Hamilton County Latch 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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Among our Vendors, you may expect:

[col1]Newman Family Dentistry (Dr. Mikel Newman is THE tongue tie expert in our area![/col1]

[col2] The Eco Baby Co.[/col2]

[col3] Anchor Health Chiropractic[/col3]

[col1]Young Living Essential Oils by Cathy Muir[/col1]

[col2]Breastfeeding USA[/col2]

[col3]LulaRoe Dream Big Boutique[/col3]

[col1]The Milk Bank[/col1]

[col2]April Brake, Serene Midwifery[/col2]

[col3]Vanessa Emery, Car Seat Safety Tech[/col3]

[col1]Joyful Bubbles[/col1]

[col2]Purely Maternal, Aimbriel Lasley[col2]

[col3]Mary Kay, Kristie Kennedy[/col3]

[col1]Neurium Skin Care[/col1]

[col2]Paparazzi, Tammy Yowell[/col2]

[col3]Tupperware, Lynn Howley[/col3]

[col1]Agnes & Dora, Amanda Burris[/col1]

[col2]Peaceful Source Midwifery Laura Gibb, RN, CNM[/col2]

[col3]Fundanoodle[/col3]

So Come and Join us! Peruse our Vendors, throw down your picnic blanket, whip out a breast, feed your baby, and find support. You don’t want to miss out on the family event of the year!

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

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Save

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 Come Join Central Indiana’s Big Latch On! appeared first on Breastfeeding World.

Hamilton County Big Latch On- A Community Success!

Lauren Lewis — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 18:16:36 +0000

Breastfeeding World’s Hamilton County Big Latch: 101 nursing moms, 102 latched babies. Photo Credit: Trausch Photography

Breastfeeding World’s First EVER Hamilton County Big Latch On

For Breastfeeding World, our passion for normalizing breastfeeding through community events began last year, in the iconic Times Square, in NYC. This year, in 3 locations- NYC, Marthas Vineyard, and our Hamilton County Big Latch On- Breastfeeding World hosted Big Latch On’s again. This time totaling 426 nursing moms and babies, all latching on and nursing for one whole minute.

For Hamilton County, Indiana, on August 6, 2016, over 350 breastfeeding supporters gathered to nurse their babies for our First EVER Hamilton County Big Latch On.

The Hamilton County Big Latch On boasted 101 moms and 104 nursing children. For Breastfeeding World’s volunteers- Lauren Lewis and Leslie Cosand, together with founder Alexia Garcia- hours of hard work over the last weeks and months had culminated to one minute.

I just really enjoyed seeing the wide variety of different ages! During the latch I sat next to a mom and the little girl that talked to me and was so excited to eat! It was awesome!” -Valerie Chesney

Photo Credit: Lindsay Trausch, Trausch Photography for Breastfeeding World

Photo Credit: Lindsay Trausch, Trausch Photography for Breastfeeding World

For that one, single minute, the courage of nursing mothers in Hamilton County joined forces with breastfeeding mothers around the world. Because of the passion for Breastfeeding exhibited in these local and global communities, The Global Big Latch On smashed last years records.

17,223 children breastfeeding during the one minute count.

17,072 Breastfeeding women attended.

46,290 people attended registered Global Latch On locations to support breastfeeding

The Latch

My favorite part about the Big Latch Event was the Latch itself. I’d never had an experience like it. I was just in awe thinking about all these moms giving their best to their babies and toddlers. I really hope events like this bring breastfeeding back to normal!” – Stacie Rose

It’s amazing, really, the power of one single minute. I sat in the center of 203 moms and babies, fuddling with my shirt and hungry son. As I (nervously) prepared to bare my breast in front of a huge crowd of breastfeeding supporters, I listened. I listened to the noise and chaos and laughter and a few baby tears. I listened as our Photographer, Lindsay Trausch, organized the moms. I listened as Leslie Cosand counted down the seconds. Then I listened as babies quieted. I felt such a quiet sense of overwhelm, the power in our latch. I felt this silent, HUGE community of women, sitting toether, nursing their babies. Suddenly I didn’t just feel the bond with my son. I felt the bond of an entire community of nursing women.” -Lauren Lewis, Breastfeeding World Volunteer Editor and Event Coordinator

Three…

Two…

One.

The Power in our Village

For one full minute, in time with mothers all over, mothers and babes gathered in celebration of the life-giving substance they provide to their children.

The Latch on was sort of a confidence boost for me… I am usually more modest or try to cover in some way. I also have family who judge me for “still” breastfeeding my 20 month old. Being there made me feel like not only is what I am doing right, but it’s ok to do it anywhere and not care if someone is looking. Seeing first hand, all of the mommas nurturing their children with every body type was really something to witness. I’m so self conscious about how my body looks that this has helped me to learn to love my body instead of just knowing that I should.” – Leesa Cave

Mothers came to the Hamilton County Big Latch On- and Latch On’s around the world-because somewhere long the way, society determined that women are of far more interest when they are seen as objects. It flows from that standpoint, that breasts, too, are purel meant as sexual objects, therefore, nursing a child is seen as “gross” or “disgusting.” In reality, biologically, breasts are nourishment for infants and children . Therefore, the Global Big Latch On’s occur to remind local communities (and ourselves) that women’s bodies are complex, strong, nurturing, powerful, and beautiful.

Breastfeeding world’s photography and event projects exist in order to showcase the beauty of the bond between mother and child. The Hamilton County Latch On and Community picnic was an excellent way for the families and businesses of Hamilton County to be able to celebrate breastfeeding as a natural human progression.

