Plattsburgh, NY – Moms, babies and families are invited to gather Saturday, August 1 at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital to help promote and support breastfeeding as the healthiest start for babies. 

Registration begins at 9:30 am, with latch time starting promptly at 10:30 am. The latch will be held on the front lawn, weather permitting. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket.

Each year, as part of The Big Latch On, breastfeeding women across the globe come together to nurse their child for one full minute at an established time. The Plattsburgh event is coordinated by the Women & Children’s Center (WCC) at CVPH. While The Big Latch On is a celebration of breastfeeding, all types of infant feeding are recognized and supported.

WCC Certified Lactation Consultant Jocelyn Fittin, BSN, RN, IBCLC explained that The Big Latch On provides women and families an opportunity to come together and support one another. “They can see that they are not alone, share their experiences and learn from each other. The breast-feeding journey is very different for everyone so connecting with other moms is crucial for success.”

In addition to the latch on moment, mothers, babies and their loved ones can also enjoy:

• A family photo courtesy of Nature’s Breeze Photography
• Prizes for the youngest and oldest nursling
• Door prize
• Refreshments
• Local agencies and vendors on site with information and to answer questions
• Bake sale benefiting the WCC Bereavement Program to help families through infant loss

The Big Latch On was launched in 2005 by the Women’s Health Action as part of the New Zealand women’s health organization’s recognition of World Breastfeeding Week. 

For more information, contact Fittin at (518) 562-7142.