Breastfeeding mothers across the Bay of Plenty and Lakes region are set to join thousands of other women around the world simultaneously breastfeeding their babies in public.
The ‘Big Latch On’ is a global event which is organised as part of World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) to support women who breastfeed, and show that breastfeeding is a normal part of everyday life. The Big Latch On sees groups of breastfeeding mothers and their whānau come together to celebrate breastfeeding. Founded in New Zealand in 2005, the event has gained publicity around the world with 23 countries now participating.
Promoting and supporting breastfeeding among new mothers
Toi Te Ora Public Health (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 Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health at Toi Te Ora, says breastfeeding is important for the health and wellbeing of both a mother and her baby. “The Big Latch On is a good way to promote breastfeeding as a normal part of everyday life and show support for women who breastfeed”. Dr Shoemack adds, “Breastfeeding has health benefits for both mothers and their babies, and lays the foundation for a healthy life through adulthood.”
Big Latch On events are taking place all over the country on Friday 3rd August and Saturday 4th August. Across the Bay of Plenty and Lakes regions, five venues have registered for this year’s Big Latch On:
Friday 3rd August – 10:00am
- Ōpōtiki – Bridge Street Café and Grill
- Whakatāne – Whakatāne Library
- Tauranga – Papamoa Plaza
- Te Puke – Nga Kakano Foundation Family Services – 50 Jellicoe Street
- Rotorua – Harvest Centre
Those who cannot attend a Big Latch On event don’t need to miss out! A virtual Big Latch On event has been created via the Big Latch On Facebook page www.facebook.com/BigLatchOnNZ which encourages breastfeeding Mums to post breastfeeding selfies with the hashtag #biglatchonNZ or #BrelfieNZ.
For more information about Big Latch On events and World Breastfeeding Week, visit www.womens-health.org.nz. Toi Te Ora’s position statement on breastfeeding can be found atwww.ttophs.govt.nz/vdb/document/554.
