As a Kelowna and Vernon Newborn Photographer, I am often asked to volunteer my time to photograph different events in the communities I work in.  This past weekend, I was asked to photograph and join in Vernon’s 3rd annual breastfeeding celebration and latch-on.  The theme was  “Breastfeeding and Work: Let’s Make It Work!” and prior to the latch on at 11 am (where all the babies latched on at the same time) the participants heard a number of encouraging speakers address their positive work and nursing stories. Such inspiring messages, and I love how many supportive dads we had in attendance!

As a nursing mom myself of an almost 2 and a half year old, it was such an incredible event to be a part of.  The room exuded love and I have never been in a room with so much cuteness!!!

With the event officially starting in Canada in 2000, the latch on has grown to  included mothers from anywhere in the world. Each year the numbers have gradually grown. With no advertising budget, word has spread via the internet and word of mouth. Locations where the celebration occurs have varied widely to meet the needs of the community in which they were located. Some have been large groups at malls, government building and parks. Others have been small groups in homes, public health offices, WIC offices and midwives/doctors offices and hospitals including NICUs.

The latch on Challenge occurs in the fall during or close to when Canada celebrates World Breastfeeding Week in the first week of October. This event has encouraged community discussion about issues related to breastfeeding and donor milk banking. It has provided a focus for health promotion around human milk and the importance of breastfeeding and the key role it plays in the health of a community.

A number of countries hold a “latch on” every year usually with multiple sites with mothers “latching” their babies at the same local time. “It is not a competition among nations, rather it is a global effort to save children’s lives.”

Last year, Vernon had 23 moms, with 24 babies latched on at the celebration.

Baby Bliss Photography specializes in newborn and baby photography in Kelowna
 and surrounding areas including but not limited to Vernon & is a Vernon Newborn Photographer.