World Breastfeeding Week in the Bay
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week will see mothers and their babies across the Bay of Plenty gather for the Big Latch
On events to help raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding.
Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months
and then continue to breastfeed along with the introduction of solid foods.
Big Latch On events are being held throughout the Bay of Plenty on Friday 1st August and Saturday 2nd August. Tauranga
mothers wanting to join the event can come along to Hungahungatoroa Marae in Matapihi, at 10.00am on Friday 1st August.
In Whakatane, mothers are welcome at the Allandale School Hall at 9.30am on Friday 1st August.
The Big Latch On will also be held at other venues across the Bay of Plenty:
On Friday 1st August at 10.30am -
Katikati – Katikati Midwives Clinic, 14 Jocelyn Street
Waihi – Waihi Plunket Rooms, Haszard Street
Opotiki - Ka Pai Kai, Church Street
On Saturday 2nd August at 10.30am -
Te Puke - 4woods Early Learning Centre, 109 Cameron Road
For contact details, visit the Women’s Health Action Trust website – www.womens-health.org.nz
The first Big Latch On took place in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2005 and has now taken off globally, with the current
Global Big Latch On record at 14,536.
‘Breastfeeding – A Winning Goal for Life’ is this year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme, reflecting the importance of
increasing and sustaining the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. Research shows that appropriate
community, peer support and family links are critical for breastfeeding women and have a positive influence on
breastfeeding rates and duration.
For more information about World Breastfeeding Week and the Big Latch On event visit www.ttophs.govt.nz/breastfeeding_week or www.womens-health.org.nz
ENDS