Central Indiana’s Big Latch On – Breastfeeding World

Finding Unity at Central Indiana’s 2017 Big Latch On

Lauren Lewis — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 16:11:08 +0000

On August 5, over 180 mothers and 480 Breastfeeding supporters gathered to nurse their babies, discover resources, and finally, celebrate!

Families came from all over for Central Indiana’s Breastfeeding World 2017 Big Latch On in Central Indiana.

Why a huge event, about something so simple as feeding a child? Breastfeeding moms, feeding babies? What’s the big deal?

Because, even though breastfeeding is natural, it isn’t always simple. And even though motherhood is beautiful, it is also challenging. And messy. And even a little lonely. So yes, the latch, the bond, the breastfeeding, it’s why we gather. It’s why we support one other. But Breastfeeding World’s 2017 Big Latch On Events are more than that. These breastfeeding celebrations are about Unity. Here, we discover we are not alone in our breastfeeding journeys. Together, we are uniting in Motherhood.

After all, our children are the reasons we began this journey to begin with.

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I love that once I arrived, my sense of loneliness went away. I felt empowered and supported. My family and my husband love that I breastfeed, but none of them support me nursing wherever, whenever.

I loved that I could feed my former NICU baby without fear of being ridiculed for not finding a bathroom or backseat of a hot uncomfortable car. It felt normal. I felt normal, like how it should feel. Just a regular mom, going about her normal business feeding her baby the “normal” way.” -Jessica Down

Here is the 2017 Big Latch On Final Count!

Central Indiana’s 2107 Big Latch On isn’t the only location working to build community support for breastfeeding. Not only did Breastfeeding World proudly host coast-to-coast Latch On’s. Families joined together in Martha’s Vineyard, NYC, Central Indiana, and Downtown Seattle. These Breastfeeding World organized events culminated to almost 300 Latches, and over 1000 breastfeeding supporters. Yet, we were part of an even larger movement.

This year The Global Big Latch On registered 725 locations across 23 countries. The final count numbers ended with:

17,790 children breastfeeding during the one-minute count

18,036 breastfeeding women attended

What an amazing feeling, to sit among so many moms in your community, feeding your babies. Then adding to that feeling, knowing that you are joining in unity with families from all over the world! You can find out more about this year’s global events here.

Impacting our Community

I didn’t know why at first, but I drove home with tears. Mainly because I was so proud to be apart of something like this, considering my breastfeeding journey. It was so very difficult in the start. I felt comfortable after a big even though I came alone! I didn’t win any raffles, but I was a part of something bigger than any gift. Cassidy and I have survived almost 6 months of this journey together and I got to share that with 180+ other mothers.” -Andrea Kernodle-McCauley

Save

The Bubbles were Awesome! They kept my kids (an myself) entertained so I could listen to the names being called for the raffle. Best thing of all would be just being surrounded by so many other breastfeeding mamas. Feeling 100% comfortable and safe to nurse my toddler. To be a part of something like that means so much to me. The health assessment was pretty neat, too!” – Amanda Bowers

“It was incredibly laid back which is the way breastfeeding in public should be! I sat between two women during the latch. The woman to my right had breastfed for 9 years. The woman to my left was breastfeeding in public for the first time. So many women, so many stories. Simply put… it was amazing. My heart smiles every time I think about it. I really appreciated the entertainment for the kiddos! And the amber necklace was the best swag!” – Marcy Brittingham

“My favorite swag item was the pair of Kindred Bravely breast pads. Literally the best pads in the entire world! I’m so mad at myself for just now finding them, I need to order more!” -Kelly Jones

“It was awesome just seeing that Indiana has such a large breastfeeding community. Sad I missed out on that gorgeous Tula from the raffle though! That was one lucky mama.” -Danielle Spangle

“I loved it! I have been more confident and comfortable with feeding in public. I honestly loved the door handle sign! It was so cute and funny. I also loved used the temporary tattoo on my car! I will definitely come next year.” -Andrea Dunham

“I was tearing up during the latch. The air had a different feeling. It was so peaceful, with all of the love and support in one area! My favorite swag was the amber necklaces (From Baltic Essentials)! I won the crunchy mama raffle and I love it!” – Sophie Mullins

We Couldn’t Have Done This Alone!

Breastfeeding World is so, incredibly grateful to the businesses, volunteers, organizations, and donor’s who made 2017’s Central Indiana Big Latch On an iconic moment to remember. From Funding our Event, helping organize, providing support to the nursing mamas, to the generous swag bag and raffle donations, this event was truly a celebration for our community, by our community. We would like to give a very special Thanks to our Diamond & Gold Contributors: Baltic Essentials, Kindred Bravely, MommyCon, and Advanced Breastfeeding Care.

Family Resources in Central Indiana

One of the aspects of Breastfeeding World’s 2017 Big Latch On that we are most excited about is our Advocacy Program. It is so important to our project that we not only strive to normalize breastfeeding, but that we also support other families in that journey. Below you can find a list of breastfeeding and family resources. Connect with these organizations and professionals, and stay connected with our community.

