The Mom joins Hakab Na 2015

What better way to start the breastfeeding month than kick it off with The Big Latch On?

Hakab Na! is an event that aims to promote breastfeeding awareness and to support and protect the breastfeeding mothers. Why Hakab? It's simply because the word means latch, and in breastfeeding a good latch is necessary for the baby to be able to draw milk from the breasts.

This event started in August 3, 2013. The Bacolod Mom & Baby club then was fairly new then so there were only 5 moms who got together. Things have changed 2 years after.

Earlier today, a total of 77 mom and baby pairs latched simultaneously for a minute. From 5 to 77. That's a huge leap! It is so exciting to see the breastfeeding community grow. The event was held at the SM  City Bacolod Main Atrium starting from 9:30 am until 12:00 noon.

The Big Latch on was clocked at 10:30 am and this was done nationwide - Alabang, Aklan, Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Isabela, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Zambales. While we do not have the total number yet, I'm pretty sure that we reached thousands.

After the Big Latch, the participants get to know the founding members of the Bacolod Mom and Baby club and then several breastfeeding myths were discussed. The participants and the breastfeeding supporters were given snacks courtesy of SM Bacolod and product samples from Calchews and NaFlora. Those who busted the myths also won prizes from sponsors - Pink n' Blue, Ten97, Alex & Ash, Footsie Toesie and Baby Steps Bacolod.

Overall, it was a very successful event, and I'm not just talking about the numbers. It's because the Bacolodnons now know who and where to turn to when they need breastfeeding support.