Promoting breastfeeding on a worldwide level with the Big Latch On

Mothers and babies part of the event at 10 a.m. Saturday at Myrick. 

Last year, 60 mothers and their babies took part in a public awareness campaign promoting breastfeeding.

It’s a worldwide event called the Big Latch On.

August 5, supporters are hoping to set a world record for the most mothers and babies taking part in breastfeeding at one time.

For the third year, mom’s and their babies will take part in the event locally, at Myrick Park, which will run from 10-11:30 a.m.

The first year had a small group, but it’s grown since.

“So then we did it again last year and it jumped up big time,” nutrition specialist Abbie Loos of the La Crosse County health dept. said. “We had 60 mom and baby pairs. This year we hope to beat that.”

As for the record?

“Last year, I think the goal was about 18,000,” Loos said. “This year, we hope to beat that worldwide.”

The event is aimed at persuading mothers to feel comfortable about breastfeeding in public.