Columbus moms join 'Big Latch On' - Columbus Telegram

2012-08-05T01:30:00Z Columbus moms join ‘Big Latch On’By Julie Blum jblum@columbustelegram.com The Columbus Telegram

COLUMBUS â€" A small group of local moms joined an international campaign to promote breastfeeding Saturday.

Called “The Big Latch On,” nursing mothers across the globe were invited to breastfeed their babies at a designated time on Saturday. Last year, 5,687 women and their children breastfed simultaneously as part of the campaign.

The Big Latch On was created to increase awareness about the health benefits of breastfeeding and to make it a normal part of day-to-day life for moms.

Ashley Arndt headed up the Columbus effort, which marked the first time the campaign was held here. The mother of two, including Callie, 13 months, and Alayna, 3, said she wanted to be a part of the campaign to break down stigmas and attitudes.

“I think it helps normalize breastfeeding. People sexualize breasts a lot,” Arndt said. “This last year I’ve learned a lot about breastfeeding and the impact it has on babies and moms.”

Seven moms took part in the campaign, held at Pawnee Park Saturday morning.

Sisters Karen Fiala and Heather Speicher, both of Columbus, brought their babies to the event. They have nursed their children in public without incident.

“It’s OK to do it even in public. It’s the most natural thing to do,” Speicher said.

But Arndt said she hasn’t been as lucky.

“No one has told me to stop, but I’ve got disgusted looks before,” she said about nursing in public.

Sarah Doerneman, a dietitian with Dynamic Life, is part of the Mommy Makes Milk nursing mom support group.

The mother of two, with a third on the way, was also at the event and said breast milk provides the best nutrition for babies and should be chosen over formula. Her own mother didn’t nurse, but Doerneman said when she learned about all the good it can do for her own children, she chose to breastfeed.

Some of the benefits for children include stronger immune systems, fewer allergies, and fewer incidences of diabetes and cancer. Breast milk has also been linked to reducing obesity in children.

There are benefits for a nursing mother, too, including less of a risk of ovarian and breast cancers. It also promotes bonding between mom and baby.

Why some moms choose not to breast feed is often a decision that is based on lack of knowledge, Doerneman said.

“Part of it is education. A lot of moms don’t realize breast milk has a lot of health-building properties,” she said.