“The Big Latch On”
Records were set to tumble at the Big Latch On – being held today (August 6) in venues around our region.
Last year New Zealand had 1306 taking part in the Big Latch On, with just over a hundred in Nelson Marlborough. This year is set to be even bigger, carrying on the annual record breaking trend set since the first Latch On in 2005.
The Big Latch On - Marlborough
Every year The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) sets a new World Breastfeeding Week theme, this year it is “Breastfeeding – just ten steps the baby friendly way”.
Last year more than 500 World Breastfeeding week events took place globally involving more than 800,000 participants. The Big Latch On celebrates 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.
The benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby are many and varied – not least of which breast milk is easily digested, free, always fresh and readily available.
Breastfeeding helps baby to develop and grow physically and emotionally, assists in protection from chest, ear, and urine infections, and meningitis. It decreases the risk of Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy (SUDI) and there is evidence of a reduced risk of allergies, eczema and asthma. It also helps reduce the risk of obesity.
For mums, breastfeeding helps the recovery process from birth, provides opportunity for that intimate connection with your baby to develop, and reduces the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer. (see www.breastfeeding.org.nz)
For more information on the national event see www.womens-health.org.nz , email isis@womens-health.org.nz, or call 09 520 5295
