Pass the Mic: Samira Benbarkat, Algerian Midwife and Passionate Advocate for Breastfeeding

“When we help a woman to breastfeed, we support a life. Breastfeeding is not just milk – it’s an entire world.”

– Samira Benbarkat

In Algeria, within her private practice and across social media platforms, Samira Benbarkat embodies the dedication, resilience, and passion of a midwife who has made supporting and advocating for breastfeeding her lifelong mission, even in the most challenging settings. For World Breastfeeding Week, we shine a light on this inspiring professional who supports mothers, one breastfeeding journey at a time. 

A Calling Forged in Adversity 

Born in 1978, Samira earned her midwifery qualification in 2003 after intensive training in northern Algeria. She began her career in a remote rural area with no gynecologist and very limited resources. 

“I remember a birth that happened during a power cut, with only a small torch… It was hard, but it shaped me,” she says. This experience laid the foundation for her commitment to maternal and newborn care, wherever the need is greatest. 

Breastfeeding: A Life Project 

After ten years working in the public sector, Samira opened her own private clinic, where her project, “Breastfeeding: A Life Project”, was born. Through individual consultations, prenatal classes, and breastfeeding workshops, she offers hands-on support. But she knew this wasn’t enough. 

Recognising that crises, whether natural disasters or pandemics, can isolate mothers, she launched a strong digital presence on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to offer remote education and support. She has even collaborated with lactation specialists in conflict zones, such as Gaza. 

“I’ve seen babies return to the breast after weeks of difficulty. Each success keeps me going.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic and following severe floods in 2024 that cut off her region from healthcare services, Samira maintained contact with the mothers in her care through online platforms. 

“There was no access to hospitals. Social media became their lifeline. I was the only source of support they had.”

Tangible and Lasting Impact 

Samira has supported hundreds of women—many struggling after caesarean births, trauma, or failed breastfeeding attempts. 

“I’ve helped mothers regain confidence, reconnect with their babies. That’s the heart of this work.” 

She recalls a mother who, after four caesareans, successfully breastfeed exclusively after four months of persistence, and another who overcame postpartum psychosis to relaunch exclusive breastfeeding after almost a year. For Samira, breastfeeding is not only nutrition—it’s emotional healing, connection and empowerment. 

A Message to Midwives Everywhere 

To Samira, breastfeeding support is a vital act of public health and human dignity. 

Today, Samira continues her mission with unwavering dedication, believing that every successful breastfeed is a quiet triumph—for health, for life, and for the future.