MASON CITY – Local moms participated in an event known as the Big Latch On Saturday in East Park. Women and their children came together here and around the world to breastfeed simultaneously in an effort to bring awareness to the positive aspects of feeding children with human breast milk.
This year the Big Latch On included 623 locations registered across 25 countries and a new Big Latch On record of 14,536 children breastfeeding during the event.
“Numbers really are only a small part of the story though,” an official stated. “This event is held to develop the support of local communities for families. I know many friendships were formed this morning and all those who were involved had lots of fun. It is really important that we continue to make breastfeeding in public a normal and supported part of having a child.”
Alissa Gomez-Dean and Beth Bucholz described the benefits of breastfeeding.
Bucholz said that breastfeeding is “meant for a baby … babies have less infections, less sickness, they get the antibodies they need.” She also said moms that breastfeed have less occurrence of some cancers.
Gomez-Dean said that women’s breast milk adapts to what the baby needs.
“It changes with your baby,” she said.
About 7 moms participated Saturday in Mason City, with 9 babies. After they got their breastfeeding time in, the ladies stuck around to chat and enjoyed cookie, cupcakes and juice.
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