The Big Latch On

MEDIA RELEASE – Thursday 1st July 2010
Portland’s Big Latch On

On Friday 6 August 2010 at 10:30am several hundred women and their babies will come together to take part in Portland’s The Big Latch On. This will be the first time the event will be held in Portland, and event organizer Joanne Edwards is encouraging all mothers and babies to join in. “It’s about getting women together and helping them to feel united in breastfeeding”, said Joanne. “Sometimes women can feel isolated or shy about breastfeeding, so this is a great way of celebrating together and support the wonderful work that nursing mamas do."

Starting in Canada in 2001, the event drew 856 mothers at 26 sites. By 2008, there were 7632 mothers in nineteen countries at over 300 sites taking part. Edwards, a UK qualified RN and health visitor, has previously been involved in the event in New Zealand, where in 2009 they had 1299 women breastfeeding simultaneously. “The event is loads of fun, really social, and provides a great community vibe. And we provide refreshments, goodie bags, as well as a prize draw.”

Breastfeeding contributes to the normal growth and development of babies, and babies 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 2 years and as long thereafter as is mutually desired by mother and baby. Held to coincide with World Breastfeeding Week, The Big Latch On will take place at a variety of venues throughout the Portland metro area. Mothers and their babies are encouraged to come along half an hour prior to the start time, and settle in. “Portland is such a great city for families, it just feels right to hold this event here.”

For more details and to find a venue near you go to www.biglatchonpdx.weebly.com
For more information:
Joanne Edwards
Tel: 503 919 8901
Email: biglatchonpdx@gmail.com



Hear an interview of the organizer of it all, Joanne, here at Pregnancy Place Radio Show.

Your local venue is: Pitter-Patter Consignment in downtown Newberg, Oregon
619 E. Hancock St. Newberg, Or. 97132.
Amy Rockwell is the owner, she is hosting the event: 503-538-4215.
Come a half hour early and be counted among the latched or check the website for a venue in the Greater PDX area closer to you. Tea and snacks and a grand goodie bag will be passed out to participants. See you there!