To raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for global support, World Breastfeeding Week is August 1 through 7. Celebrated in 120 countries, the week marks the signing of the WHO/UNICEF document Innocenti Declaration, which lists the benefits of breastfeeding, plus global and governmental goals.
On Saturday, August 4, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., thousands of breastfeeding people and their babies/children across the world will gather in their own communities to take part in the Global Big Latch On, a synchronized breastfeeding event in multiple locations. Richmond’s Big Latch On and Resource Fair will take place at Chesterfield Technical Center, 13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Local businesses and resources will be available to moms and families alike to aid them on their breastfeeding journey. There will also be prize drawings and demonstrations from vendors. A photographer will offer mini-breastfeeding photo sessions during the event.
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The first Big Latch On took place in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2005, it was introduced to Portland, Oregon in 2010 by Small Beginnings Group LLC and is now a global initiative.
The Global Big Latch On is informed by the principles of community development, providing the opportunity for breastfeeding women to get together in their local communities, host their own events, and identify opportunities for on-going support.
Breastfeeding contributes to the normal growth and development of babies/children, and babies/children who are not breastfed are at increased risk of infant morbidity and mortality, adult obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and premenopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer (both mom and baby.) The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby’s life to optimize these benefits, continuing to breastfeed for two years and as long thereafter as is mutually desired by a woman and her child.
For more information or to register as a vendor:
Little Sunshine Music Studio
Pamela Willard
littlesunshinemusicstudio@gmail.com
(804) 601-0576
littlesunshinemusic.com
