Long Beach Breastfeeds celebrated breastfeeding month by hosting two different latch events in cross-town parts of the city of Long Beach. The first event, “Latch at the Lagoon” was held on Sunday, August 6th at Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach. The event drew mothers, children, and families. The latch count was 30 children latched on and feeding at the same time! Said one of the event organizers and co-founder of Long Beach Breastfeeds, local school RN and mom Christine Gibson:  “It was an empowering event at an icon beach in Long Beach. It was wonderful seeing a place that’s known to be kid-friendly be inclusive of breastfeeding families too. Families seemed very happy to have a place to connect & celebrate their breastfeeding journeys together. It was a simple event, but a lot of fun!”

Then, in celebration of Black Breastfeeding Week, the organization held their second event, Uptown Latch! on Saturday, August 26th at Houghton Park. At this event, 11 children were counted latched on and feeding. Houghton Park Community Center is one of the sites of the group’s monthly breastfeeding support groups. “We are so excited to connect with and support so many loving breastfeeding families in Long Beach,” said Destinee Fergerson, director of Long Beach Breastfeeds and event co-organizer, “It’s all about building community and uplifting each other – which is at the core of what we strive to do.”

At both events, organizers offered complimentary nursing photos generously provided by Long Beach Breastfeeds member-volunteers, as well as simple snacks for families in attendance. Also at both events, co-founder Gibson and long-time group administrator, Di LaPlume, offered commemorative buttons for small donations to the group.

For more information on these events and Long Beach Breastfeeds, please contact:

www.facebook.com/LongBeachBreastfeeds

and

www.instagram.com/LongBeachBreastfeeds