Mom2Mom KMC Hosts Big Latch On, World Breastfeeding Week Open House

Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 26, 2013 --(PR.com)-- On the 1 – 7th of August every year, to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for global support, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action organises World Breastfeeding Week. World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, is celebrated in 120 countries and marks the signing of the WHO/UNICEF document Innocenti Declaration, which lists the benefits of breastfeeding, plus global and governmental goals.

This year’s theme “Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mother,” highlights the essential role of peer counseling in helping mothers succeed with breastfeeding. Mom2Mom KMC (http://www.mom2momkmc.org/communityoutreach.html) is a community-wide network offering peer support and accurate information about breastfeeding to all families in the KMC. Mom2Mom KMC's mission is to help each woman reach her individual breastfeeding goals. Mom2Mom KMC is a clear example of the vital role of peer counseling for breastfeeding women emphasized by this year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme. (www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org)

To mark this occasion on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd August 2013 at 10:30am thousands of breastfeeding women and their babies/children across the world will gather in their own communities to take part in the Big Latch On, a synchronized breastfeeding event in multiple locations.

The Kaiserslautern Military Community Big Latch On will take place in conjunction with the Mom2Mom KMC Annual World Breastfeeding Week Open House Saturday, August 3, from 0930-1200 at Donnelly Park Pavilion on Ramstein Air Base. This event will also include a Community Information Fair with representatives from community organizations who support breastfeeding and families with young children. Certified Babywearing Instructors will give demonstrations and answer questions about ways to wear your baby. Plus food, kids’ activities for all ages, and over $1750 in prizes to give away.

The first Big Latch On took place in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2005. It has now taken off globally and in 2012, 8862 children were counted breastfeeding as part of the Global Big Latch On. This year we are aiming to once again break this record! The 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.

For more information, visit http://www.mom2momkmc.org, http://www.biglatchon.org, or contact:

Amy Smolinski, CLC
Community Outreach Director
outreach@mom2momkmc.org