Kathi Barber started her writing journey at an early age. Reading by the age of 3, she developed the love of words and language pretty early.  She began writing short stories and poems, and by 2nd grade won her first creative writing award.  Kathi dreamed of becoming both a fiction and non-fiction writer for many years and persevered until the dream became a reality.  

            After receiving her Bachelors degree in Political Science, Kathi worked at a Baltimore newspaper and started her own professional writing and editing company, Aminah Writes. As a freelance writer, her clients have included Mothering Magazine, The Afro-American Newspaper, The Baltimore Times, Veteran’s Health Systems Journal, blackwomenshealth.com and Barton Cotton.

          In March of 1997, Kathi’s life was changed with the birth and successful breastfeeding of her son, Amyhr. Breastfeeding became such a part of her life that she was soon known as “that breastfeeding lady” to her friends and family. After reading every book and brochure she could find on breastfeeding, Kathi took a breastfeeding course and became a trained Certified Lactation Educator and Counselor (CLEC.) As a CLEC, Kathi found tremendous joy in providing breastfeeding counseling to African-American women. After learning that the breastfeeding rates for African-American women are astonishingly low, Katherine founded the African American Breastfeeding Alliance (AABA) in 2000. AABA is a national non-profit organization that educates African-American (AA) women, their families and professionals who serve them about the importance of breastfeeding AA babies. 

              Kathi is a sought-after speaker and regularly travels across the country to conduct workshops and lecture about breastfeeding and AA women. She was a consultant with the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health and is a member of the United States Breastfeeding Committee. Her work for AABA has been featured in The Washington Post, Ebony Magazine, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune. 

              The Black Woman's Guide to Breastfeeding is her first book.