Big Latch On a big success

The Global Big Latch On brought together mothers and their children to Hindpool Children’s Centre, Hartlepool, on Friday 4 August where they were able to share stories, enjoy activities and join the global synchronised breastfeed at 10.30am.

Little visitors to the event enjoyed face painting, handprint picture making and healthy snacks, while mums shared advice and chatted to health representatives about everything from breastfeeding to baby carrying.

Paul Edmondson-Jones, Hartlepool Council’s Interim Director of Public Health, said: “I am delighted to see that Hartlepool mothers have once again supported the Global Big Latch On, which enables local women to access support and encourage others to join them in breastfeeding their babies. 

“Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world to do and has many long term benefits for both baby and mother. As a Council we are dedicated to offering ongoing support and advice services to help women through every stage of their breastfeeding journeys.”

Melanie Calvert, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Healthy Early Years Coordinator, said: “Our breastfeeding event was a great success, and we were extremely pleased to see so many mothers and their children enjoying themselves.

“We have been hosting the Big Latch On for two years now to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and support available, and hope to make it bigger and better next year with even more activities on offer.

“It is important mums feel supported by their partners, families and communities, and we would encourage expectant and new mums looking for additional support with breastfeeding to visit one of our advice groups or Well Baby Clinics.”

Breastfeeding mothers in Hartlepool seeking additional support 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 seven Well Baby Clinics across Hartlepool’s Children’s Centres:

Monday: Hindpool Children’s Centre (01429 292555) – 1.30pm – 2.30pm

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

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

Wednesday: Lynnfield Children’s Centre (01429 232946) – 1.30pm – 2.30pm

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) – 1pm – 3pm