Hawke’s Bay parents are invited to take part in this week’s global “Big Latch On” event at registered locations across the region to help promote the health and wellbeing benefits of breastfeeding.
World Breastfeeding Week (1 – 7 August) saw more than 40,000 women and children taking part in 2017 and this year’s theme is about promoting the free, nutritious benefits of breastfeeding with the slogan: ‘Breastfeeding: Foundation of life’.
Hawke’s Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) midwifery director Julie Arthur says events like the Big Latch On help to bring whānau and support services together.
In September 2017, HBDHB celebrated national recognition by the New Zealand Breasting Alliance for its efforts to ensure new mothers and babies were breastfeeding well before being discharged from hospital.
The DHB’s maternity team of clinical and non-clinical staff, work with parents and whānau to promote the benefits of breastfeeding and help mothers to learn techniques with their newborn babies before they depart for home. As a result, 75% of newborn babies are being exclusively breastfed at discharge
“Breastfeeding is a free, fast food and is the foundation of a healthy life, so it’s really important we spend quality time with mother and baby to support breastfeeding and that this support continues within the community.
“We are incredibly lucky in Hawke’s Bay to have some wonderful support networks, agencies and lead maternity carers who do just that,” she said.
Hawke’s Bay’s Big Latch On Events are:
Friday 3 August
Plunket Community Hub, 62 Flanders Ave, Onekawa, Napier
Meet at 9:30am for 10:30am event. Morning tea provided.
Wairoa Presbyterian Hall, Queen Street (opposite the Council). (Organised by HBDHB’s Wairoa Hospital midwives)
Meet 10am for Latch on at 10:30am. Spot prizes, quiz, waiata, kai and cup of tea.
Saturday 4 August
Te Ara o Tāwhaki Marae EIT, Gloucester Street, Taradale.
10am for Latch on at 10:30am. Warm kai provided. A koha is appreciate
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