The Language of Birth
A Starting Point for Gender-affirming Language
Language is important! When it comes to reproductive experiences or family building a lot of assumptions are made about birthing people which often exclude non-binary and trans folx from the birthing space.
Not all people who give birth are women and not all women can give birth!
We can be intentional in our use of gender-expansive language to acknowledge and value the diverse experiences of birthing people. When we open up our language we make more space for different experiences and vital conversations.
Pregnant people = A simple shift that includes all those who are pregnant
Birthing Person = A person who has or will give birth (this term doesn’t assume someone giving birth is/will be a parent)
Gestational parent = A parent who has or will give birth
Chestfeeding/Bodyfeeding/Lactation = Feeding from the body
Parent/Co-parent = Identifying a parent without gendering them before you know what parental names they like to use
Partner/co-partner = identifying a person’s partner without assuming their gender
Parental = this term can be used to describe a parent’s parental instincts or responsibilities without gendering
These terms offer a starting point and by no means are exhaustive but allow us to begin to leave our assumptions at the door. As a non-binary person, I would always suggest asking “how would you like me to refer to you?” allowing space for self-determining, whilst listening to the language people use to describe themselves can be a useful way to respect the language people use.