HICKORY, NC – August 4, 2015 — Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) celebrated World Breastfeeding
Week by hosting a local event called “The Big Latch On” during which local women joined a worldwide initiative to increase
awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding. Nursing moms gathered at
The POD, CVMC’s Maternal Child Education Center, on Friday, July 31st in an effort that resulted in a new world record for the most women breastfeeding
simultaneously for a one-minute duration.
Excitement filled the room as everyone waited for the call to latch on.
Babies squirmed ready to nurse and children played with their newfound
friends, while moms exchanged breastfeeding advice and caught up with
familiar faces. CVMC’s certified lactation consultants were available
to answer questions, coach the mothers, and check babies’ weights
upon request.
“This was our first time hosting The Big Latch On,” said Karen
Miller, CVMC’s Maternal Child Health Specialist. “And we couldn’t
be more pleased with the outcome.” CVMC welcomed over 50 guests
comprised of nursing mothers, family members and volunteers. Karen reported
35 infants and children latched on to 33 nursing women — including
a woman who fed her oldest son breast milk out of a toddler cup while
breastfeeding her two daughters.
The Big Latch On is held to encourage women to breastfeed and support each
other. “It was really about celebrating breastfeeding moms. For
me, The Big Latch On was like a reunion. I’ve had many of these
moms in our Mommy & Me Breastfeeding Support Group and know the challenges
they sometimes face, making it even more rewarding to see their true commitment
and perseverance in wanting the best for their babies,” said Carla
Patton, CVMC Certified Lactation Consultant.
CVMC provides the community with a wide variety of breastfeeding resources
including trained lactation (breastfeeding) specialists, support groups and
The POD, located on the hospital campus in the patient Pavilion.
The POD stocks a full line of nursing bras, breast pumps and accessories with
complimentary professional bra fittings offered as well. For more information
about breastfeeding, contact Ella Thompson via email (ethompson@catawbavalleymc.org) or call 828.326.3062.
ABOUT WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK
August 1 – 7 every year, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action
hosts World Breastfeeding Week to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding
and the need for global support. World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated
in 120 countries and marks the signing of the WHO/UNICEF document Innocenti
Declaration, which lists the benefits of breastfeeding, plus global and
governmental goals.