Midwife: Her Perspective on Breastfeeding

In this interview, a midwife shares her professional and personal experience of breastfeeding: fears, misconceptions, practical advice, and the role of the co-parent.

Summary

• Introduction & Background
• Pregnancy and Professional Experience
• Supporting the Breastfeeding Plan
• Fears and Misconceptions
• Keys to a Good Start
• Milk Supply
• Advice for Expectant Mothers
• Personal Breastfeeding Plan
• Influence of Expertise
• Foods to Avoid
• Memorable Stories
• Breast Pads
• Advice for Those Who Hesitate
• Learning from Social Media
• Closing Statement

Can you introduce yourself and your background?

“I have been a midwife for 11 years. I studied in Brest and worked in various hospital settings in France, in level 2 and 3 centers. Currently, I’ve been in my department for 2 and a half years. During my training, I took an advanced course on breastfeeding with a specialist who helped create the lactation university diploma in the 2000s. So, we came out with real knowledge about breastfeeding, which we use every day with the women we support.”

How are you experiencing this pregnancy as a healthcare professional?

“This is my first child, and I’m experiencing my pregnancy very well: I’ve had almost no symptoms, just some fatigue in the first trimester, but I can continue doing what I want, which is very nice. As a professional, I was already giving advice to women based on what I heard from others, my experience, and what I learned. But living it myself is completely different. It gives me a new perspective, and I think that when I return to work, it will change how I advise and support mothers and expectant mothers.”

How do you support women in their breastfeeding plan?

“In consultations, I talk about ‘feeding’ rather than ‘breastfeeding,’ to leave mothers the choice: breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Some already know what they want, others decide after birth. My role is to support them in their plan, whether it’s breastfeeding or formula feeding, and to be there if they change their mind. The main thing is for the mother to be calm: better a smiling mom with a bottle than a crying mom with her baby at the breast.”

What are the main fears and misconceptions about breastfeeding?

“The main fears mothers have are pain and not producing enough milk. At first, the quantity is indeed small, since it’s colostrum for 2–3 days. But the more the baby nurses, the more milk production is established, and milk supply comes naturally—it’s a physiological process. There are also solutions: silicone nipple shields if it’s too painful, creams for prevention, breast pumps for those who dislike direct contact or are shy. Breastfeeding mainly requires availability, unlike bottles, which others can give. Today, breastfeeding is making a comeback, but it’s not a trend—it’s a personal choice. The key is that every mother feels supported, listened to, and reassured.”

What are the keys to starting breastfeeding well?

“It’s important to learn a bit about how breastfeeding works. As I said, at first, there’s only colostrum: the baby will nurse often but in small amounts. This milk, rich and fatty, is enough for their needs. Then comes the milk supply. One must be prepared for this physiological, hormone-driven phenomenon. The co-parent’s support is also essential. Many think, since the mother breastfeeds, the co-parent doesn’t do much. But actually, their role is crucial, both morally and logistically. Breastfeeding, especially at first, takes a lot of time; someone has to manage the rest at home. The keys are patience and not putting too much pressure on yourself. Some mothers set high expectations, but the more you let the baby lead, the more natural things become. Of course, some cases aren’t straightforward: it depends on the mother’s breasts, nipple shape, the baby, whether they’re premature, their strength… In those cases, we provide extra help. That’s what we do in the maternity ward and after discharge. At first, it’s said to be natural: the baby knows how to suckle and the mother has colostrum. But the two still need to adjust for breastfeeding to succeed.”

How long does it take for milk supply to come in?

“Generally, milk comes in after 3 to 4 days. But it can vary depending on the birth context: due date, C-section, hemorrhage, or other complications can delay it. It also depends on breast stimulation in the first 40 to 72 hours: more stimulation can make milk come in earlier. Some women produce colostrum during pregnancy, even with leakage, while others don’t. In those cases, milk may take longer to come in.”

Do you have any advice for future breastfeeding mothers?

“A first piece of advice is to see if they’re comfortable with their bodies, ready to discover them—even while staying somewhat covered, since breastfeeding happens everywhere and anytime. So being comfortable with your body is important. Another tip is not to overthink it, let things flow, listen to your instinct, and most importantly, listen to the professionals guiding you. That’s essential. I also think it’s important to have someone after leaving the maternity ward. The stay is short, while breastfeeding is long-term. It takes at least a month for breastfeeding to be fully established: for the mother and baby to find their rhythm, and for milk supply to be sufficient. It’s really after a month that the maximum milk quantity is reached, allowing breastfeeding to continue for 2, 3, or 6 months, depending on the mother’s wishes. So, the key word is patience. Also, having a co-parent managing home logistics during the first month is a big help. In that regard, the one-month parental leave is a great thing. And finally, having an available healthcare professional to answer questions is a real, essential support.”

