Our 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square took place this past Saturday August 3rd during World Breastfeeding Week. It was probably one of the most amazing ones I've ever had. 

About five years ago, the concept of showcasing how natural and beautiful breastfeeding is started. For a few weeks I went on and on, thinking how I could achieve this while still being able to share the different experiences that mothers had. That is when the Breastfeeding World photo project took place.

For approximately 2 months, I dedicated myself to capturing beautiful breastfeeding portraits. I had the opportunity of meeting over 60 New York City mothers who participated in the first photo call. We went to different iconic locations throughout New York City and photographed these beautiful women, nursing their little ones in public. It was epic!

Breastfeeding World was quickly becoming a resource of inspiration and support for our local moms. Yet, there was still so much to be done. In the beginning of July of 2015 one of our photo session participants and beloved friend, Lisa Maloney, had a crazy idea: “Let’s hold a Breastfeeding World Big Latch On in Times Square”, she said.

Sharing the Breastfeeding Love one event at a time

Breastfeeding World's first Big Latch On in Times Square. August 2015

With a month to prepare and a whole lot of sleepless nights, I was leading the Breastfeeding World’s team. We planned and executed one of the most iconic Big Latch On events that have ever happened: 69 nursing mothers came together in Times Square to breastfeed their little ones in support.

This was the beginning of five full years of annual breastfeeding events. We took our celebrations from NYC to several other states, including two countries: Guam and Ecuador.

Our Breastfeeding Celebrations have gathered strong women who have gotten the opportunity to meet like-minded families, and support each other’s journeys. Strong friendships have developed. But most importantly, a sense of empowerment has surrounded each and every one of our events.

Back in 2016, I had to relocate to Massachusetts. Although organizing these events seemed impossible, we pulled it off each and every year. Thanks to our Breastfeeding World Volunteers our events took form and place. Our focus has always remained the same: to bring our mothering community together. Supporting and encouraging each other in our breastfeeding journeys has been one of our main goals. 

Breastfeeding World – a community of love

These past two years have been a real challenge for Breastfeeding World. As the leader, I have encountered a few personal “blocks” along the way. Making it difficult to keep up.

In 2017 a professional development opportunity arose, and I took it. I was promoted to department supervisor in the local hospital I work at. To say that juggling motherhood, school activities, being a full-time working mom, managing Breastfeeding World and the overall ups and downs of life has been difficult, is a BIG understatement!

In 2018, Breastfeeding World underwent a few transitions: a shift in its volunteer team, a website re-design as well as the expansion of our events to Guam & Ecuador. It was not easy, but we did it.

Then this year came…

As much as I love Breastfeeding World and all that it stands for, I was overwhelmed with having to juggle all of the responsibilities I already had. I made up my mind that there was no way our annual breastfeeding celebration would happen this year. It was not until my dear friend Lisa Maloney, and my fellow BFW co-founders, brother Christian and mother Bella Garcia called me that I started re-thinking it. 

Lisa reminded me that we are all humans, as mothers we can only do so much. She also reminded me of all the beautiful reasons why Breastfeeding World has significantly grown. As well as all the help and support it has provided to so many around the world. Instead of judging me for feeling overwhelmed and somewhat powerless, she embraced me with encouragement.

"Your eyes gleam with excitement when you talk about the BFW events," said another friend of mine.

After this small intervention of love and deep understanding, I came to the realization that our Breastfeeding World celebrations needed to happen. Not because of me, but because of the lives that it would impact. Even my sweet baby girl (who’s not a baby anymore) said: “Mami, I can’t wait to work in our BFW event”.

Just like five years ago: with a little over a month to go, I started promoting the event. With non payed 2019 sponsors, very limited financial resources, but a whole lot of willingness and love, my family and I traveled from Massachusetts to NYC for our…

 5^th Annual Big Latch On in Times Square

Breastfeeding World's 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. - ©Alegares Photography

To some, this year’s event might’ve been way smaller and a whole lot different from previous years. For me, this year’s event was one of the most powerful ones yet. Despite the challenges faced, I was once again able to touch the lives of the amazing NYC mothers that attended our 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square.

This event was intimate. It was beautiful, and extremely empowering. Our 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square was a true demonstration of love and commitment. It reminded me that Breastfeeding World is a community of love and real appreciation for one another.

I was excited seeing some old faces that have grown with us. But it was also very fun getting to know new mommies and daddies who were thrilled to be a part of something so big, yet small at the same time. Babies as little as 10 days old came to celebrate with us this unique event. It was so refreshing seeing 2 & 3 year old nurslings who were more than happy to be having their "milkies, tities, tatas". 

Breastfeeding World's 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. - ©Alegares Photography