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…
5th 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
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- Breastfeeding World’s 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. – ©Alegares Photography
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- Breastfeeding World’s 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. – ©Alegares Photography
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- Breastfeeding World’s 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. – ©Alegares Photography
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- Breastfeeding World’s 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. – ©Alegares Photography
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- Breastfeeding World’s 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. – ©Alegares Photography
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- Breastfeeding World’s 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. – ©Alegares Photography
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- Breastfeeding World’s 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. – ©Alegares Photography
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- Breastfeeding World’s 5th annual Big Latch On in Times Square. – ©Alegares Photography
An event to remember, an event to cherish
"Meeting in Times Square to breastfeed with all the other moms that traveled from near and far, was such an inspiring event. We all had separate challenges but we pushed through them making it to that moment on the TKTS stairs to nourish our little ones. Getting the opportunity to nurse together made me a little emotional as I connected with other moms and we discussed our experiences. I left feeling empowered, understood and supported.” – Susie Davies Concelmo, 2019 NYC BLO participant.
"It was a beautiful gathering! To see so many women immediately able to strike up conversations, to have so many content babies and children all gathered together is a statement to how natural and nurturing the breastfeeding journey is.” – Cassandra Addams, 2019 NYC BLO participant.
"This was my second year coming out. It was wonderful to meet with familiar and new faces. There’s just something about being with other women, (and men!), taking pride and standing firm in breastfeeding. It creates this great space of empowerment and resolve you can take home with you to use to continue to dispel stigma and pressure to not publicly breastfeed.
It was great to be in that energy. All of the dads got to bond and feel pride in the breastfeeding journey and their important involvement as supporters, and well, as dads! We got to see other families with older tots and kids too. Seeing a generation of breastfed kiddies growing up and flourishing was heartwarming and inspirational.
This is the kind of event that really showcases how breastfeeding isn’t an isolated thing. On the contrary, it's something that involves and positively affects the whole family because it positively affects the children.” – Teena Botan, 2019 NYC BLO participant.
My deepest gratitude to you all
Breastfeeding World began after I became a mother to my beautiful baby girl. It began after I was told: “we don’t do ‘THAT’ in here,” while shopping in a children’s clothing store in the UWS. It began after I felt powerless and disoriented by the double standards surrounding a women’s body. It began after I felt the need to be the voice of many through my photography. It began because of each and every one of you, so, THANK YOU.
Our breastfeeding journey lasted 4.5 years, it was not easy but it was worth it! - ©Alegares Photography
Throughout these past five years, Breastfeeding World has given me a reason to keep on going and pushing forward despite the many obstacles. Although my daughter and I stopped breastfeeding at 4.5 years, I feel that my “nursing relationship” with BFW is still going on (if you know what I mean!). That strong bond and connection we share, grows deeper every day. Despite my imperfections as its “mother,” I feel that BFW has been able to thrive because of you.
Our commitment to empowering women around the world is what keeps us going day to day. Breastfeeding World will continue moving forward and just like our individual motherhood journeys. We will continue sharing the breastfeeding love one day at a time. So, hold on tight! Are you ready for our epic ride?
I would LOVE to hear your thoughts. What would you like to see more of in the future from Breastfeeding World? Please share them in the comment section below!.
Don't forget! Check out our social media pages to keep up with the breastfeeding love.
If you participated in the event and would like to see more pictures please register to view our gallery. You may purchase images directly through the site, thank you for supporting Breastfeeding World.
I’m a proud mom to a beautiful little girl who is the reason of all my smiles | Creator and founder of the Breastfeeding World Project – passionate about normalizing breastfeeding | Professional photographer serving New York City
Very interesting and inspiring story.
I think that BFW shall grow bigger for more women to be empowered.
Me encanta que cada vez seamos más mujeres que nos hacemos a la idea de que lo mejor que podemos hacer por nuestros es la lactancia materna. Para mi ha sido una experiencia única e inigualable y de verdad no la cambiaría por nada.
A better nutrients for babies. Good initiative of BFW moms. Congratulations
La Lactancia materna es una fuente de amor de una Madre hacia nuestro pequeño bebé, para brindarle el mejor alimento y a libre demanda. Amo disfrutar de este valioso vinculo que me sigue uniendo a mi bebe, este momento es único y valioso, amamantar si se puede hay que tener fe en Dios y constancia , recuerden siempre pensar en el bienestar de nuestro bebé.
Att. Tefyto
La Lactancia materna es una fuente de amor de una Madre hacia nuestro pequeño bebé, para brindarle el mejor alimento y a libre demanda. Amo disfrutar de este valioso vinculo que me sigue uniendo a mi bebe, este momento es único y valioso, amamantar si se puede hay que tener fe en Dios y constancia , recuerden siempre pensar en el bienestar de nuestro bebé.
Att. Tefyto