Breastfeeding Celebrated Nationwide at The Big Latch On

Breastfeeding Celebrated Nationwide at The Big Latch On

From en-masse marae sit-ins and mum ‘n bub coffee groups in city malls, to a mammillary gathering on a pig farm and a maternal meeting at a cheese factory, Big Latch On events celebrate the all-important role breast feeding plays in babies’ lives, and on 31 July and 1 August there will be one at a venue near you.

From Invercargill to Doubtless Bay, there are more than 100 Big Latch On events planned around the country. The Women’s Health Action initiative will see thousands of women from different cultures and backgrounds simultaneously breastfeeding their babies in public events nationwide.

Women’s Health Action’s Maternal Health Promoter, Isis McKay, who organises The Big Latch On, says the aim of the event is to break down some of the barriers that get in the way of women being able to meet their own breastfeeding goals.

“Big Latch On events offer women tangible support in a fun environment.

“Taking part in the Big Latch On helps increase women’s confidence to breastfeed in public, and they also connect with other mums in their communities.

“We know women can’t always make it out to a physical Big Latch On event, so we encourage all women who wish, to take part by posting a breastfeeding selfie,” says Ms McKay.

In 2014, More than 150 women sent in photos and many women found support from their peers via online conversations.

“The Big Latch On is a positive event for women to take part in and we warmly encourage partners, family and friends to join in, too,” says Ms McKay.

The Big Latch on events will take place in: Northland (5 events), Auckland (19), Waikato (13), Bay of Plenty (6), Hawke’s Bay (5), Gisborne (1), Manawatu/Whanganui (6), Taranaki (3), Wellington (8), Nelson/Tasman (3), Marlborough (1), Canterbury (11), West Coast (5), Otago (6) and Southland (3) .

To find out where your nearest Big Latch On event is being held go to http://www.womens-health.org.nz/programmes/breastfeeding-activities/big-latch-on/participate/find-a-venue/

Women can post a breastfeeding selfie to #biglatchonNZ, www.facebook.com/biglatchonNZ.

The Big Latch on is a Kiwi initiative that has caught on world-wide. Last year 14,536 babies took part in 845 events around the world.

China, South Korea, Malaysia, North America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, UK and countries throughout Europe will take part in The Big Latch On 2015.

“We are thrilled that the event Women’s Health Action NZ founded 11 years ago is now practiced in more than 31 countries.

“To have women simultaneously ‘latching on’ with their babies at 10.30am here in NZ and all around the world is a very powerful demonstration of support as well as being lot of fun,” says Ms McKay.

The Big Latch on marks the start of World Breastfeeding Week.

ENDS

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