Local mothers will breastfeed together in an effort to gather the most breastfeeding moms in one location, as part of a worldwide breastfeeding competition.
The Northern Kentucky Breastfeeding Challenge 2017 will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Boone County Extension, 1955 Burlington Pike, Burlington.
During the challenge, Northern Kentucky mothers and children will compete against sites across the world to see which can gather the most babies latched on and nursing at the same time. It is sponsored by the Northern Kentucky Breastfeeding Coalition.
Besides the breastfeeding count at 11 a.m., the event will also feature information on local breastfeeding resources, a raffle and snacks.
More Kentucky babies are being breastfed, but rates are still below the national targets. Almost 75 percent of Kentucky babies born in 2014 were ever breastfed, compared to 59 percent of babies born in 2004. But sustaining breastfeeding is difficult: 44 percent of Kentucky babies are still breastfed at six months of age.
The Healthy People 2020 goal is for 80 percent of babies to be breastfed at birth, and 60 percent at six months of age.
Mothers who plan to participate in the Sept. 30 challenge are asked to register in advance by visiting https://nkybfchallenge2017.eventbrite.com or by calling Nancy Merk at 859.363.2113.
