Breastfeeding awareness important
Breastfeeding mums are set to gather around the Far North for the Big Latch On.
Big Latch On Kerikeri coordinator Kayla Crossley says the event promotes public breastfeeding and encourages a supportive space for mothers and their children.
Breastfeeding mothers and those who may be feeding expressed breast milk are welcome to attend the social event.
Support offered by the likes of Plunket around breastfeeding, La Leche League (a support group) and fellow mothers is very important, says Crossley.
‘‘Sometimes you just need to be able to say I need help, you just need people to talk to who won’t judge you,’’ Crossley says.
Kerikeri mother Luanne VacyLyne says she often breastfeeds six-month-old Brianna at her stall at the local markets.
‘‘I feed her and if they don’t like it, they can leave.
‘‘She’s there with me at the markets and I’ve never had an issue. No one has ever said anything to me.’’
Fellow Kerikeri mum-of-three Barbara Roberts says she first started breastfeeding more than seven years ago with her first child.
‘‘There is less stigma now associated with breastfeeding.’’
Jaclyn Dawson says she feels for those who can’t breastfeed.
‘‘I’ve been lucky enough to be able to continue doing it.’’
The mothers say that in Kerikeri, public breastfeeding is generally well accepted when the children are very young, but as they get older it seems to be more frowned upon.
Dawson says she gets asked when she will stop breastfeeding her 18-month-old twins.
‘‘It’s my body and they are my children, so if I’m happy to do it, I don’t see why anyone else has a problem.’’
Big Latch On events will be held throughout the country and the world, as a part of World Breastfeeding Week.
Find your nearest Big Latch On event,
register on the day:
Kerikeri Plunket Rooms, August 4, from 9.30am.
Matauranga Room, Rawene Hospital, August 4, from 10am.
Bay of Islands Hospital, Maternity Unit, Kawakawa, August 4, from 10.30am.
Te Kohekohe Drop in Centre, August 4, 11 Mangakahia Rd, Kaikohe, 10am.
Toll Stadium, Whangarei, August 4, from 9.30am.