFing complaints that those who have breastfed have. Maybe thats just me, but I personally would not seek help from male.

what about dr. jack newman?

being that I've met the guy, I'm actually comfortable with him. My DH recently has admitted interest in becoming an LC. He's such a lactavist!

ETA.... I voted maybe in the poll and I wanted to say.... would I seek out a male LC, probably not, but if one was presented to me as an option, I would remain open to the possibilities. If I did not feel comfortable with him, I would take verbal advice, but would not disrobe in front of him. I really think male LC's would be great teaching breastfeeding classes with some emphasis on the partners (DH/SO/BF/etc) role in BFing.

To me, there is a difference in a DR and an LC. I see Dr. Thomas Hale. I am comfortable with him. But, he is not someone I would look to to guide me through sore nipples, or a difficult latch. I'm not saying NO ONE would be comfortable with a guy (or woman who had never breastfed), just that I'm not.

Creeps me out.

I respect Newman and all other males in the birth and breastfeeding field BUT I personally would not see a male for my girly stuff for a couple of reasons. I'm more comfortable with a woman who has been through birth and breastfeeding herself.

I know women who have breastfed easily for 6 months or so and never really had challenges. Baby latched well, no sore nipples, easy breastfeeding relationship, etc. How is their input more valuable than a woman who has studied and researched and may be at the pinnacle in her field but never breastfed? Although this isn't addressing the male vs. female LC question, this statement just stuck out.

Eh, I know Eric and Sierra. I'd say probably, even though I just voted no before reading the article.

Funny..... I voted, then read some responses...... including the one mentioning Dr. Newman, and changed my mind, but could not go back and change my vote! I guess, I was thinking more of someone who works in a clinic or makes home visits... etc. I have been to Jack Newman's clinic a number of times with clients and I think he is awesome.....still it just feels more "natural" to be mentored by another woman. I would not be comfortable with a male doula either.

I personally don't think I would be comfortable...but I have never gone to a male gyno or anything like that either! Midwives only for all well-woman consultations for me! However, I think that ALL OB/GYNs should also get LC training...as well as pediatricians! Maybe if they understood it better, they would be much more helpful to nursing moms in general!

Huh, thats a good point.

The store this guy works at/owns is a place where you can simply call up and get good LC advice over the phone,or stop by for help in person. For free. I can see why it would make sense for him to have the training and certification. He's already helping women pick out nursing bras and slings, and I'm sure offering good BFing advice.

Yes, I would. I know an excellent male LC. Honestly, I do think that a male LC, or even a LC or doula or midwife of either sex, who hasn't given birth or breastfed, has a special gift in that they do not bring their own personal experiences (whether positive or negative) into a situation.

I am totally and completely comfortable with it. I go to an OB group that employs one male midwife among 7 women. And he's the one I always see for OB and GYNO stuff. He's wonderful. I actually went to see him when I was having BFing problems and he gave me more useful advice than the female midwives and the LCs combined. He was very supportive of his wife when she breastfed their children and was also her biggest support when she experienced problems so he's incredibly compassionate and sympathetic.

I must agree. This is very well put. When I talk to women who had had wonderful breastfeeding experiences (you know 3-4 kids, nursed them all until they self-weaned, never had sore nipples, mastitis, thrush, etc) look at me like I have 5 heads when I tell them how hard breastfeeding was for me. Just because a woman may have breastfed does not necessarily mean she'll be compassionate and understanding. I also understand that just because they had good experiences doesn't mean they can't be sympathetic but then doesn't that also mean that a man can be understanding too. Just my