SIDNEY — For one minute on Saturday, Aug. 4, breastfeeding mothers will be united across the world as they participate in Big Latch On 2018. The local event will be held at court square in downtown Sidney.
“All breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to come to the event,” said organizer Kamille Lambert. “If the mother pumps her breast milk, she should also come with her pump. Mothers who feed their babies with donor breast milk should also attend.”
From 10:30 to 10:31 a.m., babies will latch onto their mother’s breast to celebrate Big Latch On.
Mothers are encouraged to come to the event around 10 a.m. to talk with other breastfeeding mothers.
According to Lambert, who has breastfeed both her daughters, displays for the event include a photo booth, photographer Jessica King, who will be taking photos of the event, Dr. Mercedes Cook, a chiropractor with Upper Cervical Health Centers in Botkins, who specializes in chiropractics for pregnant mothers, Wilson Health and Sidney-Shelby County WIC office.
“We also have some amazing giveaways,” said Lambert. “We have a Tula baby carrier, gift cards and gift baskets.”
This is the fourth year the event has been held in Sidney.
“We’ve grown by word of mouth,” said Lambert. “Breastfeeding moms are looking for support. It’s hard for moms to connect with other breastfeeding moms
“Breastfeeding still has some taboos,” she said. “We want to normalize breastfeeding.”
Lambert said some moms turn to the Internet for answers about breastfeeding.
“Those people can be mean,” said Lambert. “It’s better to connect with another mom in real life. This event is all about bringing breastfeeding mothers together.”
While Sidney is holding the Big Latch On on Saturday, the national organization said the event can be held Aug. 3, 4 and 5.
The Big Latch On was started in 2005 in New Zealand by the Women’s Health action. Joanne Edwards with the Small Beginnings Group LLC introduced the event in Portland, Oregon, in 2010. In 2011, the movement grew across the United States.
Women’s Health Action and Edwards joined forces in 2012.
In 2017, 18,036 breastfeeding mothers participated in the Big Latch On. There were 17,790 breastfeeding babies who latched on for a total attendance of 50,383.
In Shelby County, approximately 30 breastfeeding moms participated in the event.
