If hunger struck before 10.30am yesterday, it was all the better for New Zealand mothers hoping to set a record for the annual Big Latch On.
Mothers around the country breastfed their babies in public at exactly 10.30am and the only rule was the feed had to last for at least one minute.
In Dunedin, 33 mothers had no trouble completing the task. In fact, the 33 babies continued past five minutes, despite
several of them starting well before the timer began.
As part of the annual breast-feeding week, thousands of mothers around the world line up every year to raise awareness of the benefits of breast-feeding and the need for global support. The week is celebrated in 120 countries in the first week of every August.
Dunedin organiser Natalie Sinclair said Dunedin had a high participation rate and she hoped it would contribute to a New Zealand or world record.
Mother of two Ruth Eley said breast-feeding was important because it had health benefits for the child and was less expensive than formula.
''Breast-feeding is really important and it is the best way to bond with a child.
''It is the healthy and easy way to feed; it's also convenient and it's free.''
A breast-feeding photo competition was also judged yesterday at the Meridian Mall by photographer Alan Dove, More FM's Damian Newell and La Leche League's Brylin Highton.
Sally Mangai won the amateur category, Megan Woodman was second and Laura Allen third.
Katrina Le Cong won the professional category.
The first Big Latch On took place in New Zealand in 2005. The World Health Organisation recommends breast-feeding exclusively for the first six months.
Twelve mothers and babies participated in the Big Latch On at Nichols Garden Cafe in Cromwell yesterday. Organiser and Southern Primary Health Organisation health promoter Marie Roxburgh was ''absolutely thrilled'' with the turnout and credited it to a breast-feeding peer support group that recently began in Cromwell.
Central Stories Museum in Alexandra also hosted a Big Latch On event, attended by five mothers and their children.
