Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Trans men should be supported by doctors to 'chestfeed' their babies

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has released a new set of guidelines

Trans men should be supported by doctors to 'chestfeed' their babies

Trans men choosing to “chest feed” their babies should be offered support in the same manner as for cis-women, according to draft guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

The document, open for consultation till September 6, said healthcare professionals should be aware of barriers transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people face in accessing care.

Mode of birth should be discussed with all trans men who desire pregnancy, ideally during a pre-pregnancy counselling appointment, the document said.

It recommended that trans men be asked about their preferred manner of feeding in the antenatal period.

It said appropriate steps should be taken to ensure easy access to care without their gender being questioned or their confidentiality breached.

Individuals should always be addressed with their preferred title, pronouns and family relationships.

Fertility preservation options should be offered to TGD people, regardless of their gender expression, before they access endocrine interventions, the guidelines said.

According to it, trans men who conceive whilst taking masculinising hormone therapy should stop taking hormones as soon as possible.

Gender diverse people should be offered health screening under national public health policies and clinical guidelines, it said.

Consultant gynaecological oncologist Phil Rolland, who worked on the guidelines, said the document was developed to enable healthcare professionals to provide care for all.

He admitted that trans people were more likely to have poor experiences when accessing healthcare and that better service should be provided to them.

“We acknowledge that language is evolving rapidly in this area and publishing this guideline for consultation is part of the process of ensuring the final version of this guidance meets the needs of both our clinicians and our patients,” Rolland said.

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists president Edward Morris said, “Sadly, trans and gender diverse individuals say they often feel judged and misunderstood by the health service. This can act as a barrier for them when it comes to accessing vital care and we as healthcare professionals have a role to play in making them feel listened to and recognised.”

He said the draft guidelines were the first attempt to ensure personalised care for all patients.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less