Farmingville, NY – On August 3, Councilwoman Valerie M. Cartright (left photo) and several dozen local families and friends gathered at Percy Raynor Park in Centereach for the globally celebrated event, ‘The Big Latch On 2018.” This year, August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week and profile-raising events are ongoing near and far. Councilwoman Cartright partnered with Stony Brook Women Infants and Children (WIC) for the third annual event. In a resolution sponsored by Councilwoman Cartright on July 12, the Town Board voted unanimously to classify, “The Big Latch On” as a “Program for the Public Good” with the Town of Brookhaven as a co-sponsor.
Councilwoman Cartright said, “Embracing this intrinsic human practice publicly, will hopefully dispel prejudices about women breastfeeding whenever and wherever they need, “Breastfeeding is a universal solution, improving the wellbeing of women and children. I am pleased to have been able to take action in the Town of Brookhaven for ‘The Big Latch On’
‘Latch on’ is a phrase that describes the successful breastfeeding connection between a baby and its mother. Especially in the early months of a baby’s life, breastmilk supports the foundation of a healthy immune system, parent/child bonding, while warding off certain cancers in adults. Breastfeeding can be challenging due to health, environment and legislative obstacles to women nursing in public. For more information go to www.stonybrookmedicine.edu, www.facebook.com/stonybrookwic or www.biglatchon.org.
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