International Nurses Day: A Tribute to Those Who Care for Mothers and Babies
Every year on May 12, the world celebrates International Nurses Day. This date, chosen in honor of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of nursing, is an opportunity to pay tribute to these indispensable healthcare professionals who care for us during the most vulnerable moments of our lives. And for new mothers, there are many such moments.
At 23 Mai Paris, we know just how invaluable nurses are to every mother’s journey, from the maternity ward to follow-up appointments. In this article, we celebrate these extraordinary women and men: their stories, their vital role in supporting breastfeeding mothers, and how we can show our appreciation for them.
To make breastfeeding both stylish and convenient, discover our collection of nursing wear designed for moms’ everyday lives.
The History of International Nurses Day
The origins of this day
International Nurses Day has been celebrated every May 12 since 1965, a date chosen in honor of Florence Nightingale, who was born on May 12, 1820.
| Key date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 12, 1820 | The Birth of Florence Nightingale |
| 1854–1856 | The Nursing Revolution During the Crimean War |
| 1965 | First official celebration of the day |
| 1974 | International Adoption of the Date |
| Today | Celebrated in more than 130 countries |
Florence Nightingale: The Pioneer
Florence Nightingale is considered the founder ofmodern nursing. This British woman from a well-to-do family revolutionized medicine in the 19th century.
| Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|
| Modern Nursing | Laying the Foundations of the Profession |
| Hospital Hygiene | Drastic reduction in infections |
| Nursing Education | First nursing school |
| Medical statistics | A pioneer in epidemiology |
| Humanizing Care | The human aspect comes first |
Key takeaway: International Nurses Day celebrates not only Florence Nightingale, but all those who, every day, give their all to care for others.
The vital role of nurses in supporting new mothers
At the maternity ward: your first allies
From the moment of delivery, nurses and maternity nurses are there to support new mothers:
| Moment | Role of the nurse |
|---|---|
| During childbirth | Monitoring, support, assistance |
| After childbirth | Care for the Mother and Newborn |
| First feeding | Breastfeeding Support |
| Layers | Monitoring, care, support |
| Back home | Advice, guidance |
Nurses and Breastfeeding
Pediatric nurses play a key role in the success of breastfeeding:
| Their presentation | What they offer |
|---|---|
| Help with the first feeding | Positioning, latching on |
| Feeding Assessment | Checking that everything is going smoothly |
| Personalized advice | Designed for every mother-baby pair |
| Emotional support | Reassurance, a sympathetic ear |
| Troubleshooting | Cracks, engorgement, pain |
| Health Education | Information on the benefits of breastfeeding |
To help you feel at ease during those first feedings with the nurses, our Breastfeeding t-shirts with discreet openings make it easy to access your breast while still looking presentable at the maternity ward.
Beyond Motherhood
| Place of practice | Role in supporting mothers |
|---|---|
| SME | Infant checkups, weigh-ins, breastfeeding advice |
| Private practice | Home care, dressings, injections |
| Daycare/School | Care and Prevention |
| Pediatric Emergencies | Care and Support for Sick Babies |
| Neonatology | Intensive Care for Premature Infants |
| Specialist consultations | Support for medical conditions |
Key Statistics on the Nursing Profession
In France
| Data | Number |
|---|---|
| Number of nurses | More than 640,000 currently in service |
| Percentage of women | 87% |
| Duration of studies | 3 years (bachelor's degree level) |
| Specialties | More than 15 possible specializations |
| Practice locations | Hospitals, clinics, private practices, schools... |
Around the world
| Data | Number |
|---|---|
| Number of nurses | About 28 million worldwide |
| Global shortage | A shortage of 5.9 million nurses |
| Impact on health | 90% of primary care visits |
| WHO Recognition | The largest profession in healthcare |
Key takeaway: Nurses are the backbone of the global healthcare system. Without them, no hospital or maternity ward could function.
Specialties that are particularly relevant to moms
The pediatric nurse: the nurse for young children
A pediatric nurse is a nurse who specializes in caring for children aged 0 to 18. She is especially valuable to new mothers.
| His specialty | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Newborn Care | Changing, bathing, umbilical cord care |
| Breastfeeding | Guidance, advice, support |
| Psychomotor development | Growth Monitoring |
| Prevention | Vaccinations, screenings |
| Parental support | Listening, guidance |
The maternity nurse
| Its mission | Description |
|---|---|
| Layers | Postpartum Care for Mothers |
| Newborn Care | First bath, daily care |
| Breastfeeding | Help and support with breastfeeding |
| Education | Teaching parents basic care |
| Monitoring | Detect complications |
To feel comfortable during visits from the nurses in the maternity ward, our Breastfeeding dresses allow for easy access to the breast for breastfeeding assessments while remaining stylish and comfortable.
