Nursing mothers from across London and Middlesex County are being invited to take part in the Latch On Challenge to celebrate the start of World Breastfeeding Week. The Latch On Challenge takes place this Saturday, at the South London Community Centre; registration begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Latch On Challenge at 11:00 a.m. The goal of the challenge is to have as many breastfed babies as possible latched on, or skin-to-skin, at the same time.
In Canada, World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated between October 1st and 7th. This year’s theme is: “Sustaining breastfeeding together”, highlighting the importance of supporting mothers to continue breastfeeding, whether that encouragement comes from family, friends, professionals or even social media. While World Breastfeeding Week in Canada doesn’t officially begin until Sunday, many communities across the country will be holding kick-off events on Saturday.
Who:
Breastfeeding mothers, their families and friends; staff from the Middlesex-London Health Unit and other organizations that support and encourage breastfeeding
What:
Latch On Challenge to celebrate the start of World Breastfeeding Week
Where:
South London Community Centre, 1119 Jalna Boulevard, London
When:
Saturday, September 30th, 2017; 10:30 a.m. to 12:00
Latch On Challenge to begin at 11:00 a.m.
Health Canada and the Canadian Pediatric Society recommend that nursing mothers breastfeed their babies early, continue to breastfeed their child exclusively for the first six months of life and that they maintain breastfeeding their child for up to two years and beyond. The World Health Organization also states that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life ranks among the most effective interventions for improving child survival and health.
Media contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Laura Dueck, Public Health Nurse,
Chair, Middlesex-London World Breastfeeding Week Workgroup