Global Big Latch on returns

Sandusky — For the last decade, an event known as the Global Big Latch On has taken place, in honor of the normalization of breastfeeding.The event was founded in New Zealand in 2005 by Woman's Health Action as part of World Breastfeeding Week and has grown exponentially each year since.Groups of breastfeeding mothers across the world gather in registered locations in nurse their children in synchronization, in hopes of breaking the record for most mothers nursing at one time.In addition to attempting to break the record, the Global Big Latch On also helps raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding, provides resources and support for mothers who may be struggling to nurse successfully and assists communities to positively support breastfeeding in public places."We still have people who think it's not proper," said Judy McCurdy of Firelands Regional Medical Center. "We're hoping to encourage other mothers to nurse their babies whenever they're hungry, wherever they're hungry."This weekend, three Global Big Latch On events are scheduled. Erie County's event is at Battery Park in Sandusky on Friday. On Saturday, Huron County's is set for Clark Park in Monroeville, while Sandusky County's will be at Clyde Community Park in Clyde.All three of Global Big Latch On events will begin at 10 a.m. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m., with the actual latch on taking place at 10:30 a.m. Babies must be latched and nurse for one full minute to be counted towards the record. The record to beat is 14,889 breastfeeding children.Each Global Latch On event will have light refreshments, giveaways to participating mothers and educational information."People learn visually," McCurdy said. "Breastfeeding moms are usually so discreet that no one sees it. It's important for the community to support breastfeeding."Register photo/MICHELLE PLETCHER; Breastfeeding mothers gathered at Battery Park for the 2014 Global Big Latch On. This year's event is set for Friday and Saturday at various locations.