The entire last month I've been helping our local lactation consultants, Kimberly and Jen of Encompass Lactation organize the Big Latch On in Iowa City.   

The Big Latch On basically is an annual event created to promote breastfeeding, by raising awareness of community knowledge and support. It is also a challenge with the purpose to gather up all the nursing and pumping mamas and have them "latch on" at exactly 10:30 then count them all with a goal to break prior records.

The Big Latch On was today and our location had a total of 30 babes breastfeeding during the "latch on."  I think that's a HUGE success, because last year (my first year participating in a Big Latch On & I was pumping) there were only 13, I think.  Organizing an event like this definitely takes some hard work!  You have to plan where you're going to have it, check to see if a permit is required from the city, register your event on the Big Latch On site, know/follow the rules, get all their paperwork filled out, put together goody bags, seek sponsors (I found several amazing businesses that donated the BEST door prizes),  and share and share and share everywhere!

It was so rewarding though.  I discovered new resources within the community, located some breastfeeding-friendly businesses, fostered my relationship with fellow organizers and met new like-minded people!  I'd encourage anyone to go ahead and plan on creating a Big Latch On event in their area!
Here are a few pictures of the event right before the "latch on."  Our photographer, Abundance Art, Photography and Henna will be sharing more soon!