La Gran Tetada / Big Latch On 2021 Recap

August is World Breastfeeding Month (WBM) and World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated August 1-7, 2021. BBC celebrates every year with the Big Latch On, as does most of the world.

The BBC has participated in the Big Latch On for 12 years now, and this was the second virtual event.

During the first year of the pandemic, 2020, BBC participated in a Facebook event featuring testimonial videos in conjunction with American Heart Association to promote breastfeeding and celebrate.

This year, 2021, WBM was celebrated with a live virtual event on August 2. This year’s event is the second time BBC has joined with NaSer and La Secretaria de Salud in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to make it the biggest one so far. La Gran Tetada / The Big Latch On reached 3 states and 2 countries. The states were Chihuahua, Texas, and New Mexico and the two countries US and Mexico to create a truly binational event. New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force, Naser, Secretaria de Salud and The Binational Breastfeeding Coalition collaborated to make this event spectacular.

Participants were asked to register prior to the event and many activities were planned for that day. Our Master of Ceremony was Marisol from Luna Tierra Birth Center. We had 70 participants from as far away as Guanajuato, Mexico. Everyone was invited to feed their babies for that one designated minute simultaneously, there was a genuine effort made for total inclusion for all methods of infant feeding of human milk. New Mexico, presented a wonderful short video and were responsible for the Breastfeeding Bingo which was a great hit. We had interviews with representatives from the three organizations along with videos.

We had 163 preregistered and 70 participated in the live event. It is interesting to note that there were several women breastfeeding more than 1 child, some were feeding their babies breastmilk in a bottle and there were quite a few breastfeeders over 1 year of age. We had participants from Roswell, Houston, Weslaco Tx., Albuquerque, El Paso and the majority were from Ciudad Juárez.

Big Latch On 2019 Recap

On Saturday, August 3, 2019, the Binational Breastfeeding Coalition (BBC) hosted the 8th Annual Big Latch On at Bassett Place (El Paso, Texas, USA). In the spirit of working bi-nationally, BBC members from the NaSer organization in Ciudad Juárez simultaneously hosted the event at Parque Central (Cd. Juárez, Chih, MX). The local Big Latch On is held in tandem with worldwide synchronized efforts to bring awareness to the importance and benefits of breastfeeding. (For more information about the Global Big Latch On, visit biglatchon.org.)

We would like to thank everyone who supported the event, from the businesses/organizations who allowed us to place posters at their establishments, to the volunteers who graciously gave their time. We would also like to thank all the El Paso and Cd. Juárez broadcast and print media who helped promote the Big Latch On. It was also great to be able to greet each other over the big screen provided for us by CONN’S APPLIANCES!

Thank you El Paso - Cd. Juárez, for positively supporting breastfeeding in a public place while embracing it as a normal part of day-to-day life. The BBC is proud to join with our sisters and brothers on both sides of the border and celebrate mothers and babies wherever they are born and wherever they live. Onward to 2020!

Total Attendance in El Paso, TX = 205

• Total number of latches = 57 Babies (1 set of twins)

• Total number of breastfeeding women = 56

• Supporters and other attendees = 92

Total Attendance in Cd. Juárez, Chih. = 356

• Total number of latches = 89 Babies

• Total number of breastfeeding women = 89

• Supporters and other attendees = 178

Total Attendance for 2019 = 561

Message in regard to our event on August 3, 2019

To our BBC members and supporters,

We had a wonderful event yesterday, and we will give you the numbers shortly.

But before that, we'd like to express both our gratitude for your participation and sadness over how our event was affected by the terrible shootings at a nearby store. As many of you are aware, we were winding down as the police entered Bassett and asked us to shelter under tables and in safe spaces. That was a frightening moment. Lots of people from our event were still there and we saw mothers and babies, dads, grandmothers, children and others scurrying to safety. Of course, as it turned out there was not a gunman at Bassett.

Because of the disturbance, however, many people left items in the mall or at their tables. Please feel free to contact Bassett Security if you are looking for something: the number is 915-274-9828. The mall was locked all night and we were assured that all of the items were secured. It's open today.

Thank you for all you did yesterday, we saw so many of you helping each other and strangers. 💝 As our community heals we send you all hugs and good wishes.

Sincerely,
Libby, Loretta, Rosalba and Ernie

Big Latch On / Gran Lactada 2018

Photography by Emilio Holguin, Surfing Penguin

August of 2018 was a very dynamic month for breastfeeding in the Paso del Norte Region. The Binational Breastfeeding Coalition (BBC) organized the 7th annual “Big Latch On” (BLO) and partnered with Southern New Mexico and Ciudad Juárez to conduct breastfeeding awareness activities during the month. This was an example of true binational collaboration, joining forces to create a greater impact in the community to normalize breastfeeding.

The Global Big Latch On events took place at registered locations around the world, where mothers gather together to breastfeed and offer peer support to each other. Their friends, family and community join in this celebration to promote and support breastfeeding.

The global event was held in 778 different locations in 28 countries. This synchronized breastfeeding event was part of World Breastfeeding Week which supports and celebrates breastfeeding families.

The BBC held the Big Latch On on Saturday, August 4 at Bassett Place (6101 Gateway Blvd. West in El Paso, Texas). The event was promoted during months prior via website and social media, television and radio interviews, and poster distribution throughout El Paso, Texas, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

BBC members made presentations and announcements at partner coalitions' meetings and promoted the BLO and breastfeeding at community events. A social media photo campaign was also utilized (Facebook page www.facebook.com/Border-Breastfeeding-BBC).

