It is no secret that when a baby is hungry, it does not care where it is nor what time it is, and they do so often in a manner that is inconvenient for all parties involved. In short, when a baby wants to feed, we all know it.
But some people still are still getting their undies in a bunch when the original “milk wagon” starts to dole out the juice of life.
Pushing back against those folks who think women should not nurse in public is the international
Big Latch On event organized by our local Grand Rapids chapter.
First for the haters: please stop. Really, please, stop. Women have been nursing children since the dawn of time and it is a necessary function in our society for child rearing. Deal.
Those who wish to join others in this ancient act of breastfeeding are invited to come out to Briggs Park in the Creston neighborhood for the annual Big Latch On that begins promptly at 10:45 a.m.
If you plan to attend, organizers ask that you bring your picnic blankets if you wish to sit on the ground or choose one of the many picnic tables in this park.
Briggs Park also has plenty of playground equipment nestled in a grove of old growth tall trees that is perfect for older kids looking to burn off some of that summer energy.
The Big Latch On also provides an opportunity for mothers to connect with area vendors supportive of this issue as they share services they offer in this region.
Our local Big Latch On event is connected to the global celebration of World Breastfeeding Week and aims to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding families through these agenda items:
- Provide support for communities to identify and grow opportunities to provide on-going breastfeeding support and promotion in local communities.
- Raise awareness of breastfeeding support and knowledge available locally and globally.
- Help communities positively support breastfeeding in public places.
- Make breastfeeding a normal part of day-to-day life at a local community level.
- Increase support for people who breastfeed — they are supported by their partners, family and their communities.
- Ensure communities have the resources to advocate for coordinated, appropriate, and accessible breastfeeding support services.
In the end, we, as a community, should begin to leverage our privilege as we seek to lessen the stigma that too many women who breastfeed in public have been made to feel by others when trying to nurse their babies.
The Big Latch On seeks to normalize breastfeeding and help all of us reframe this act as a part of our daily lives (and not something that we should make those who care for the newest humans feel bad about doing.)
Thank you, Grand Rapidian women who participate in this annual global event, for once again you are reminding us of the power to organize for a better society locally. I tip my “hat” to you and your offspring for your act of courage in this arena. Someday it will be normal behavior again because of your activism.
#freetheboob #thekidishungry #dealwithit