Gibraltar will once again host its annual ‘Big Latch On’ this Saturday at Café Solo. The event will see mothers gather together to promote breastfeeding in the community. Every year during the first week in August new mothers raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for global support.

World Breastfeeding Week, is celebrated in 120 countries and marks the signing of the WHO/UNICEF document ‘Innocenti Declaration’, which lists the benefits of breastfeeding, plus global and governmental goals.

The first ‘Big Latch On’, took place in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2005 and was introduced to Portland, Oregon in 2010 by Joanne Edwards. It has now taken off globally and in 2012 8862 children were counted as part of the Global Big Latch On with 23 of these in Gibraltar.

Organiser Tamsin Suarez, founder of the ‘Mummy and Me’ breastfeeding support group said that the group is this year aiming to break last year’s record for simultaneous breastfeeding. New mothers are urged to participate in the event, which will kick off as from 10am.

Breastfeeding is known to contribute to the normal growth and development of babies, and those who are not breastfed are at increased risk of infant mortality, adult obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and premenopausal breast and ovarian cancer.

Fore more information individuals can contact Tamsin Suarez at [email protected] or on 54014517.