2023’s The Big Latch on is almost here. Plus, it’s free!

After four long years since the last event, The Helensville Birthing Centre is proud to bring you the highly anticipated ‘Big Latch On’ for 2023. Come and join us on Friday 14th April at 10am at St Matthews Church, Helensville, where we will celebrate, encourage, and support confident breastfeeding together.

What can you expect at the ‘Big Latch On’?

This event is about the community coming together to celebrate the importance and achievement of breastfeeding all with a friendly, fun, and non-judgemental vibe. It’s no secret that breastfeeding can be challenging and rewarding – but you don’t have to go it alone. Bring your friends and whānau as we enjoy a morning of building connection, support, and aroha.

Breastfeeding together in public challenges and removes the stigma that sadly still exists around breastfeeding outside home – it proves that you never have to feel like you must hide away to feed your pēpi. It’s also your chance to ask any questions or to share any concerns you may have around breastfeeding, as you share the same safe space with others who are in the same or similar boat as you.

This event is designed to be as inclusive as possible, so even if you’re not breastfeeding, you’re more than welcome to attend and will be considered a participant in the Big Latch On 2023.

The Big Latch On is free and we will provide a delicious morning tea and cake. There will even be spot prizes on the day.

The Women’s Health Action Charitable Trust NZ is facilitating these events all over Aotearoa, so if you’re not in Helensville you can check out their website for an event near you! Simply click here to find out more.

How important is belonging to a community in your breastfeeding journey?

Being around other people breastfeeding can help you gain confidence and feel more empowered on your own journey. Support for individuals and whānau plays a big role, and we are really lucky to have the Birthing Centre here in Helensville.

The support available here plays a big role in breastfeeding outcomes. Did you know that Helensville has some of the highest exclusive breastfeeding rates in the country? That’s a statistic we can all celebrate! We’re so proud to foster this community and provide support at all stages of the breastfeeding journey.

If you’re looking for more community locally, here’s the link to join the Helensville breastfeeding support page on Facebook and connect with others. You can also meet other local parents and catch up over a coffee through ‘the Village’, a local community group.

La Leche League NZ supports those on a breastfeeding journey throughout Aotearoa, and you can access more information on their website. We also recommend checking out our massive hub of curated, expert advice on our website here.

How our lactation consultants can support you. 

Most people see a lactation consultant for help establishing breastfeeding, and the support is specific to your unique needs. Our consultants meet you where you’re at with individualised, holistic, and non-judgemental support. Everyone will have different challenges, so we work with you to move towards successful and empowered breastfeeding – whether it’s your first time or you’ve been doing it for a while. Every baby is different so don’t feel shy whether you’ve been doing it for a short time, a long time, or you’ve decided to mix feed.

We support your goals – whether that’s to breastfeed for a certain length of time or to help with your technique to make the breastfeeding experience as comfortable as possible (no one wants sore nipples or mastitis).

A big part of the work lactation consultants do is to help people grow their confidence in breastfeeding and empower each person to make choices that are right for them.

Contact the Helensville Birthing Centre to make an appointment with one of our lactation consultants. You can also self-refer to a lactation consultant, or contact your midwife, GP or Plunket nurse for a referral.

What other support does the Helensville Birthing Centre provide?

If you need support after seeing a lactation consultant, especially if you’d like someone to come to you, we can connect you to breastfeeding peer supporters to meet with you outside the clinic. Check out our previous blog post to learn more about peer supporters and the amazing work they do in our community.

We have excellent free pregnancy and parenting antenatal classes which are held regularly.  These are run by one of our lactation consultants and a local midwife, who bring amazing knowledge and experience which they are more than happy to share with you.

We can support you in many ways, including working with Parent Aid North West – a free at-home service. They can help parents with young families whose lives are feeling extremely busy, or first-time mothers to help with breastfeeding, looking after their newborn, and recovering from childbirth.

The Big Latch On – 14^th April at 10am. We hope to see you there!

Please take a few seconds to register here so we can plan for catering. We can’t wait!