Local Nursing Moms "Latch On" in Annapolis Saturday

By D. Frank Smith

Nursing moms are planning a show of force by breastfeeding in public for the third-annual Big Latch On at the mall Saturday.

Thousands of moms have scheduled time to nurse in groups around the country this week, and in Annapolis, the Big Latch On event will take place at the food court of the Westfield Annapolis Mall Saturday at 10 a.m.

The event is intended to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, according to event organizers. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action organizes similar events throughout 120 countries during the week of August 1-7.

The Annapolis event organizer, Bowie resident Katie Durkin, said so far there are more than 40 sponsors for the event, and donations are still coming in, with less than a week go to.

"It is about empowering breastfeeding moms and coming together to determine what more we can do to create a change in the views of breastfeeding in OUR community," Durkin wrote on the group's Facebook page. "Display in a PUBLIC environment how beautiful breastfeeding really is and how it is 100% natural and normal."

There will be a raffle with breastfeeding goods for moms, with all proceeds being donated to the Big Latch On National Organization, Durkin said.

This is the third year Dirkin has hosted the local Latch On. For a rundown of last year's event, click here. 

Learn more about the group at their Facebook site.

Under Maryland state law, "a mother may breastfeed her child in any public or private location in which the mother and child are authorized to be."