The Neonatal Nurse: The Angel of Premature Babies
| Its mission | Impact |
|---|---|
| Neonatal Intensive Care | Survival of extremely premature infants |
| Support for Parents | Support during difficult times |
| Breastfeeding Support | Even for babies in incubators |
| Kangaroo Method | Promoting skin-to-skin contact |
| Parent-child bond | Promotes bonding despite separation |
Testimonials: What Moms Say About Nurses
Side dishes that leave a lasting impression
| What moms love | Why it's valuable |
|---|---|
| Infinite patience | In response to the repeated questions from new moms |
| Availability | Even at 3 a.m. |
| A kind gaze | No judgment, no pressure |
| Gentle movements | For baby and mom |
| The Right Words | Reassure without downplaying |
| Expertise | Knowing that you're in good hands |
What breastfeeding mothers owe them
For many mothers, a nurse played a crucial role in their breastfeeding journey:
| A difficult situation | How the nurse helped |
|---|---|
| First failed attempt at breastfeeding | Patience, reorientation, encouragement |
| Severe pain | Diagnosis, advice, reassurance |
| Baby who won't latch on | Alternative methods, breast pumps |
| Concerns about weight | Weigh-ins, reassurance, follow-up |
| Maternal burnout | Listening, practical solutions |
| Feeling like giving up | Emotional support, alternatives if needed |
What moms say:
"The night nurse saved my breastfeeding journey. At 2 a.m., she took the time to sit with me and help me reposition the baby. Without her, I would have given up." - Sophie, mother of Jules
"The child health nurse at the PMI was my guiding light during the stormy first few months. She would reply to my messages in the evening and never made me feel like my questions were silly." — Amandine, Léa’s mom
How to thank the nurses who cared for you
The little gestures that make a difference
International Nurses Day, on May 12, is the perfect opportunity to express your gratitude:
| Idea | How to implement it |
|---|---|
| A written note of thanks | Leave a message for the department |
| Flowers for the staff | A bouquet for the whole team |
| Homemade cakes | Shared with the whole team |
| A positive review of the hospital | Help from other families |
| A letter to management | Officially recognize their work |
| A photo of a baby | The most heartfelt thanks |
More personalized gifts
| Gift | What kind of candidate |
|---|---|
| Tea or coffee gift set | To get through the long nights on call |
| Hand cream | Hands damaged by frequent washing |
| Scented candle | A well-deserved break |
| Premium chocolates | A classic, but always a favorite |
| Good for a massage | For the one who gives so much of herself |
What affects nurses the most
| Gesture | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| "Thank you, you've made a difference" | Recognition of their impact |
| An update on the baby a few months later | See that everything is okay |
| Respect for their expertise | Trust their judgment |
| Public recognition | Talk about them in a positive light to those around you |
| Recommend them | A sign of trust |
The Current Challenges Facing the Profession
A profession under pressure
Despite their exemplary dedication, nurses face considerable challenges:
| Challenge | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Chronic staff shortage | Overwork, burnout, mistakes |
| Insufficient compensation | Recruitment challenges |
| Difficult working conditions | Evenings, weekends, and holidays |
| Workplace Violence | 1 in 2 nurses has been assaulted |
| Lack of recognition | Burnout |
| Increasing responsibilities | Without always having the corresponding authority |
Positive developments
| Evolution | Impact |
|---|---|
| Advanced Nursing Practice | Longer battery life, better performance |
| Pay raise | The Ségur Health Reform since 2020 |
| Public recognition | Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Research Development | Nurse researchers |
| Continuing education | Ever-increasing expertise |
Nurses and Breastfeeding: Valuable Support
Why their role in breastfeeding is crucial
Breastfeeding is directly influenced by the quality of care provided in the maternity ward. Nurses are on the front lines:
| Their impact | Data |
|---|---|
| Getting Started with Breastfeeding | Good initial support doubles the chances of success |
| Duration of breastfeeding | Professional support extends the duration |
| Motherly trust | A mother who feels reassured breastfeeds more effectively |
| Troubleshooting | Early intervention = extended breastfeeding |
Breastfeeding advice from nurses
| Common advice | Why it's important |
|---|---|
| Skin-to-skin contact from birth | Stimulates lactation, fosters bonding |
| Breastfeeding on demand | Regulates milk production |
| Check the latch | Preventing pain and poor transfer |
| Do not fill in without a reason | Maintaining lactation |
| Rest | Fatigue affects milk production |
| Stay hydrated | Essential for milk production |
To make breastfeeding assessments with PMI nurses easier, our breastfeeding tank tops offer quick and discreet access to the breast, which is convenient during follow-up visits.
