Fenton Participating in World Record Breastfeeding Attempt

On Aug. 6 at 10:30 a.m. eastern time, more than 9,826 women must simultaneously breastfeed their babies for at least one minute in an attempt to break last year’s world record.

And Fenton will be part of the effort.

Event organizer and Le Leche League of Fenton leader Marta Shaw organized the event at Uncle Ray’s Dairyland. Shaw’s goal is to help raise awareness for The Big Latch On and World Breastfeeding Week Aug. 1-6 in an effort to change the cultural norm of infant feeding back to the breast.

“We would like the community to understand that breast milk is the most natural, safest infant nutrition available and that there is support for those who have difficulties getting breastfeeding started or even along their mothering journey down the road,” stated Shaw.

Fenton resident Sue McCarthy was a member of the Le Leche League for many years and breastfed all four of her boys.

“I think the event is fabulous and it’s wonderful that Uncle Ray’s supports so many community events,” she said.

Interested participants should arrive early to sign in by 10:15 a.m. There will be official counters of those who are latched on at 10:30 a.m. for one minute. The count will then be submitted with follow up documentation of the sign-in sheet and publicity articles.

If you are not a nursing mother, you can still participate.

The event is open to all from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with putt putt for $5 a person or $20 a family and all proceeds go to Le Leche League of Fenton and Grand Blanc. There are breastfeeding facts at each hole and free prizes from Uncle Ray’s.  

“With the Big Latch On and the presence of the Genesee County Health Department Community's Breastfeeding Coalition, we could have more than 200 people attend,” said Shaw.

Highland resident Clara Coppola will be volunteering time by helping with the official Big Latch On forms and making sure information gets to the correct person by the official time. She will also be assisting in cheering on the putt putt golfers and playing a round of golf with her husband and children.

Coppola participates because she loves the way this event combines a day of playing putt putt with her family while supporting La Leche League.

“The Big Latch On event, which will be occurring simultaneously, is a wonderful way to normalize breastfeeding and encourage mothers who are considering breastfeeding or who may have some misconceptions about what it takes to nurse in public,” Coppola said.

She added, “I would love for Fenton and all of Livingston and Genesee County to know who La Leche League is and what it is they do. Breastfeeding mothers really do need the support and camaraderie of mothers; it makes such a difference in success.”

Dave Durant of Uncle Ray’s stated that they host this event because they want to be in the middle of everything fun.

“The answer is always yes. The only time it’s no is when it’s no problem," he said.

According to Shaw, “Dave at Uncle Ray's is super and is all about community. He gives us the putt putt course to run and makes sure we have lots of cheerleaders along the way. It's been a pleasure doing this with them for the third year in a row.”

For information about the worldwide event and participating locations, visit biglatchon.org and for breastfeeding world record facts visit the inspired website.