Big Latch On brings parents together on breastfeeding

LEARNING ABOUT LATCHING: Parents came to The Big Latch On event at the H B Williams Library on Friday to connect with other parents who breastfeed and learn more about it. Kaniwa Kupenga-Tamarama from Ngāti Porou Oranga shared some tips for them all. Picture supplied

Connecting mothers who breastfeed their pēpi (baby) with others was a main focus of The Big Latch On event at the HB Williams Memorial Library on Friday.

The Big Latch On aims to promote and celebrate breastfeeding, as well as support and connect parents and whānau on all infant-feeding journeys within their own communities.

“This is the first time my baby has been in a room full of other babies,” said a māmā who attended.

The Big Latch On happens around the globe and thousands take part in it. These events are a chance for mothers to access community and peer-to-peer support for breastfeeding their children and share

their breastfeeding or expressing milk journey.

After a few years of cancellations, Tairāwhiti’s Big Latch On attracted about 30 parents and their children.

It was a two-hour long event where breastfeeding education was shared.

This included indigenous learnings about rongoā (traditional Māori medicine) and native plants that support breastfeeding and the mother’s wellbeing.

The Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti team made sure the parents were catered to so that it was a positive experience for all. There were spot prizes donated by organisations like Three Rivers Pharmacy, Nuk and Lions International.

Te Whare Hauora o Hauiti in Ūawa Tolaga Bay had a morning tea event for this kaupapa as well.

The Big Latch On events were coordinated by Tania Keepa, Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti Mokopuna Ora SUDI prevention coordinator, who was supported by her team and other professionals in the lead up to the event, incuding Māmā Pūkeko, Ngāti Porou Oranga, Tūranga Health, Plunket and the Pacific Island Community Trust.