Got milk? Would you seek nursing advice from a guy?
Today’s metro front story focused on Eric Nemens’ quest to become a certified lactation counselor for nursing moms. Nemens, co-owner of the children’s resale shop Kangaroo Kids with his wife Sierra, says he’s routinely submerged in estrogen because he already handles inquiries from moms about nursing bras, breast pumps and baby slings. He said it made sense to get the training to better promote the joys and health benefits of breastfeeding both to moms — and dads.
While writing the story, lactation consultant Mary Ann Hill, of St. Mary’s Health Center, told me she might even consider asking Nemens to conduct a class at the hospital for expecting dads, so they could learn to be supportive partners of breastfeeding moms.
What do you think? Moms, would you be willing to ask a guy for help about breastfeeding? And dads, would it help to have a guy out there you could ask about breastfeeding to better help your partner through those early days of nursing?
Nancy Cambria is the Children and Families reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. She writes on a wide variety of topics pertaining to the well-being of children and family issues. She posts on children and family policy in The Grade blog and on general family and parenting issues in the Parents Talk Back blog located in the lifestyle section. 
I think the class for fathers would be fine. And advice about the benefits of breastfeeding would be okay, too. But, when I had a lacation specialist visit me, she would show me how to get the baby to latch correctly. This included physically putting the baby to my breast. I wouldn’t be comfortable with a man doing that unless he was my doctor.
Ok, a male Gynocologist is seeing and touching something alot more sensitive than the breast. I had male nurses aides come and go all the time when I was in the hospital with my daighters. They are trained professionals. I would have no problem having a male lactation consultant. As for their knowledge of lactation, since they don’t have breasts? Does a female lactation consultant who has never had a baby automatically know more than a man because she has breasts? Probably not.
Kudos to Eric Nemens. He cares & has no problem showing it. Nursing Mothers need support @ home & in the community. Breastfeeding improves infants’ & toddlers’ health significantly.
Eric and Sierra rock and so does their store. After watching me breastfeed two babies over the past four years, I think my husband is qualified on a level to give advice. I’m proud to hear him encouraging women to breastfeed and their partners to support them.
As for a man touching my breast, this just falls into the sad state of sexuality society had attached to my breasts. Just like with an OB, if you don’t want a man, seek a woman.
Poor Sierra can’t work that store 24/7 so kuddos to Eric for wanting to get the most knowledge he can to help their customers.