Local services are joining up to support the global campaign, The Big Latch, which takes place next week.

Breastfeeding mums, their families and children are invited to come along, offer peer support, and try to break the record for the most children breastfeeding simultaneously.

The events, which takes place in Keighley and Bradford, on 2 and 3 August, will also help to mark World Breastfeeding Week which takes place this week between 1 and 7 August. Women that want to take part should meet at 10.00am in Town Hall Square or Keighley Healthy Living Centre if it is raining (Keighley on 2 August) Lister Park by the Cartright Hall (Bradford on 3 August) ready for the feed which will take place at 10.30am.

Jane Dickens, Strategic Breastfeeding Lead, at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is such a fun event for mums to attend. It’s an important part of normalising breastfeeding and gives women more confidence to feed their babies ‘here, there, and everywhere.’

The Big Latch is a sociable event where mums can come along and meet each other, offer support and join the international movement to raise the profile of breastfeeding.”

The Big Latch On aims to protect, promote and support breastfeeding families by raising awareness of breastfeeding and help communities to support one another.

Also on the day there will be stalls available 11.00am – 3.00pm at the Airedale Shopping Centre, open to any families, or soon-to-be families, who would like more information or support on Breastfeeding.

It is also a chance for local businesses to find out more information about signing up to the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme.

The national scheme has been brought to Bradford jointly by Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust and Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

The campaign asks local businesses and venues to sign up and when they do they receive a Breastfeeding Welcome pink and white sticker which is used as a clear message to breastfeeding mums ‘you are welcome to breastfeed your baby here.’ This means mums can relax and get on with feeding their baby without worrying about what other people think, and it’s an important confident boost too.

By joining the scheme businesses are helping to benefit the whole community as well as letting customers know that they are cared for, even the youngest ones.

The scheme is open to all local businesses, from shops, libraries, cafes or hairdressers, to community centres and health centres.

If you are a business interested in the scheme but can’t attend on the day please contact breastfeedingwelcome@bdct.nhs.uk.