Aspirus Keweenaw invites all nursing moms to 4th annual ‘Big Latch On’ event

HOUGHTON, Mich.  – The Women’s Health Team at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital and Clinics will host the “Big Latch On,” a synchronized community breastfeeding event, on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Aspirus Houghton Clinic. Nursing mothers are invited to gather in the clinic’s private Outpatient Therapies room and support one another by “latching on” (breastfeeding) as a part of a global breastfeeding community.

“Breastfeeding is a normal part of life that is overwhelmingly positive for mother and child,” said event coordinator Mariah Maggio. “By hosting the Big Latch On, we’re celebrating women and families and raising public awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding.”

The Global Big Latch On takes place every August to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. In 2005, Women’s Health Action held the first event in New Zealand to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, encourage the formation of support networks between breastfeeding women and normalize breastfeeding as a part of daily life. Since its initiation, the community event has grown into a global phenomenon. In 2016, 17,992 children were breastfed across 758 locations in 28 countries.

Maggio expects a close-knit, enthusiastic turnout for Aspirus’ fourth annual event.  “Our community may be small, but we are a part of a larger, lasting support system of breastfeeding mothers, families and friends,” she said.

Participants are asked to sign in at 10 a.m. to settle in before the 10:30 a.m. start time. Brunch snacks, party favors and coloring pages for older children will be provided during the event. The event is sponsored by the Women’s Health Team and Education Committee.

Aspirus Houghton Clinic is located at 1000 Cedar St. in Houghton. For more information, contact Mariah Maggio at 337- 6544 or Jenn Jenich-Laplander at 337.6541. Visit https://biglatchon.org/ for additional details.