Photo: Contributed

It is a celebration for local mamas that are breastfeeding, that have breastfed, or really anyone who is passionate about breastfeeding.

The 2018 Breastfeeding Celebration and Latch-on event will be taking place Saturday, September 29th at the Vernon Boys and Girls Club from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Breastfeeding Celebration and Latch-on event was first started more than 20 years ago by a couple of passionate lactation consultants working at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and the Friendship Center with the Pregnancy Outreach Program.

In the early days, the event was treated along the lines of a 'breastfeeding café'  — a place for moms to share their stories with food, drink and gifts.

Today, the event coincides with the World Quintessence Latch-on event — basically, a worldwide event that happens on Sept 29th, where, as many many babies as possible, in one given space and time, latch-on at 11 a.m. 

Vernon is registered as an official 'Latch-On'  the numbers from the vent will be tallied with worldwide participants.

This year’s '2018 Breastfeeding Celebration and Latch-On' theme is "Breastfeeding: Foundations of Life."

The celebration includes a guest speaker, story sharing and the World Quintessence Latch-on event at 11 a.m.

Door prizes, snacks and beverages to be provided. All families are welcomed.

The North Okanagan Breastfeeding Committee, comprised of about 6-8 mostly volunteer members, is hosting the event. 

"Overall, we see our role as providing support to families in our community, provide the public with awareness and education regarding breastfeeding," said Danielle Danielle Violini public health maternity care nurse with Interior Health. 

"Basically, the celebration provides a space for moms and families to get together and celebrate any success that may pertain to their breastfeeding journeys. Breastfeeding can be challenging and we want to provide moms with a place to celebrate their successes or share their disappointments, tell their stories," said Danielle Violini.  

"The celebration may provide a mom with a new connection, make them aware of community supports or simply a safe place to openly breastfeed their child." 

This years' guest speaker is a speech and language pathologist who will be speaking to the topic of the importance of early connections and communication in the early years and how breastfeeding can play a role in its foundation.