The Global Big Latch On 2017

Families gathering before the Big Latch On

We’ve just got back from the Global Big Latch On 2017, where families around the world gather at their local event to simultaneously breastfeed and offer peer support.

The children are all latched on at exactly 10:30am so it truly is a participatory event. It’s great to be involved in something so big!

The Global Big Latch On takes place during World Breastfeeding Week (1st – 7th August). It aims to create a lasting support network for women, their families, and the wider community, and quite importantly sets out to normalise breastfeeding as a part of daily life.

We attended the Middlesbrough Big Latch On. We met our breastfeeding friends at Stewart Park, a gorgeous old Victorian park with sweeping views over the beautiful ancient trees. In total, 34 women and their nurslings took part in the event.

History of the Global Big Latch On

The Global Big Latch On was founded by Women’s Health Action in New Zealand in 2005. Just look at how the event has increased in popularity since its inception: in 2010, there were 2,045 breastfeeding children latched on at Global Big Latch On events. By 2016, there were 17,992 breastfeeding children! Great work and well done to all the organisers across the world!

Jonah running towards mummy!
Jonah enjoyed running around Stewart Park before the Big Latch On

We love taking part in this unique event to celebrate and normalise breastfeeding. We attended last year when Jonah was only a few weeks old, and I think it was probably the first time I breastfed Jonah in a public place. As a brand new mum surrounded by supportive families, it felt good! It definitely helped me to go out into the world as a confident breastfeeding mummy!

Jonah and I at the 2016 Big Latch On
Jonah and I breastfeeding at The Big Latch On 2016

This year was just as good, with families of all ages in pushchairs and slings; mums, dads, siblings, and dogs all taking part in the Global Big Latch On, enjoying good company and sunshine.

Families at the Big Latch On
At the Big Latch On

Jonah and I breastfeeding this year at the Big Latch On 2017. He literally never refuses a boob!

Breastfeeding Jonah
Breastfeeding Jonah
Group shot Middlesbrough Big Latch On
Group shot of the 34 ladies and nurslings who took part, with their families
Jonah catching his breath
Taking a break from running around to enjoy the scenery

Of course, lactation cookies were available, and very tasty they were too. Although I can’t say whether or not they increased my milk supply. Daddy and Jonah tried some too. They tasted like beer!

Lactation cookies
I like this cookie!

Find out how you can support this great event and be part of it next year by visiting the Global Big Latch On website. See Attachment Parenting UK Mama Mates who organised the Middlesbrough Big Latch On.

I’m hoping our breastfeeding journey will continue long enough to make it to the Global Big Latch on next year and beyond!

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