KAT BARBER, 20, FROM YORK WITH 9-MONTH-OLD BABY THEO

Kat lives in York with her son, Theo. Before she became a mum, Kat was working part-time and training to become a hairstylist at college. Kat finished her course before her maternity leave and is now back at college, realising her ambitions by training in beauty therapy and media make-up.

Please explain why you’ve chosen to breastfeed?
From the day that I found out that I was pregnant, I knew that I was always going to breastfeed. My mum was a big influence, as she breastfed. It was useful for me to be able to talk to her about it all. I think that parents have a strong effect on you when you’re making decisions like that.

What did the people around you think of your decision to breastfeed - eg partner, parents, friends, family?
They thought that it was great, and that whatever I thought right for me and my baby was for the best.

What general advice would you give to expectant mums considering breastfeeding?
Find out as much information about it as you can. There’s more to breastfeeding than you might think, such as ways to ‘hook’ your baby on. There’s also lots of support available for you, so its a good idea to find out what’s available in your area.

What advice would you give to mums whose partner/friends/parents disapprove of breastfeeding?
Listen to the positive side of breastfeeding and evaluate the negative on your own account. Don’t be influenced by others.

Do you think that there are any drawbacks to breastfeeding? If so, what are they?
Some people worry how breastfeeding will affect their figure, especially their breasts, but what you have to understand is that at the end of the day, you have a beautiful, healthy baby and you’re doing what’s right for your child.

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?
My mother! I also gained a lot of info from the ‘Mums-to-be’ project (now called YorBabe), which gave lots of help. Also, the books that the doctors gave me, and the internet were great sources too.