SAMANTHA MANICKUM, 22 FROM FLEETWOOD AND MUM TO DYLAN

Samantha lives in Fleetwood, with baby Dylan 6 ½ weeks. Before she had Dylan she worked full time in a betting office and will be returning part-time when her maternity leave finishes.
In her spare time she likes to play rock music on her electric guitar, though she doesn’t think she’s good enough to be in a band! She also draws and paints, surrealistic and abstract portraits, and loves visiting art galleries and museums.
She had a great time doing the shoot and couldn’t wait to see which shot would be used for the campaign!

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed.
I’d read a lot of info about breastfeeding that my midwife and sure start had given me and I knew that breastfeeding was best for the baby, but then when Dylan arrived 7 weeks early I decided I was definitely going to breastfeed him because being born so early he really needed it.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Initially my mum was worried that it would be hard for me, that it would mean getting up in the night, and that maybe Dylan wouldn’t take to it, as none of us had been breastfed. But she is really, really pleased now and very proud of us! So is my dad!
None of my friends have breastfed for more than a few days – and one reason was partners wanting to be able to do some of the feeds. Neil and I talked about it and he said if that’s what I wanted to do he would be right behind me. He loves to have his own time with Dylan, like bathing him, when he gets to bond with him

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Just learn what you can, and talk to others.
Don’t give up because you’re finding it hard – ask for help if you need it.
It took me about a week until Dylan started feeding from me. He had to learn how to suck because he was born so early. He started off fed by tube, and then by cup. I expressed to get my milk coming, and even got up in the night because I knew that it would bring my milk in quickly. I didn’t get a lot of milk at first – but every drop counts, and I knew it was helping Dylan. Once he started breastfeeding he took to it beautifully and we were home from hospital just a couple of days later.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
You’ve got to follow your heart – or you might end up regretting it. Listen to others, and then make your own decision.