Big Latch On event set for Aug. 1-2

To raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for global support, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action organizes World Breastfeeding Week from Aug. 1-7.
To mark the World Breastfeeding Week, 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.
Erica Davis Rockwell, who operates Mother 2 Mother on 5 Bangor St. in Houlton will be taking part in the Big Latch On, which will be held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 1-2 at 10:30 a.m.
The Big Latch On is informed by the principles of community development, providing opportunity for breastfeeding women to get together in their local communities, host their own events and identify opportunities for ongoing support.
According to Rockwell, breastfeeding contributes to the normal growth and development of babies/children and babies/children who are not breastfed are at an increased risk of infant morbidity and mortality, adult obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and pemenopausal 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 on breastfeeding and its benefits, call Rockwell at 538-7129 or email mother2mother@gmail.com.