Breastfeeding Support:

Family Health and Development:

Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Support:

Laura Gibb, P,RN, CPM, Peaceful Source Midwifery.
Casey Vhla, Hoosier Family Doulas.
April Brake, CPM Serene Midwifery.
Jennifer Riddle, Doula, Mothers Intuition, Muncie.
Hannah Orcutt, Birth Doula.

Thank You to the Central Indiana Breastfeeding Community

As we excitedly await next year’s Big Latch On, let us continue to support, lift up, and encourage one another, as we “Share the Breastfeeding Love.”

Editor’s Note: I would like to give a special thank you to our Breastfeeding World Team of Volunteers. These women are my personal Breastfeeding World. Sam, Laranda, Alexia, and Lisa- this project has been so much more than about breastfeeding to me. Your friendship and love, along with the empowerment I have felt through these months and months of planning, have helped shape me. To be a better mom. A more connected friend. And perhaps most importantly, a stronger woman than I knew I was. What an amazing feeling to discover; that in empowering other moms, we find ourselves empowered. You ladies are my world, and I adore each of you.

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts and be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our hashtag

#BreastfeedingWorld

Lauren Lewis

Lauren Lewis is no stranger to childcare development, having spent over 10 years as a nanny or family childcare provider. She’s the wife of a travel geek, mother of two vivacious children, and has an amazing talent for trailing lost things behind her a la Hansel and Gretel. Her passion for lifting up women and advocating for children pours out in her work as a Central Indiana Event Coordinator, Writer, and Social Media Relations Director for Breastfeeding World. Her life is full of busy, crazy and LOUD. It is full of love and hope, ups and downs. And coffee, always lots of coffee- but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

www.raisinglaurenslittle.wordpress.com

The post Finding Unity at Central Indiana’s 2017 Big Latch On appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Come Join Central Indiana’s Big Latch On!

Lauren Lewis — Wed, 10 May 2017 13:00:58 +0000

Last year, over 200 mothers and babies gathered on the steps of the Hamilton County Judicial Building and fed their babies, thus participating in Central Indiana’s Big Latch On

This year, for 2017, Breastfeeding World is doing it again with Central Indiana’s Big Latch On! With the help of our volunteers, sponsors, and donors, we are “Spreading the Breastfeeding Love” in Central Indiana by hosting our Second Annual Big Latch On and Community event!

On August 5, 2017, at exactly 10:30am, mothers and babies (and/or their pumps) will gather on the steps of the West Lawn of the Judicial Building in Noblesville Indiana. Together, you will unite with mothers across the World in nursing our babies for one whole minute.

What is the Global Big Latch On?

The Latch

The Global Big Latch On takes place at registered locations around the world,where women gather together to breastfeed and offer peer support to each other. Their friends, family and community join this celebration to promote and support breastfeeding. Volunteers from within the community host each location, hosting a Global Big Latch On creates a lasting support network for the community.

What to expect at a Global Big Latch On location?

There’s usually a little bit of beautiful chaos, lots of laughter and then some counting. We do have some records to break, which is why we need your help. We count the number of children breastfeeding at the same time (the latch count), how many breastfeeding women gathered and the total number of people who come out to show their support, so bring as

many friends and family members as you can.

At around 10.30am we count all the breastfeeding that is happening. It’s a latch on, so a child’s mouth around a breastfeeding womans’ nipple counts. If you are breastfeeding

twins or triplets (or more!) counts 2/ 3 even if they are not all breastfeeding at the same time. We figure that’s fair enough!

Remember no one checks for milk transfer, children do not have to stay latched for the whole time and all ages are very welcome.

We recognize that everyone’s breastfeeding journey looks different and we want the Global Big Latch On to be as fun and inclusive as possible, while still reaching our aims of positively supporting breastfeeding in public and making it a normal part of day to day life.You can be included in the latch count by latching a child or children; using an supplemental nursing system or nipple shield; expressing milk (hand or pump) or by feeding your child breast milk via an alternative method.

Find out more on their website!

Breastfeeding World’s Big Latch On Community Events

Last year was Breastfeeding World’s first year organizing Tri-state Level Events. We hosted Latch On’s at Times Square in NYC, Martha’s Vineyard, and of course here, in Hamilton County. Together, we celebrated breastfeeding within our unique communities.

Check out our promotional video from last year, made by our founder, Alexia Garcia of Alegares Photography:

What can you expect from this years Central Indiana’s Big Latch On?

First, upon arrival, check in for Nursing Mama’s begins at 9:15, with the Latch itself beginning at exactly 10:00am. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to find parking! The county told us we are welcome to use the employee lot south of SR 32. There will also be an art fair going on downtown on the Square, not to mention the Farmer’s Market a few blocks away, so don’t get those confused with the Latch and picnic! Central Indiana’s Big Latch On & Family Picnic will take place on the West Lawn of the Judicial Center- this is behind the official courthouse building.

