‘Big Latch On’ event encourages local Mums to breastfeed

Breastfeeding mothers across the Bay of Plenty and Lakes region are being encouraged to join thousands of other women from different cultures and backgrounds as they simultaneously breastfeed their babies in public.

The ‘Big Latch On’ is a global event where groups of breastfeeding mothers and their families come together to celebrate breastfeeding and its health benefits. Breastfeeding women and their babies are ‘latched on’ for one minute at a set time and are counted by witnesses. Last year there were 1628 ‘latches’ over 114 venues across New Zealand and it’s hoped this year’s event will see that number rise.

The Big Latch On was founded in New Zealand eleven years ago and has subsequently taken off with around 30 countries now latching on. The event is part of World Breastfeeding Week, which runs from August 1-7 and aims to normalise breastfeeding as part of everyday life.

Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service (Toi Te Ora) supports the Big Latch On and recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months and then continue to breastfeed along with the introduction of solid foods.

Dr Jim Miller, Medical Officer of Health at Toi Te Ora says, “The Big Latch-On is a great event which supports the normalisation of breastfeeding in public spaces which has a positive effect on breastfeeding mothers and their babies. There are many health benefits of breastfeeding. It is natural and normal and is important for the baby’s health and wellbeing. Breastfeeding is convenient, free and readily available. Breastfed babies have less chance of diarrhoea and vomiting and of developing chest and ear infections.”

Big Latch On events are taking place all over the country on Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August. Across the Bay of Plenty and Lakes regions, six venues have registered for this year’s Big Latch On:

Friday 31st July - 10:30am
§ Opotiki – Kapai Kai Café

§ Whakatane – REAP Early Childhood House

§ Tauranga – Hungahungatoroa Marae, Matapihi

§ Rotorua – Rotorua Library

Saturday 1st August - 10:30am

§ Tauranga – Café Botannix, Palmers Garden Centre, Bethlehem

§ Rotorua – City Centre Plunket Rooms

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