In this podcast, Marion is delighted to welcome Julie, an IBCLC-certified lactation professional, physiological babywearing expert, baby massage instructor and parenting coach. Julie is known for her caring approach to young parents, helping them to build confidence and thrive in their parenting journey. Today, we're going to tackle an essential subject: breastfeeding. Given the challenges that parents can face in finding support from professionals or those around them, Julie is available to all women, families and babies to pass on her breastfeeding expertise and know-how.
The beginnings of entrepreneurship around motherhood:
Marion: Julie, could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your journey into motherhood?
Julie: Before setting up my own business, I worked as a childcare assistant. In 2017, the arrival of my first child truly turned my life upside down and introduced me to matrescence. This inspired me to found a business centered around motherhood, offering babywearing workshops, massage, and breastfeeding advice for moms. Two years later, after a series of training courses, I created "À hauteur d'enfant" during my post-partum period.
Marion: What motivated you to set up this company? Did you feel a specific need?
Julie: After experiencing post-partum depression and a number of difficulties, I decided to get some training. Initially, it was a personal decision to meet my own needs, but it soon turned into a desire to share my experience with other parents. I was motivated by two difficult births that found a form of redemption in breastfeeding. I breastfed my children for 3 and a half years, and my second child is still breastfeeding at 5 months.
Breastfeeding, mixed feeding: what do you need to know?
Marion: Can we say that all women are able to breastfeed?
Julie: It's estimated that almost all women can breastfeed, with the exception of around 3%. The reasons for not being able to breastfeed are varied, including hormonal causes, insufficient development of the mammary gland, a history of surgery, or other factors. In such cases, we always seek solutions in collaboration with the mother and healthcare professionals, and often a mixed breastfeeding approach can be considered to complement. Rarely is breastfeeding totally impossible, but adjustments may be necessary.
Marion: Could you explain what mixed breastfeeding is and how it works?
Marion: Does breastfeeding come up in childbirth preparation classes?
Julie: Childbirth preparation courses generally focus on childbirth and welcoming the baby, but they don't adequately prepare future parents for pregnancy, the postpartum period or breastfeeding. Midwives often have little time to discuss breastfeeding in depth, as they are already busy dealing with childbirth issues. In this context, specific courses on breastfeeding are recommended.
Breastfeeding and going back to work
Marion: How can you reconcile breastfeeding with going back to work?
Julie : Going back to work is an important step, as is the introduction of dietary diversification. It is advisable to consult a lactation consultant for personalized advice. Breast pumps can play a crucial role in enabling the baby to continue receiving breast milk while the mother is working. There are various alternatives, and breast milk can be stored appropriately without the need for intensive sterilization, unlike the needs of premature babies.
Marion: Is it possible to make up for breastfeeding that got off to a bad start?
Julie: In general, it's easier to correct a poor start in the first few days after birth, as maternal hormones are favorable at this time. However, it's more complex to re-establish a breastfeeding pattern that has encountered difficulties over a period of several months. It's not impossible, but it may require more effort and patience. In the event of difficulty, the best approach is to consult a lactation professional.
Shall we keep in touch?