JENNA DADY, 19 FROM TOWER HAMLETS AND MUM TO KAYLA

Jenna lives in Stepney Green, London with her 10 month-old daughter Kayla. Before she became a mum Jenna spent 2 years studying at college, before working as a nanny. Now that she has had a child of her own, she is looking forward to new challenges and plans to learn how to drive. She is also considering pursuing a career in child-minding.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
I have always known that I wanted to Breastfeed. I knew that because my mum breastfed me, I would always have her full support.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Some people were quite negative about it and acted like they knew it all. They said bottles were better and would fatten the baby up. But my mum, friends from church and nurses were all very supportive of breastfeeding and wanted me to make my own decision.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
It’s a good idea to read up about breastfeeding and talk to your Midwife. There’s lots of information out there about breastfeeding, you just have to look for it.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
I would say breast is best! And if you want to breastfeed your child nothing is stopping you, don’t listen to other people, you are your own person and its your child.

Did you speak to anyone for advice, or do any research about feeding your baby?
Not really, I knew all about breastfeeding because my mum was feeding my brothers whilst I was growing up. It was all just normal to me.

Do you think there are any drawback to breastfeeding, if so what are they?
No! None at all. I’m going to start weaning Kayla soon but at the moment, breastfeeding is great, she’s ill at the moment and breastfeeding is like medicine, she comes off the boob all happy.