Breastfeeding guide to axe ‘womanly’ in title

A BEST-SELLING book for mothers on how to nurse their babies could be updated to remove the words ‘womanly’ and ‘breastfeeding’ from its title.

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding has become a trusted guide for many new mums since it was first published by campaigners La Leche League (LLL) in 1958.

But the breastfeeding charity is now considering changing the title in what critics fear is an attempt to appease transgender lobby groups.

It comes after the Royal College of Midwives last week apologised for referring to mothers as ‘postnatal people’ in guidance on how to help newborns sleep better. The reference was later removed from its website.

Ahead of publishing the ninth edition of the book, LLL has launched a survey among volunteer ‘leaders’ of its breastfeeding support groups.

It says translations for many overseas versions have already changed the title to ‘better reflect local culture’ – and it asks volunteers for their views on the removal of ‘womanly’ and ‘breastfeeding’.

LLL has previously used the term ‘chestfeeding’ as an alternative to ‘breastfeeding’ on its website.

The move comes amid growing unease that women are being ‘erased’ by organisations set up to support mothers amid pressure from transgender activists to use gender neutral language.

Retired LLL leader Lisa Moro said: ‘I was very concerned to see there is a question over the words “woman”, “breastfeeding” and, at other times, “mother” as these are the core of what the organisation is about. These words were very plain and easy for all mothers to understand.

‘The only reason I can see for this proposed change is to perform virtue signalling and appease some of the more extreme elements of transgender activism.’ Another

LLL leader, who asked not to be named, said she had complained to the board of the organisation that volunteers who use terms such as ‘woman’, ‘mother’ and ‘breast’ were being excluded by some breastfeeding groups.

‘The board turned a blind eye enabling the targeted vilification, harassment and bullying of volunteers who disagreed with using desexed and de-feminised language in breastfeeding support,’ she said.

An LLL spokeswoman said: ‘The title of the book will be an important aspect of the marketing strategy aimed at ensuring the book reaches as wide an audience as possible. The survey was...to give its volunteers the opportunity to have their voices heard.’