At the Big Latch On, mothers and their families received health information from twenty five local health agencies. Representatives from the three sister cities' Health Departments gave a message to mothers regarding the importance of breastfeeding and the great contribution each mother is making to the health of future generations.

Breastfeeding mothers and babies were joined by their support networks (husbands, partners, significant others, mothers, father’s siblings, children, family and friends). The event truly demonstrates the viability of breastfeeding culture.

A total of 58,060 people registered at Global Big Latch On locations to support breastfeeding and 20,184 children breastfed during the one-minute count.

At the El Paso BLO, 64 breastfeeding mothers participated, 111 supporters were present to witness, and 87 children breastfed during the one-minute count, making a total attendance of 262. Although twin babies were present, the event had returning mothers that have continued nursing for more than one year. This is one of the goals of the BBC.

This year, Ciudad Juarez, Chih., MX and Las Cruces, NM conducted breastfeeding activities along with El Paso's BLO. The total amount of breastfeeding babies during the one minute count for the Paso del Norte Region added up to 135, breaking last year’s record.

The Big Latch On 2016

The Big Latch On is an international synchronized breastfeeding celebration held annually in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week. More than 320 individuals attended the 5th Annual Big Latch On (BLO) organized by the Binational Breastfeeding Coalition (BBC).

The event took place at Bassett Place with registration starting at 9:00 am. This was a great opportunity for families to bond and set an example of how easy and beneficial it is to breastfeed. Children were playing and mothers shared experiences with other mothers and family. Supporting the event this year was Telemundo news anchor Karla Mariscal, serving as an MC and participating as a mother.

At 10:30 am MT, the Big Latch On occurred, with moms jointly breastfeeding their babies for one full minute in a loving, supportive environment. This year, the Big Latch On had 86 mothers and 86 infants latching. Attendees reported they felt they were making a difference by participating in an event that transcends borders and countries. “Being part of a world event is so awesome,” mentioned a father, who attended in support of his wife for a second consecutive year.

Efforts have multiplied since 2012, with Anthony, NM and Ciudad Juarez, MX also hosting their own BLO events this year. Support from the media and promotion by individuals and organizations helped spread the word for the event and the importance the Big Latch On holds.  

BLO by the numbers

• 2012 = 80 mothers participated locally (BBC event); 8,862 globally
• 2013  = 82 mothers participated locally (BBC event); 14,536 globally
• 2014 = 94 mothers participated locally (BBC event); 13,798 globally
• 2015 = 110 mothers participated locally (BBC event); 14,889 globally
• 2016 = 86 mothers participated locally (BBC event); 17,223 globally

Many promotional items and educational materials from partner agencies were included in the registration bags for breastfeeding moms. The majority of the items were contributed by the Texas Department of State Health Services/ Office of Border Health. Other partner agencies include Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe WIC, City of El Paso Dept. of Public Health WIC, El Paso First, Superior Health Care, Alliance for Border Collaboratives, West Texas Regional Poison Control Center, Ruben Torres Sr. and Nicke’s.

Following the BLO, donated gifts were raffled. Donors included: Lube & Tune (Jaime Parra), Lencho Guerra Photography, Star Medical, Dr. Michael Ponce, Amanda Monarez, Brenda Amador, La Fe WIC, Ameda, Ofelia O’Donnell, Undercover Mama, Bamboobies, Bailey, Bethany Mata, Avon, The Retreat, El Paso First, Alliance for Border Collaboratives, Sierra Providence East Breastfeeding Group, Nicke’s, and Matthew Manriquez.

The Big Latch On 2015

The Big Latch On is an international synchronized breastfeeding celebration held annually in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week. More than 350 individuals attended the 4th annual “Big Latch On” organized by the Binational Breastfeeding Coalition (BBC). The event was held at Album Park in El Paso, Texas on August 1, 2015.

Mothers and babies started arriving at 9:00 am along with their supporting families. Upon registration, mothers received a cooler to store milk in, breastfeeding door hangers, pencils, and BBC brochures. Children received coloring sheets and crayons. The majority of the items were donated by the Texas Office of Border Health.

At 10:30 am EST, the Big Latch On countdown occurred, in which moms breastfeed their babies jointly for one full minute. This year, we had 110 mothers breastfeeding and 112 babies (two sets of twins).

All were ecstatic of breaking the record here in El Paso. The WIC program this year hosted their own BLO and 11 breastfeeding mothers participated, making the city’s total of 121 mothers.

BBC BLO by the numbers

• 2012 = 80 mothers participated
• 2013  = 82 mothers participated
• 2014 = 94 mothers participated
• 2015 = 110 mothers participated

Following the Latch On, donated items were raffled. Donors included different agencies and individuals: Bamboobies, Car seat Canopy, Department of Public Health- WIC Program, Earth Mama Angel Baby,Fairhaven Helath LLC, Happy Days Pediatrics-Dr.Alison Days, MD, Lizbeth Berkeley MPH,IBCLC, Luz Chavez,CLC, Maria Modh RN, IBCLC, Milkies Milk Saver, Nursing Pillow, Pei Wei, Rosalba Ruiz, Seven Slings, Simple Wishes, Star Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lizbeth Holguin, DDS, Texas Department of State Health Services: Office of Border Health, Texas Department of State Health Services: U.S. Mexico Border Health Commission, Udder Covers, Under Cover Mama.

Partner agencies: Baby Café, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, US- Mexico Border Health Commission, El Paso Department of Public Health, La Fe, Alliance for Border Collaboratives, La Leche League, Texas Department of State Health Services, Office of Border Health, Providencem University Medical Hospital, El Paso WIC program.