More than 150 local moms and their beautiful, bouncing – and breastfeeding – babies turned out to Christiana Care in Ogletown earlier this month for the “Big Latch On,” a day of fun, education and, naturally, a snack for the little ones, to recognize World Breastfeeding Week.
According to Mona Liza Hamlin, nurse manager for Parent Education and Lactation Services at Christiana, it was the health system’s second year participating in the global event, which she called “a one-stop shop for families to learn about breastfeeding support and other perinatal services offered through Christiana Care and our partners.”
“The health benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and baby are well documented,” said Hamlin. “We want to show our commitment to providing optimal care to our mothers, no matter how they choose to feed their baby.”
Nearly 60,000 breastfeeding moms attended 778 “Latch-On” events in 28 countries on August 3, 4 and 5. Organizers set a World Record this year, with over 3,000 more breastfeeding parents than in previous years. And they claim precisely 20,864 children were actively breastfeeding during the key one-minute count at 10:30 am on the 4th. (No word on whether any twins participated.)
Christiana’s event also featured a fashion show with stylish nursing wear for moms, speakers, an information fair and kid-friendly activities, including a “diaper derby” for crawling babies.
Hamlin said Christiana provides significant support and education for new mothers considering breastfeeding. “Internationally board-certified lactation consultants help our families while they are in the hospital, in the neonatal intensive care unit or after discharge. We also have two free breastfeeding groups each week run by a peer counselor and lactation consultant.”