Finding Breastfeeding Support in Hamilton County

t felt normal to be there. I was wearing my 15 month old. And it was early and messed up her dear beauty sleep, so she was nursing and napping as I walked around. Checking out all the vendors and booths, it just felt normal. I didn’t feel ashamed or worried if some side-boob was showing, or worried about any random male there yelling at me, because everyone was doing it! And it was beautiful!” -Katie Peede

Ultimately, the breastfeeding community in Hamilton County could not be more proud and supportive. When the organization of Breastfeeding World’s Hamilton County Big Latch On began, it was estimated to have around 150 attendees, total. However, there was a problem. The enthusiasm for breastfeeding support in Hamilton County had been grossly underestimated.

Instantly, there was unprecedented interest in local Facebook groups for the event. As posts were shared on social media, interest grew. Sponsors and local businesses inquired into setting up booths. For Hamilton County, there has not been a Breastfeeding event like this one. Immediately, everyone wanted to participate. Breastfeeding World has a passion for celebrating the beauty of breastfeeding, and Hamilton County shared it

photo by Trausch Photography

Jodie Allenson with Curvy Girl Studio demonstrates a Mommy and ME Mini-Movers class for Parents and Babes

“I was so thrilled to be a part of the Latch On! It was great to see so many families come together to support each other in something so beautiful. In a world lately where everyone is so critical of each other it was so refreshing to see unity, support, and love for something as amazing as breastfeeding. I was Honored to give my time and talent to this wonderful cause and I can’t wait until next year!” – Lindsay Trausch, Volunteer Photographer, Trausch Photography

“I loved seeing so many families committed to their babies and meeting their need via their breast! My daughter said it was such an awesome event to be at where there were so many breastfed babies. All of the women who came out may not know it but are such a great influence to our youth when they breastfeed in public. Thank You!” – April Brake, Serene Midwifery, Advocate Partner

2016’s Advocacy Program

The women at Breastfeeding World could not have pulled this event off on our own. Thank you, thank you, thank you to our Sponsors, Donors, Advocates, and Volunteers.

Breastfeeding World’s Goal as an online community of support is to be able to provide the resources our parents need. Which is why this year Alexia Garcia developed the Advocacy Outreach Program, which was put into effect at all three locations.

The Latch On Event as a professional, was great for me. To see former patients, who showed me with pride how well they have grown their babies, and who had worked through breastfeeding challenges. It was fun to take a selfie, to answer a few questions, to say, “Wow! You guys look great!” My favorite part of the day was the Latch On moment. I got teary eyes. I fel the connection and felt united without words that Breastfeeding Matters!” – Lisa Lahey, Advocate Partner and LC with Advanced Breastfeeding Care

“Amazing time at the Breastfeeding World event… Met some amazing people and of course had the chance to see breastfeeding normalized and dads being an amazing support!” -Aimbriel Lasley, Advocate Partner and Doula with Purely Maternal

Picture by our Advocate Partner, Doula, and nursing mama extraordinaire Casey Vhla

Local Prominent birthing, lactation, and maternal health professionals were hand picked by the Breastfeeding World Organizational team and invited to join our Hamilton County Big Latch On.

The Milk Bank– provides pasteurized human milk to premature and ill infants in the NICU across the United States.

April Brake, CPM – Serene Midwifery

Laura Gibb, CNM- Peaceful Source Midwifery

Dr. Mikel Newman, DDS- Tongue and Lip Tie, Newman Family Dentistry

Birdie Meyer, RN, CLC, MA- Post Partum Support

Tahwii Spicer, RPSGT, HCHD, CEIM- Certified Infant Massage Instructor; Simply Natural Baby Store, owner

Aimbriel Lasley, MA, CLC- Purely Maternal

Casey Vhla, Doula, MA, Doulas of Carmel

Lisa Lahey, IBCLC, RN, BSN- Advanced Breastfeeding Care

Thank You to Breastfeeding World’s Latch On Sponsors

Breastfeeding World is a small self-funded and non-profit organization. The Hamilton County Big Latch On would not be possible without our Sponsors, Donors, Vendors, and Collaborators. Please be sure to thank them for their commitment to breastfeeding by patronizing their businesses.

Stacey Ware with Usborne Books is a nursing mama and business owner. Photo credit: Lindsay Trausch, Trausch Photography

Tahwii Spicer is an Advocate Partner for Breastfeeding World and the Owner of Simply Natural Baby Store

Dana Fledderman is a Breastfeeding Supporter and 31 Consultant.

Little Mr. Little Miss Baby Boutique

“The Bubbles were pretty awesome, but Just being there, enjoying times with other moms was great!” -Renee Smith

I really enjoyed coming- in many ways a dream come true! I brought my daughters who are 11 & 13. They were comfortable and intruigued. I honestly was just overwhelmed with emotion because I am nursing my lil’ pot-o-gold, a 6 month old son I never thought we would ever have after losing his brothers 6 & 8 years ago. Along with grieving the loss of my boys, I grieved the thought of never nursing again…. I met my son’s birthday twin, a little guy I met at a BWI meeting and also a new local friend her is nursing her almost 2 year old! She has nursed nearly 7 years of her life! WOW! I love being around people where this kind of stuff is normal! Thank you for putting on a fun event and allowing this momma who has had her feet in tween-dom and baby-land, to expose her big girls to such a great part of mothering!” -Nichole Hayden