Big Latch On initiative expands to Ruatōria

Mums and their babies got together at Ngāti Porou Oranga to honour The Big Latch On. Picture supplied

The Big Latch On breastfeeding promotional event is gaining in popularity.

Last year, Te Whare Hauora o Te Aitanga a Hauiti organised the first Big Latch On outside of Gisborne.

In 2024 the event expanded to Ruatōria, led by the Ngāti and Healthy team from Ngāti Porou Oranga.

Their event featured kai, discussions around breastfeeding, rongoā Māori, child safety, and health promotion.

A similar event was held at HB Williams Memorial Library in Gisborne.

Mokopuna Ora Safe Sleep adviser for Tairāwhiti Tania Keepa advises mums to exclusively breastfeed their baby for six months.

It was also important to support mothers by training kaimahi (staff) in breastfeeding mechanics and by increasing the number of lactation consultants in Tairāwhiti, she said.

The Big Latch On was launched in New Zealand by Women’s Health Action 19 years ago and has gone on to become a global event.