NIKKI CARR, 22, FROM SCARBOROUGH WITH 7-MONTH-OLD BABY ALFIE

Mum of three Nikki lives in Scarborough with her new son, Alfie, and two other children. Before she became a mum, Nikki was working full-time. Now that she has given birth to Alfie, Nikki is taking time out to take good care of her little ones.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
It never really occurred to me that I could feed my baby on formula. Breastfeeding has always been a big part of my life—my mum and aunties breastfed their babies so it’s just something that I’ve been used to seeing.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
Most people were very proud. Some of my friends found it a bit weird— the fact that I wanted to feed Alfie myself. Generally, people have been great, although some people were less supportive when my 2nd and 3rd babies were over 6 months and I was still feeding them.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Do your research! It’s a great idea to do your homework about breastfeeding and really get a sense of what it’s all about. Try to attend feeding groups as well, if you can, where you can meet other mums like you. In my experience, you have to realise that it can be very, very hard in the first week, but stick it out as breastfeeding quickly becomes stress and pain free.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
Show them the many, many benefits of breastfeeding, either by talking to them, or by leaving leaflets ‘lying’ around ; ) At the end of the day though, you’re giving your baby the best possible start in life and it’s nobody’s decision but yours.

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
The only ones I can think of are that you can’t leave your baby for long—not that you’ll want to! And only you can do the night feeds.

Did you speak to anyone for advice or do any research about feeding? If so, who did you speak to/where did you look for information?
I did a lot of research on the internet, went to lots of local breastfeeding groups and read books—my midwife gave me lots to read which was really helpful.