Breastfeeding in public is here to stay!

Breastfeeding in public is here to stay!

Breastmilk is fresh, free, always available with no preparation – it’s the perfect way to feed babies when out and about so of course, that means in public places too.

“Although in the past there has been discrimination against women breastfeeding in public, we hear such a lot of supportive positive stories now, there really is a shift in public perceptions of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding in public is really okay!”

“Breastfeeding is a very normal part of life and overwhelmingly positive for mother and baby. Breastfeeding in public can only help to make people more familiar and more comfortable with breastfeeding as they see it become part of normal daily public life.”

“It’s a shame that people hang on to ideas that breastfeeding in public is somehow not right. In the end, they probably just need to get comfortable with it, we know that breastfeeding is great for mothers and babies, and it’s not on to exclude them from public life. Breastfeeding in public is here to stay” Says Breastfeeding Advocate Isis McKay – Women’s Health Action Trust

In an effort to increase and normalise breastfeeding, Women’s Health Action provides national co-ordination for an event titled the “Big Latch On” which is organised by breastfeeding mothers and their supporters throughout the country. The annual Big Latch On involves breastfeeding mothers getting together at venues located all over the country and breastfeeding simultaneously. This joins other events taking place during world breastfeeding week (1st - 7th of August). Last year more than 500 World Breastfeeding Week events took place globally involving more than 800,000 celebrants. The Big Latch On celebrates breastfeeding mums and babies; promotes the benefits of breastfeeding for babies, mums and society at large; and sends a message that breastfeeding in public is acceptable and will be supported. It is a great opportunity to get community recognition of the great work these breastfeeding mothers are doing. Last year we broke the record with 1306 babies latched on and breastfeeding simultaneously.

The Big Latch On will be turning six this year and each year has seen increasing involvement and support for the event from communities large and small around New Zealand. Better still; the positive impacts of the Big Latch On have extended past the event itself. The Big Latch On has prompted the establishment of breastfeeding support groups in areas where mothers are isolated; and events like this help us as a community to reach out and support one another. The coordinator from the 2009 Levin cinemas venue said “I did not realise the positive impact an event like this could have. I had one mum who had been quite uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding her baby in public. She decided to come along to the Big Latch On as a “trial run” and I am happy to say that she now feels confident and supported to breastfeed her hungry baby when she is out in public.” Many New Zealanders have not grown up with breastfeeding as a normal, natural part of life. It is events like the Big Latch On that convey what breastfeeding actually looks like, and help dispel the perception that breastfeeding in public is somehow obscene or offensive.

This year we are aiming to once again break this record! The 2010 Big Latch On is taking place on the 6th of August 2010 with the countdown and 10.30 am. For more information or to register or find a local venue go to www.womens-health.org.nz, email isis@womens-health.org.nz, or call 09 520 5295

ENDS

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