<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Monday, March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

Breast-feeding moms gather at Esther Short Park for Big Latch On

By
Published:

Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Saturday’s Vancouver Farmers Market, a group of about 10 mothers breast-fed their babies to celebrate The Big Latch On, a global event that promotes breast-feeding.

The two-day event, locally hosted by the Clark County Breastfeeding Coalition, serves several purposes: to teach mothers about the health benefits of breast-feeding, to de-stigmatize feeding in public and to give mothers the opportunity to meet and support each other through their babies’ early months. The event also marks the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week.

“Our goal is to show our community that breast-feeding is such an important thing for our families,” said Barb Rowland. Rowland is a nurse with Clark County Public Health and serves as a liaison between the county and the Breastfeeding Coalition.

“I just love these babies,” Rowland added, beaming at a pair of babies, fast asleep on their mothers’ chests. “So content. So happy.”

Babies whose mothers breast-feed have been found to have less risk of infection, allergies and other illnesses, Rowland said, and the physical connection between mom and baby helps promote a happy and loving relationship.

“It cements that loving bond,” Rowland said. “That ‘You’re going to care for me’ bond.”

Michaela Motschman, who helped organize the event, brought and fed her 6-month-old baby Rustin.

“I think it’s important for breast-feeding moms to have support and know they’re not alone in their breast-feeding community,” she said.

Volunteering with the Clark County Breastfeeding Coalition has also made Motschman more confident about breast-feeding in public, she said.

“I know it’s my right to do so, and my baby will eat when he’s hungry,” Motschman said.

For first-time mother Rachel Pachl, feeding her now 7½-month-old son Jack was a struggle at the beginning. He wouldn’t latch, and she felt like it was somehow her fault.

“When he was first born, I had a hard time,” she said, rubbing her squirming son’s back. “You just feel like you’re a terrible mom.”

Katie Favela, joined by her 15-month old daughter Cecelia, said she had the same problem with her first son.

“Every baby is different,” she said. “You can’t focus on the first time.”

The opportunity to connect with other mothers, however, has shown both mothers that they’re not alone in their challenges.

“It’s nice, having other women who understand what you’re going through,” Favela said. “You’re celebrating where you’re at and knowing we’re all doing the best we can.”

The event is celebrated in 31 countries and 845 locations around the world. Clark County hosted its first event in 2010.

For more information about the Clark County Breastfeeding Coalition, visit its Facebook page at facebook.com/theccbc.

mobile phone icon
Take the news everywhere you go.
Download The Columbian app:
Download The Columbian app for Android on Google PlayDownload The Columbian app for iOS on the Apple App Store
Loading...