Synchronized suckling with the 'Big Latch On'
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EUGENE, Ore. -- Over 50 moms in Eugene joined thousands of mothers around the world in the Big Latch On, a synchronized feeding Saturday morning that aimed at raising awareness to the benefits of breastfeeding.
The event held at Oakmont City Park supported the World Alliance For Breastfeeding Action and is a part of the world breastfeeding week, which celebrates the benefits of a mother's milk. Karalee Lester put together the event, bringing like-minded local mothers together with women worldwide.
"It's just a way to raise awareness that it is better for moms, it is better for babies and there is nothing wrong with it ... that is what breasts are for." Lester said.
Organizers hope to break last year's record of more than 5,600 women feeding their babies at one time globally. Breastfeeding week is celebrated in 120 countries worldwide.
 @JCB My experience when I breastfed either of my two son's was that the latching-on was enough to cover anything and still remain within the realms of modesty. I tried to use a lightweight blanket as covering, but when it was so hot that they were nothing but little balls of sweat, and trying to pull the blanket off more then trying to eat... well, at those times the blanket had to go so they could eat in comfort (it was more comfortable for me too, as babies are little bundles of heat!).On the flip side, I was once on the bus and the mother just in front of us was "breastfeeding" her around-two-year-old. I say "breastfeeding" because she had one breast just hanging out and the child would go and take a suck or two ever 2-3 minutes, while also watching out the windows of the bus and watching other passengers. In that case, I was wishing the mother would exercise a little modesty, especially since it didn't seem like the child was doing anything other then snacking!
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Umm... did I have a point? Not really, just that the act of breastfeeding shouldn't need to be something people are ashamed of... but still a little modesty is sometimes better then absolutely none ;-)
 @XoztedMama I don't care if people walk around topless for no reason other than they just feel like it, but I'd probably give that woman a weird look. It's a bit odd to just leave your boob hanging out so your toddler can have a suck every few minutes, even if it's in the privacy of your own home. I personally would not enjoy the breeze...
Why can't mom be discreet, and cover her breast and the baby's head with a piece of lace or something? I know breastfeeding is necessary, I had to do it. BUT, I was always discreet in public, and do not want to watch a stranger whip it out. A blanket can get stifling for the baby, but a lace cover lets air circulate, baby can see mom, mom can see what's going on, and nobody else has to feel uncomfortable. People shouldn't be shamed for feeling uncomfortable, any more than mom should feel uncomfortable for doing it. It goes both ways.
@JCB Some babies wont latch while covered, others pull at the cover, some moms don't like the attention the cover draws. I could never get my son to latch-on under a cover, and it felt like a giant bib, so please take your issues and don't look at me when I am nursing.
 @JCB I think it's really a personal problem if it makes someone uncomfortable. Moms shouldn't feel like they need to carry around a cover and hide everything to avoid offending someone's delicate sensibilities. Discomfort fades with familiarity... people will get over it.
Even with the majority of people knowing that "brest is best" Mothers continue to be discuraged and intimidated into not nursing by people who think babies should only be fed in some magical intimate pravate place. Babies get hungery and need to be fed in all kinds of places, and it is the mothers right and duty to feed on demand. I think that the more people are exposed to breastfeeding the more comfortable they will be.
I believe that breast feeding a baby is a good thing and about as natural as it gets. That being said, why does it have to be plastered all over the news. Most adults understand what breasts are for, if they don't, well I doubt there is anything you can do for them. This is an intimate moment between a mother and her child. It is a beautiful thing, why does it have to be cheapened in this way.
@souptonuts no better words spoken today.
Awesome ladies :-)
This is an in your face event.
@Fancy Jack I won't mind if one was in my face=))even two's ok with me!!