Big Latch On event scheduled at Holzer

GALLIPOLIS, Ohio – During the first part of August every year, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action organizes World Breastfeeding Week to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for global support. World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated August 1-7 in 120 countries and marks the signing of the World Health Organization/UNICEF document Innocenti Declaration, which lists the benefits of breastfeeding, plus global and governmental goals.

To mark this occasion, thousands of breastfeeding people and their babies/children across the world will gather in their own communities to take part in the Global Big Latch On, a synchronized breastfeeding event in multiple locations. Holzer Gallipolis Maternity Services will host a local Big Latch On event on Friday, August 3, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the French 500 Room, 100 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis, Ohio.

The first Big Latch On took place in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2005 and was introduced to Portland, Oregon in 2010 by Small Beginnings Group LLC, and now is recognized globally. This year our goal is to break the current Global Big Latch On record of 17,992 children breastfeeding at 758 locations, across 23 countries.

The Global Big Latch On is founded on the principles of community development, providing the opportunity for breastfeeding women to unite in their local communities, host their own events, and identify opportunities for on-going support.

Breastfeeding contributes to the normal growth and development of babies/children. Babies/children who are not breastfed are found to be at an increased risk of infant morbidity and mortality, adult obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and premenopausal 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 Holzer’s event, contact (740) 446-5647.

About Holzer Birthing and Women’s Center
Holzer Birthing and Women’s Center is created with the entire family in mind. New mothers enjoy privacy, skilled care, and the latest technology in a comfortable and relaxed setting, all supported by a compassionate healthcare team. Holzer’s Birthing and Women’s Center offers a nurturing environment that features private rooms before, during, and after delivery. The entire family is encouraged to be a part of this great experience. Following the birth of your baby, we offer private post-partum rooms, complete with a king-size bed and other decorative surroundings. A number of special accommodations are offered in our spacious birthing suites, such as a master bath with Jacuzzi, and a private family waiting room. For more information, visit www.holzer.org.