NIA RUTTER, 22 FROM BLACKPOOL AND MUM TO MARCIA

Nia lives in Blackpool with her girls Marcia and Gracie. Before she had her babies, she was at college doing a diploma in Sport. She wanted to be a Physiotherapist, but her main ambition now is being a good Mum! When she’s not looking after her girls she relishes having ‘quality time’ to herself and enjoys athletics and training, even competing in the triple jump.
Nia doesn’t usually like having her picture taken, but she said she really enjoyed being made over and doing the photo shoot. She said apart from the days her girls were born, this was one of the best days of her life!

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding is just something I always thought I would do: in my family, it’s just how you feed a baby!
My girls’ father has asthma and eczema and I knew it would help protect them against that, but I never realised before how super breastfeeding is. I’m so proud of the great start I have given my girls, and my involvement in the be a star campaign.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Everyone was really supportive actually, but to be honest I wouldn’t have taken notice of anyone who had been negative!
My friends and family had seen the ‘Be A Star’ webpage and they think it’s fab that I’m involved - they were all really shocked at how tasteful it all is!

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Keep going after the first few days, which can be tough - especially with your first when you’re worried about doing it wrong. And make sure you have the right support and advice to help.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
Ignore them and do what you think is best for your baby!