The power of breastfeeding: The Big Latch On

World Breastfeeding Week is a global effort to help mums claim their rights to breastfeed. To commemorate the week, The Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group in Singapore organised The Big Latch On, an annual synchronised breastfeeding event.

Breastfeeding mums come together at registered locations from all over the world to latch on their child at a set time for one minute.

The main objective of The Big Latch On is to allow communities from different countries to hold their own Big Latch On to positively support breastfeeding in public places.

Here at theAsianparent, we have a growing community to support mums through their breastfeeding journey, and it's encouraging to see them lending support in one way or another.

Keep on clicking Next to check out what went down if you’ve missed the event.

Keep calm and latch on

Haidar, mother of 3 kids, has been breastfeeding since 2011. Here's what she thinks on how The Big Latch On could change the public's perspective of breastfeeding.

"I hope that this event will let the public know that breastfeeding is a normal thing to do and it could educate them as well."

Let the latch on begin!

Before the synchronised breastfeeding session started, participating mums were given a coupon to help track the number who joined.

After the one minute was up, they returned the coupon to the organisers. The whole process was timed by one of the organisers so everything went smoothly and systematically.

Breastfeeding mummies unite

Breastfeeding mums were all in position to participate in the synchronised latch on.

The result? A grand total of 50 breastfeeding mums who had successfully latched their babies and one who pumped breastmilk on the spot.

Mummy and baby bonding with skin-to-skin contact

Tracy, one of the participants at the event, preferred to cover up during the latch on. Here's what the mum of a 15 month old has to say about the event:

"It's my first time here and I don't really know what to expect. I came with an open mind and it's nice to see what the power of breastfeeding could do!"

Family support makes a difference in this journey

In addition to the slew of helpful and fun programmes for mums, there were even activities for the kids to enjoy as well.

For mummies, there was a breastfeeding Q&A booth hosted by the Breastfeeding Mothers' Support Group members and counsellors to answer all your breastfeeding woes, a baby-led weaning sharing session and a baby-wearing demonstration, too.

The National Library Board held an interactive story-telling session for the kids.

For those that were hungry, they could grab some yummy burgers that were sponsored by Fatboy's.

Everyone plays a part in normalising breastfeeding

One of the organisers, Elaine, shared with us her thoughts on breastfeeding trends in Singapore and how it has improved over the years:

"Back then, breastfeeding was a niche activity, only a minority group would nurse in public. Even at Baby Fairs, the portion of breastfeeding products are very small.

Increasingly over the years, I see that a lot of mums are still able to sustain breastfeeding when they return to work. That proportion has definitely increased through my own observation.

However, there's still work to do in terms of promoting breastfeeding. Doctors are definitely more knowledgeable now and there are also more baby-friendly initiatives at hospitals.

Dads play a pivotal role in mum's breastfeeding journey

There were many husbands there as well to give moral support to their breastfeeding wives. We spoke to a couple of dads at the event and asked them to share their thoughts with us.

Here's what Nicolas, dad of an 8 and a half month old baby has to say about The Big Latch On:

"Breastfeeding mums have a tough time when it comes to feeding in public. This event is a great way to get rid of the stigma in Singapore."

Daddies bond with their little ones in their own ways

Jonathan, dad of an 18 month old has learnt more than he thought he would at The Big Latch On:

"The event is very informative. I always read to my son and I didn't know that The National Library does story-telling every week! I think that it's a great way for him to be around other kids as well at National Library's story-telling sessions."

Breastfeeding Mothers' Support Group in Singapore

The Big Latch On 2015 wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the Breastfeeding Mothers' Support Group.

Run by a group of passionate breastfeeding mums in Singapore, the support group conducts monthly workshops and talks, provides counselling and also hosts social gathering for breastfeeding mums.

Breastfeeding mums, if you're not already a member, you could sign up for their membership to be in the know and also get to know other fellow like-minded breastfeeding mums. You could even contribute your support by donating to the group.

Written by

Dinah Amira Nordin

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