If you can muddle through all of the Chick-Fil-A posts on facebook to see the support for breastfeeding, you’ve probably figured out that it’s World Breastfeeding Week.

One of the major events that happens, each year, during World Breastfeeding Week, is The Big Latch On.

Groups of women gather in registered locations around the world to simultaneously latch on their babies to breastfeed for one minute to set a record.

Is it all about the record?  No, not really, but it’s a great way to help draw people in to support breastfeeding and spread the word.  In 2011, 5687 women and their children came together and breastfed simultaneously as part of the Big Latch On!

This year, the Big Latch On is catering to everyone, buy offering two different days for the events to occur.

What are the aims of The Big Latch On?

  • Support for communities to identify and grow opportunities to provide ongoing breastfeeding support and promotion.
  • Raise awareness of breastfeeding support and knowledge available in communities.
  • Help communities positively support breastfeeding in public places.
  • Make breastfeeding a normal part of the day-to-day life at a local community level.
  • Increase support for women who breastfeed – women are supported by there partners, family and the breastfeeding knowledge that is embedded in their communities.
  • Communities have the resources to and / or advocate for coordinated appropriate and accessible breastfeeding support services.

If you’re interested in attending an event in your area, check the map for the registered location closest to you!  You do not have to be currently breastfeeding to attend!  Contact the local host to see if you can help in other ways.

Big Latch On 2012 Locations Map