Latching on

Ella Deans (24) and her baby, Riley Eaton (6 months), took part in Dunedin's Big Latch On community event yesterday, which also celebrated International Breastfeeding Week.

About 30 mothers and their babies gathered in the Meridian mall from 10am to participate in what was billed as a "fun and supportive event".

Miss Deans said she had not had any significant problems with breast-feeding, but was enjoying the company and networking support of other mothers.

Breast-feeding counsellor Denise Ives, one of the organisers of the 90-minute event, said it was part of a wider series of gatherings throughout the country and overseas.

"It's really to raise awareness of breast-feeding and to get people talking about it," she said.

"It's very successful and we've got a lot of mums here."