Big Latch On tomorrow at Manaia PHO
More than 90% of New Zealand mothers want to breastfeed their babies but only 21% of New Zealand babies are recorded as
exclusively breastfed at six months with community breastfeeding rates dropping steadily and rapidly following
discharge.
In true Northland style Northland District Health Board, Manaia PHO, La Leche League, Parent’s Centre, Migrant Centre
and Plunket have partnered this year to host the Whangarei Big Latch On event to show the ‘unity’ in community
organisations working together to support breastfeeding mothers.
Every year thousands of breastfeeding mothers across the world gather at registered locations to breastfeed their
children simultaneously for The Big Latch On event celebrating World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7.
The theme this year is “Breastfeeding Support: Close to mothers” in recognition of how important peer and community
support is for mothers to successfully breastfeed their children.
The Big Latch On event is for all breastfeeding mothers and babies, whanau, friends and members of our community to come
and show their support for breastfeeding!
Northland’s Big Latch On event is being held at Manaia Health PHO in the Ratu Room on August 2 at 10.30am with morning
tea provided. Breastfeeding mothers across the region will be linked via video conference at 10.30am making it one of
the largest gatherings of Northland breastfeeding mum’s ever.
Barriers to breastfeeding have a huge impact on the health of Northland mothers and babies. Create a healthier Northland
by supporting breastfeeding as the cultural norm!
Photo: New mum Sam Harris breast feeding Zara Harris – 3 ½ months old
Northland Big Latch On Venues - Gathering at 10am to simultaneously Latch On at 1030 am.
• Manaia Health PHO 28-30 Rust Ave, Whangarei - in the Ratu Room
• Kaitaia Hospital whare, contact person JudyAnne Cooze (02102823580)
• Bay of Islands Hospital Maternity Ward contact person Justine de la Cour Team Leader (09 4040280 –ask for
Maternity)
• Dargaville Fish Factory Building - contact person Heather Carter
-ENDS-