High initiation rate, but duration remains short
In France, breastfeeding is subject to regular epidemiological monitoring. Data from national perinatal surveys, coordinated by Santé Publique France and INSERM, constitute the most reliable statistical reference on this topic. 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 upon resuming work. This observation, long documented, persists despite public awareness efforts.
Disparities according to socio-economic profile
Data from Santé Publique France highlight notable disparities according to the mother's education level, professional status, and place of residence. Mothers with higher education and those living in urban areas show higher rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration. These disparities do not solely reflect differences in individual choices: they also reflect inequalities in access to professional support, information, and working conditions favorable to continued breastfeeding.
WHO recommendations: an international reference framework
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by mixed feeding—supplemented by diversified food—until the age of two years or beyond, according to the mother's and child's wishes. These recommendations are based on a body of research documenting the benefits of breastfeeding for child health, particularly in terms of protection against gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, and for long-term maternal health.
It is important to specify that these recommendations constitute a public health objective, and not an injunction addressed to each family individually. The French National Authority for Health (HAS) insists on this point in its good practice recommendations: breastfeeding support must be exercised with respect for parental autonomy and without guilt-tripping those who choose or are unable to breastfeed.
What research solidly establishes
Current scientific consensus recognizes several well-documented benefits of breastfeeding. Among the most robust data, there is a reduction in the risk of acute otitis media, gastroenteritis, and lower respiratory tract infections in breastfed infants. Associations have also been observed with a reduction in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, although the exact mechanisms are still being studied. On the maternal side, breastfeeding is associated with a long-term reduction in the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Conversely, some broader claims about long-term cognitive or behavioral effects are still debated in the scientific literature, particularly because it is methodologically difficult to isolate the effect of breastfeeding from other socio-environmental factors. Caution is therefore advised when faced with overly general claims.
Barriers identified by health professionals
Qualitative studies and surveys conducted among French mothers identify several categories of barriers to prolonged breastfeeding. Early return to work is the most frequently cited obstacle. In France, legal maternity leave ranges from 10 to 16 weeks depending on the birth order, which places the return to work well before the six months recommended by the WHO. The establishment of breast pumping and the availability of suitable spaces in companies remain unequal depending on work contexts.
Pain during latching, perceived lactation difficulties, and lack of support from immediate family are also documented as factors for early cessation. The role of health professionals in the first hours and days after birth is considered crucial by the HAS, which recommends enhanced training for obstetric and pediatric teams in breastfeeding support.
The IHAB label: a hospital structuring tool
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (IHAB), supported in France by a national committee and recognized by the WHO and UNICEF, aims to structure hospital practices around ten conditions favorable to breastfeeding. In 2024, the number of IHAB-labeled establishments in France remains limited compared to the European average, although progress has been observed since the relaunch of the program. This label is an indicator of the quality of perinatal practices, beyond the sole issue of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding, diversification, and infant environment
The question of infant feeding cannot be isolated from its overall 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 gut flora in the first months of life, with potential effects on immune maturation. This data enriches the understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the observed benefits, without changing existing recommendations.
To learn more about the link between diet, microbiome, and infant health, you can consult our article: Infant Microbiome: What Research is Teaching Parents in 2026.
An environment conducive to rest and breastfeeding
Beyond medical and social dimensions, daily material conditions play a role in parents' ability to calmly support their child's first months. An organized, safe, and adapted care space helps reduce parents' cognitive load during already demanding times. It is in this spirit that Treelys designs its childcare products: to simplify daily life without adding to its burden. The Treelys play mat, for example, offers a floor space designed for free play and tummy time, compatible with pediatricians' recommendations for motor development.
Official resources for parents
Parents wishing to access reliable information on breastfeeding can rely on resources provided by the HAS and Ameli, the French health insurance website. These sources offer practical guides on latching, breast milk storage, and special situations (prematurity, twins, return to work). It is recommended to consult a midwife, a childcare nurse, or an IBCLC certified lactation consultant in case of difficulties, rather than relying on non-professional sources.
The decision to breastfeed or not, and for how long, ultimately rests with the parents. The objective of health professionals is to ensure that this decision can be made freely, with complete information and appropriate support—and not under the effect of guilt or social pressure.