The Private Nurse: Home Care Support
More and more independent nurses are offering in-home breastfeeding support:
| Service | Profit |
|---|---|
| Postnatal visit | Monitoring from the comfort of your home |
| Baby Weigh-In | Checking for weight gain |
| Feeding Assessment | Observation under real-world conditions |
| Personalized advice | Tailored to your situation |
| Emotional support | Listening without judgment |
To feel comfortable during home visits from nurses, check out our article How many nursing outfits do you really need? to put together a practical and suitable wardrobe.
How to Choose a Private Nurse
Key criteria
| Criterion | Why it's important |
|---|---|
| Breastfeeding Education | Specific expertise |
| Availability | Can be reached quickly |
| Geographic area | Convenient location for visits |
| A caring approach | Feeling and confidence |
| Professional network | Can provide guidance if needed |
Where to find a private nurse
| Source | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Nursing Directory | Search by specialty and sector |
| Maternity | Request a list of recommendations |
| Moms' groups | Word of mouth |
| SME | Free career counseling |
| Primary care physician | Prescription, if necessary |
Celebrating Nurses Every Day
Beyond May 12: How to Support the Profession
| Action | Impact |
|---|---|
| Talking positively about their work | Social Impact |
| Support their demands | Improvement of conditions |
| Respect their time and expertise | Professional recognition |
| Leave positive reviews | Helps families make a choice |
| Raise awareness among your friends and family | Changing perceptions of the profession |
Nurses and Social Media
Many nurses share their daily experiences and advice on social media. By following and supporting these accounts, you help highlight the value of their work:
| Content type | Benefits for Moms |
|---|---|
| Baby Health Tips | Reliable information |
| Debunking the Myths About Breastfeeding | Community support |
| Everyday Stories | Humanizing the profession |
| Prevention | Accessible information |
For those long feedings when you're scrolling through social media, our nursing sweatshirts keep you warm while allowing you to nurse easily, even with one hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a nurse and a pediatric nurse?
A pediatric nurse is a nurse who has completed an additional year of specialized training in the care of children aged 0 to 18. She is specially trained in newborn care, breastfeeding, and child development. In the maternity ward, it is often the pediatric nurse who assists mothers with breastfeeding.
Can I call the maternity ward nurse after I’m discharged?
Generally, no, because maternity wards are very busy. However, you can contact your private midwife, your PMI (maternal and child health center), or a specialized private nurse. Some maternity wards offer a postnatal hotline: ask about it when you’re discharged.
Can a private nurse help me with breastfeeding?
Yes, more and more private practice nurses are training in breastfeeding support. Some are even IBCLC-certified lactation consultants. Be sure to check their qualifications before making an appointment. Consultations may be covered by insurance with a doctor’s prescription.
For these consultations, our Breastfeeding pyjamas are perfect for early morning home visits: comfortable, practical, and allowing easy access to the breast for assessments.
Is nursing care covered after childbirth?
Yes, nursing care prescribed by a doctor is covered by Medicare. During the postpartum period, if your doctor prescribes home nursing visits (wound care, monitoring), 60–70% of the cost will be covered by Medicare, with the remainder covered by your supplemental health insurance.
How can we collectively thank the maternity ward?
The best way is to bring something to share with the whole team (cakes, chocolates, fruit) along with a note of thanks from everyone. You can also write to the facility’s management to acknowledge the team’s hard work. This positive feedback is invaluable for the morale of the healthcare staff.
Conclusion
On this International Nurses Day, let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate these extraordinary professionals who care for us during the most important moments of our lives. From maternity wards to child health clinics, from neonatal care to home visits, nurses are the quiet guardians of our health and that of our babies.
At 23 Mai Paris, we share this belief: mothers deserve to be cared for, supported, and guided. This is what nurses do every day with such dedication, and it’s what we strive to offer in our own way through nursing wear designed to simplify and enhance mothers’ daily lives.
Discover our collection of nursing wear and enjoy breastfeeding with the comfort and elegance you deserve.
If you're breastfeeding, here are some of our collections you might be interested in:
