Big Latch On Event Celebrates Nursing Moms

World Breastfeeding Week is August 1-7 this year, and Lexington is celebrating this global event with the Big Latch On.

On Saturday, August 3 from 10 a.m.-noon, breastfeeding mothers, children and their supporters will gather on the lawn outside of Baby Moon at 2891 Richmond Rd. Mothers can participate in a synchronized breastfeeding event that occurs across the world.

The first Big Latch On took place in New Zealand in 2005. In 2010 it was introduced in Portland, OR and has continued to expand. Lexington in is it’s third year participating in the event. In 2012, more than 8,000 children were counted breastfeeding as part of the The Big Latch On.

Ruth Jameson, leader of La Leche League of Greater Lexington, said she hopes to break last year’s record and have even more children breastfeeding during this event.

This year’s theme is “Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers.” Jameson said peer-to-peer support events like The Big Latch On are important so women can find encouragement and advice.

“The Big Latch On is an opportunity for women from Lexington and its surrounding communities to meet other breastfeeding moms, and experience an environment where their efforts as nursing moms are honored,” she said.

The Big Latch On is sponsored by La Leche League of Greater Lexington, Baby Moon and the LFUCG Health Department. General breastfeeding information and information about local resources will be available. For more information, mothers can contact Jameson at (859) 559-8488 or visit www.biglatchon.org.