Global Big Latch On a big success in Hartlepool

The Global Big Latch On brought together mothers and their children, family and friends to Rossmere Children’s Centre in Hartlepool, where they were able to enjoy activities, speak to health representatives and join in the global synchronised breastfeed.

A record total of 18 mothers breastfed 20 children during the minute-long Big Latch On, which saw 20,745 children breastfed at the same time globally.

Visitors to the Hartlepool event also enjoyed craft activities, baby yoga and massage demonstrations and indoor and outdoor play, while representatives from Oral Health, Changing Futures North East and Health Visiting spoke about everything from breastfeeding to baby carrying.

Gemma Ptak, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Assistant Director for Preventative and Community Based Services said: “I am delighted to see that Hartlepool mothers have once again supported the Global Big Latch On, which enables local women to come together to celebrate and raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding. 

“Breastfeeding looks different for every individual, and can sometimes be as difficult as it is rewarding. This is why it is so important that mums feel supported by their partners, families and communities.

“We would always encourage expectant and new mums looking for additional support with breastfeeding to visit one of our advice groups or Well Baby Clinics in the town, where they can meet other mums, share advice and develop those support networks.”

Breastfeeding mothers in Hartlepool can attend two advice groups every Monday at Rossmere Children’s Centre, Rossmere Way:

First Latch - 9.15am – 10.15am. A Health Visitor-led group offering advice and support to breastfeeding mums, suitable for children from birth to eight months.

Latch On - 10.00am – 11.30am. A parent-led group for breastfeeding mums offering informal support in a relaxed environment, suitable for breastfed children of any age.

Breastfeeding advice is also available from Health Visitors and Community Nursery Nurses at several Well Baby Clinics across Hartlepool’s Children’s Centres:

Monday

Hindpool Children’s Centre (01429 292555) – 9.15am – 11am

Rossmere Children’s Centre (01429 292444) – 1.30pm – 3pm

Tuesday

Chatham Children’s Centre (01429 284466) – 1.30pm – 3pm

Stranton Children’s Centre (01429 231329) – 1pm – 2.30pm

Wednesday

Lynnfield Children’s Centre (01429 232946) – 9.15am – 11am

Thursday

Miers Avenue Children’s Centre (01429 284466) – 1.30pm – 3pm

Rift House Children’s Centre (01429 284610) – 1pm – 2.30pm

Friday

Rossmere Children’s Centre (01429 292444) – 9.15am – 11am