Do you have a breastfeeding plan for your baby?

“Yes, I plan to breastfeed because I want to experience it, since it’s my first child, and see how it goes. Maybe I won’t like having my baby so close, maybe I won’t have enough milk, maybe it won’t go well… but I want to try and see. If it works during my stay at the maternity ward, the first few days, or the first week, great. But I won’t force it at all costs. I’ll try, and we’ll see how it goes with my baby once he’s here. I’ve already prepared a few things, like Curve nursing pads, which are amazing. I got them at noon, tested them, and when my partner came home, I let him see: there was slight moisture after 4–5 hours, but honestly nothing compared to the full pipette I had emptied.”

Does your expertise influence your view on breastfeeding?

“Yes, I think patients who want to breastfeed but haven’t received basic information or tips don’t have the same chances as others. As healthcare professionals, we deal with breastfeeding daily, so we have little ‘tricks.’ Maybe I don’t think of them right away in an interview, but when facing breastfeeding mothers with their babies, things come to mind to say or suggest. And yes, I think our expertise really helps breastfeeding go better than for a mother who hasn’t had that support. It comes from both training and years of practice supporting women.”

Which foods should be avoided while breastfeeding?

“When pregnant, many things are discouraged because of germs. But after birth, during breastfeeding, only alcohol is discouraged. That’s it. Afterward, depending on what the mother eats, the baby’s digestion can be affected: sometimes constipated, sometimes not. You also have to see if the baby has cow’s milk protein intolerance, reflux… It depends on each child, since they feed on milk made from what their mother eats. So it’s up to the mother to adjust her diet if needed. But basically, while breastfeeding, it’s always 0 alcohol.”

Do you have any memorable or touching stories to share?

“Yes, for me some mothers are very brave: those who are determined to breastfeed and make it work. When it doesn’t go smoothly, they pump milk, give supplements… Some hesitate, but they push through for days. They leave the hospital and return home with a whole protocol to follow. I think these mothers are very courageous to continue breastfeeding for their baby’s sake, because breast milk is truly the best food for a newborn—it’s important. There are also mothers who breastfeed premature babies. There, the mother-child bond isn’t immediate, since the babies are in another ward. Mothers visit them, and breastfeeding depends on the baby’s due date, strength, and health—it doesn’t happen right away. So they have to pump. For me, these women are very strong, because for preemies, whose digestive system is still immature, breast milk is the best thing. Some women also breastfeed a toddler of 2 or 3 years along with their newborn. And breast milk adapts: for the newborn, composition is tailored to their needs, while still benefiting the older child.”

Do you recommend breast pads to your patients?

“Before, it was mostly disposables, because before Anaïs told me, I didn’t know the Curve brand. I talked about it with midwife friends working in Brittany, and they knew it. Yes, the price is a cost upfront, but compared to other products… they’re washable and even dryer-safe.”

Do you have advice for those who hesitate or fear breastfeeding?

“Don’t hesitate to ask for help and ask questions, without fear of judgment or bothering anyone. There are many big questions around breastfeeding, and it’s normal to wonder if things are going well. Even if you’re afraid of not knowing some things, it doesn’t matter. It’s your first child, your first breastfeeding experience, and you don’t have expertise behind you. Even if breastfeeding is natural, the mother-baby relationship still needs to be properly established for latching, and sometimes that takes time. So don’t hesitate, whether during the maternity stay to observe latching and ask questions, or afterwards, with outside support—sending messages or calling and saying: ‘This happened, what can I do?’”

For or against learning from social media?

“In recent years, many mothers pump milk to give by bottle instead of putting the baby directly to the breast. It’s less physiological but may suit their needs and comfort. It still requires organization: proper storage, warming, and cleaning equipment. Social media is very influential, but information must be filtered: some accounts give great advice (health professionals, lactation consultants, pediatricians), others are just personal stories. The key is to take a step back and rely on professionals around you during and after pregnancy.”

A sentence that summarizes your view of breastfeeding

“I think professionals must be open-minded when supporting patients. That’s my personal vision, based on my experience and training.”

✅ Key Takeaways

• Milk usually comes in between the 3rd and 4th day.
• The co-parent’s role is crucial for breastfeeding success.
• Main concerns are pain and milk quantity.
• Proper support (hospital + follow-up) makes all the difference.

❓ Breastfeeding FAQ