A high initiation rate, but breastfeeding duration remains short
In France, breastfeeding is regularly monitored through epidemiological studies. Data from the national perinatal surveys, coordinated by Santé Publique France and INSERM, provide the most reliable statistical reference on this subject. According to the 2021 National Perinatal Survey, approximately 74% of newborns are breastfed at birth, placing France in an intermediate position at the European level.
However, this figure masks a more contrasting reality: the median duration of breastfeeding in France remains among the shortest in Western Europe. A significant proportion of mothers stop breastfeeding in the first weeks following birth, often before fully returning home or as soon as they go back to work. This long-documented situation persists despite public awareness efforts.
Differences according to socioeconomic background
Data from Santé Publique France highlight notable disparities according to the mother's level of education, professional status, and place of residence. Mothers with higher education qualifications and those living in urban areas have higher breastfeeding initiation and duration rates. These disparities do not merely reflect differences in individual choices: they also indicate inequalities in access to professional support, information, and working conditions conducive to continuing breastfeeding.
WHO recommendations: an international reference framework
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, followed by mixed feeding—supplemented by a varied diet—until the age of two or beyond, depending on the wishes of the mother and child. These recommendations are based on a body of research documenting the benefits of breastfeeding for children's health, particularly in protecting against gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, as well as for long-term maternal health.
It is important to clarify that these recommendations constitute a public health objective, not an instruction directed at each family individually. The Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) emphasizes this point in its good-practice recommendations: breastfeeding support must respect parents' autonomy and avoid making those who choose not to breastfeed or are unable to do so feel guilty.
What research has established firmly
Current scientific consensus recognizes several well-documented benefits of breastfeeding. Among the most robust findings is a reduced risk of acute otitis media, gastroenteritis, and lower respiratory tract infections in breastfed infants. Associations have also been observed with a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome, although the exact mechanisms are still being studied. For mothers, breastfeeding is associated with a reduced long-term risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
By contrast, some broader claims about long-term cognitive or behavioral effects remain debated in the scientific literature, partly because it is methodologically difficult to isolate the effect of breastfeeding from other social and environmental factors. Caution is therefore warranted when considering overly general claims.
Barriers identified by healthcare professionals
Qualitative studies and surveys conducted among French mothers identify several categories of barriers to extended breastfeeding. Returning to work early is the most frequently cited obstacle. In France, statutory maternity leave lasts between 10 and 16 weeks depending on the birth order, meaning that professional activity resumes well before the six months recommended by WHO. Arrangements for expressing breast milk and the availability of suitable spaces at work remain uneven depending on the workplace context.
Pain during latching, perceived lactation difficulties, and a lack of support from the immediate family and social circle are also documented factors in early weaning. The role of healthcare professionals in the first hours and days after birth is considered decisive by HAS, which recommends enhanced training for obstetric and pediatric teams in breastfeeding support.
The BFHI label: a hospital-structuring tool
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), supported in France by a national committee and recognized by WHO and UNICEF, aims to structure hospital practices around ten conditions that support breastfeeding. In 2024, the number of BFHI-accredited facilities in France remained limited compared with the European average, although growth has been observed since the program was relaunched. This label is an indicator of the quality of perinatal practices, extending beyond breastfeeding alone.
Breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and the infant's environment
Infant nutrition cannot be considered separately from the broader developmental environment. Research on the infant gut microbiome—which we covered in a dedicated article on this blog—shows that breastfeeding contributes to the diversity and stability of the intestinal flora during the first months of life, with potential effects on immune maturation. These findings deepen our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the observed benefits, without changing the existing recommendations.
To explore this connection between nutrition, the microbiome, and infant health, you can read our article: The infant microbiome: what research is teaching parents in 2026.
An environment conducive to rest and breastfeeding
Beyond the medical and social dimensions, everyday material conditions play a role in parents' ability to support their child calmly during the first months. An organized, safe, and suitable care space helps reduce parents' cognitive load during an already demanding period. It is in this spirit that Treelys designs its childcare products: to simplify daily life without making it more burdensome. The Treelys play mat, for example, provides a floor space designed for free play and tummy time, in line with pediatricians' recommendations for motor development.
Official resources for parents
Parents seeking reliable information about breastfeeding can use the resources provided by HAS and Ameli, the French national health insurance website. These sources offer practical guides on latching, storing breast milk, and special situations such as prematurity, twins, and returning to work. In case of difficulties, it is recommended to consult a midwife, childcare nurse, or an IBCLC-certified lactation consultant rather than rely on nonprofessional sources.
The decision whether to breastfeed and for how long ultimately belongs to the parents. The goal of healthcare professionals is to ensure that this decision can be made freely, with complete information and appropriate support—not under the influence of guilt or social pressure.
