In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, the Multnomah County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is participating in the Big Latch On, an event that aims to break the record for the most women breastfeeding at the same time. The Big Latch On will take place across all WIC offices in Multnomah County, as well as at other local venues, on August 6. The goal is to get more than 1,299 mothers and babies “latched on” for at least one minute, thus beating the record set in New Zealand last year.
WIC offers nutrition education classes, health screenings, monthly vouchers for WIC-designated foods, referral to other health services, and breast feeding support, including breast pump loans. WIC is also initiating a new program that will provide peer breastfeeding counselors for nursing mothers.
Multnomah County’s Early Childhood Services program offers various services for pregnant and new mothers and their children, including home visits from community health nurses and community health workers for moms who are at risk, as well as educational classes on topics like childbirth, parenting, community resources and nutrition.
The countdown to the Big Latch On starts at 10:30 a.m. on August 6. If you are a nursing mother who would like to participate, find a registered venue in your area. For more information, contact WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator Mary Wachsmuth.