© 2024 WUKY
background_fid.jpg
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

"Big Latch On" Seeks To Mainstream Breastfeeding

AP
Mothers breastfeed their babies during a celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, in Thessaloniki, Greece Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013.Mothers breast fed their babies in the 4th Panhellenic public breastfeeding taking place simultaneously in 39 cities of Greece.

Organizers behind the local piece of a coordinated international event dubbed “The Big Latch On” see the initiative as a way to lessen stigmas surrounding breastfeeding, especially in public.

At 10:30 this Saturday morning, moms from across Lexington will join thousands around the world for the simultaneous breastfeeding event – one that’s both a show of solidarity and an effort to draw attention to a natural practice organizers say is too often frowned upon.  

Doraine Bailey, a lactation consultant with the Fayette County Health Department, says moms in the Lexington area are opting to breastfeed at a higher rate than any other county in the state.

"74 percent of all babies who are born in Lexington start breastfeeding," she says. "But then we have challenges like going back to work that can really get in the way of a mom meeting her breastfeeding goals."

Bailey notes that, under the Affordable Care Act, employers are now required to accommodate breastfeeding moms who would otherwise receive overtime or paid breaks, but she says there’s still work to do when it comes to normalizing breastfeeding.

The Lexington Latch On will take place at Pleasant Ridge Park.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
Related Content