(Fort Myers, Fla. – July 21, 2017) --- Lee Health is once again inviting mothers to participate in the Global Big Latch On to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for global support. The annual event is held during World Breastfeeding Week in various locations around the world.
This year, Lee Health’s Global Big Latch On events will take place:
- Friday, Aug. 4, 10 a.m. at the Wellness Center – Cape Coral, 609 SE 13th Ct.
- Saturday, Aug. 5, 10 a.m. at the Healthy Life Center at Coconut Point, 23190 Fashion Court, Suite 105
“The Global Big Latch On helps raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding,” explains Nancy Travis, RN, director, Women and Neonatal Services, Cape Coral Hospital. “The hope is that breastfeeding will become more accepted as part of everyday life, and more women will be encouraged and supported to breastfeed as long as possible to maximize the benefits for mom and child.”
In addition to the Global Big Latch On at the Healthy Life Center, there will be Mommy and Me Yoga from 9-10 a.m. (space is limited; RSVP required) and an information fair featuring:
- Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida’s Child Advocacy Program
- Postpartum Support International
- Delicious Raw Juice Bar that will be sampling oats
- Chair massages for moms
There also will be activities for moms and babies at the Global Big Latch On event at the Wellness Center – Cape Coral.
The first Big Latch On took place in New Zealand in 2005, and has grown into a global event.
The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of life, then continued breastfeeding and appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years of age, or beyond, as mutually desired by the mother and child.
Benefits of breastfeeding:
- Breast milk provides all of the nutrients your baby needs for the first 6 months of life.
- Breastfed babies have fewer allergies, stomach problems, and respiratory and ear infections.
- Breast milk is free and convenient. You always have a supply and it is always the perfect temperature.
- Breastfeeding is good for the environment—there is no trash to discard.
- Moms who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast cancer
For more information about the Global Big Latch On, please visit www.biglatchon.org or call Cape Coral Hospital at 239-424-2217 or the Healthy Life Center at 239-495-4475.
