To mark International Day of the Midwife (5 May), we’re spotlighting the incredible wisdom and support midwives provide—especially when it comes to breastfeeding.
Some of these midwives are valued Boobingit contributors, while others are respected voices we follow and admire on social media. Their collective wisdom is rooted in experience, compassion, and a deep understanding of what new parents need.
Whether you’re preparing to breastfeed or navigating the early days, we hope these tips empower you with confidence and clarity on your feeding journey.
1. Make a Breastfeeding Plan—Not Just a Birth Plan
“My top tip as a midwife would be to not only write a birth plan but also a breastfeeding plan. This can include what you’d like to do during pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding, what should happen in the immediate postpartum period and your feeding goals after discharge. There are free downloadable templates available online.”
– Regina Kincaid, Midwife and IBCLC
My top tip as a midwife would be to not only write a birth plan but also a breastfeeding plan.
Regina Kincaid, Midwife and IBCLC
2. Learn About Feeding Before Baby Arrives
“My top tip would be to prepare for feeding, not just the birth! Antenatal feeding education can help you start your feeding journey from a more informed place – which can help you to recognise and navigate any challenges you may experience.”
– Liz Farrant, Midwife and IBCLC
3. Put Time Into Feeding Prep Like You Would for Birth
“Put as much time, effort and planning into preparing to breastfeed as you do your birth plan. Preparation is key. Knowledge is power!”
– Ruth Leemon, Midwife and IBCLC
4. Nourish Yourself to Nourish Baby
“If in doubt, put baby to the breast and feed! Don’t introduce any other fluids except into yourself! Make sure you are eating and drinking – think grazing (a minimum of 6 small meals a day + snacks and drink, drink, drink). Remember to think about your own needs so that you can provide for your baby.”
– Joanne Parkington, Midwife and Founder & CEO of Epical Global
Remember to think about your own needs so that you can provide for your baby.
Jo Parkington, Midwife and Founder & CEO of Epical Global
5. Embrace the Frequent Feeds
“Try to surrender to the frequent feeds that happen in the early weeks. Babies make all the milk they need in the first six weeks. At six weeks most people produce approx 750mls of milk in 24hrs. At six months you produce the same amount! So when they are born they are on a little feeding frenzy, this lays down the foundation for your milk supply for the rest of your journey. Empty breasts make milk, so the more they feed the more milk you make. Even though the really frequent feeds are hard in the early weeks they are worth it. And it does get easier.”
– Ciara Butler, Midwife and IBCLC
6. Understand Normal Baby Behaviour
“Our society considers some normal newborn behaviours to be problematic – often blamed on a milk supply problem. We’ve forgotten that babies are carry mammals. Being held strengthens their attachment to you and supports brain development. Frequent breastfeeds and constant closeness help regulate their nervous system—they simply can’t do this on their own and there’s nothing we can do to hurry the process along. So the next time somebody tells you to put your baby down, you’re spoiling them or you’re creating a rod for you own back, remember: this is how they are designed. And rods? They help beautiful flowers grow.”
– Olivia Hinge, Midwife and IBCLC
The next time somebody tells you to put your baby down, you’re spoiling them or you’re creating a rod for you own back, remember: this is how they are designed. And rods? They help beautiful flowers grow.”
Olivia Hinge
7. Find Your Tribe
“My top tip would be to find a tribe of women that you can reach out to. Peer support is so valuable.”
A huge thank you to the incredible midwives who support families through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. We hope these tips empower you to start your breastfeeding journey with confidence and support.
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