But don’t leave after the Latch On, because the fun is only just getting started at Central Indiana’s Big Latch On & Family Picnic

As every mother who has ever put a babe to the breast knows, Breastfeeding isn’t always just about the latch. The same goes with our event- it’s not only about the latch here either! It’s about self-care. Finding Support. Discovering our village. And the Free Stuff.

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OK, so the free stuff has nothing to do with breastfeeding, but it does have to do with our event! Our supportive sponsors generously donated incredible Raffle items or our participants and their families. Every pre-registered pregnant or nursing mother will receive a free ticket along with a swag bag, filled with amazing goodies (Like sunscreen samples from Goddess Gardens, Tubby Todd Baby Wash, an organic bamboo nursing pad package from Kindred Bravely, Mary Kay Samples, and an Amber Teething Necklace from Baltic Essentials)from our sponsors.

Along with your free raffle ticket, you may earn them by participating in games on our event page, speaking with our advocates, or you may purchase extra tickets at $1 each. Proceeds from our raffle baskets will divide between next year’s Big Latch On, and towards supporting moms in our community with the Indy Chapter of Breastfeeding USA.

How to Participate in Central Indiana’s Big Latch On

[col1] Latch on Participant: Are you a Breastfeeding or Pumping Parent with a nursling? Let us know to expect you, get a free raffle ticket and swag bag by Pre-Registering Here! Then all you have to do is show up the day of and check in! [/col1]

[col2] Sponsor/ Contributor: Want to help support our local breastfeeding community while marketing your brand to our participants? Email me at LSLewis@breastfeedingworld.org for more details, and Register Here [/col2]

[col3]As a Volunteer: Everyone at Breastfeeding World volunteers our time and love because of our passion for the breastfeeding community. Interested in helping make this event possible? Please email Lauren Lewis at LSLewis@breastfeedingworld.org [/col3]

About our Photographer

It’s our pleasure to partner with our Central Indiana Breastfeeding World Photographer, Jenni Effinger at Quite Dandy Photography. Jenni is a passionate local mama, who has dedicated herself to the moms in central Indiana not only by donating her time to covering our Latch On, but also through our combined Breastfeeding Mini Sessions.

[col1]Tahwii’s Photoshoot [/col1]

[col2]Cora’s Photoshoot[/col2]

[col3]Nicole’s Photoshoot [/col3]

Jennifer Effinger is the proud mother of Kellan (2 years old). She Currently lives in Greenfield, Indiana. Her Photography Company, Quite Dandy, focuses on Lifestyle, Natural Light photography. She loves capturing genuine interactions, and specializes in children, families, breastfeeding, and births. Jennifer joined our Breastfeeding World Team as a Photographer because she loves capturing the precious moments of childhood. After all, what is more precious than the bond between mother and child? Find out more, or book a session, by emailing her at quitedandyphotography@gmail.com.

About our Sponsors

Breastfeeding World is a Volunteer run, self-funded and non-profit organization. We rely on donations like those from our sponsors to make these event’s possible. Supporting their businesses is a great way to let them know you think we are a great cause!

Kindred Bravely

Kindred Bravely is an amazing, mother-centered business. Just like motherhood, Kindred Bravely is built on love. And that love has literally been poured into each item of clothing in their line. They sell amazing and SUPPORTIVE (goodness knows that’s hard to find, especially for moms with ginormous boobs!) nursing bra’s, tanks, pajamas, and even beautiful C-Section underwear! Make sure you hunt down Sophie, who will be representing Kindred Bravely at our Central Indiana location. She will be doing free bra fittings and maybe even handing out some awesome free stuff from KB!

Baltic Essentials

We can’t even contain our excitement about working with Baltic Essentials; On top of their generous Raffle donations, they are donating an amber teething necklace in Every. Single. Swag bag. Find out more about them here!

Mommy Con

Speaking of Swag Bags…. Mommy Con is donating ALL of the bags needed for EACH event! What is Mommy Con?

MommyCon is a nationwide convention series dedicated to creating and nurturing a community of parents and parents-to-be in celebration of natural parenting.

MommyCon takes a gentle and positive approach to educating parents about the emotional and physical benefits of natural birthing, breastfeeding and babywearing. We advocate values of holistic health, eco-friendly diapering, child safety standards and procedures, and female self-care and wellness. Our mission is to create a community of support, acceptance and non-judgement for women journeying through parenthood.

We are so grateful to MommyCon for donating bags to fill with amazing swag for all the moms in our Central Indiana Breastfeeding World!

Advanced Breastfeeding Care with Lisa Lahey, RN, IBCLC

Vendors!

Part of the community part of our event is our amazing vendors. From LulaRoe and Young Living, to Homemade, local stores, to our local breastfeeding advocates and health care professionals, our vendors are the people in our community who are support breastfeeding families in any way possible.

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