BREASTFEEDING mothers from Swindon took part in a world record attempt on Saturday.


About 20 women and their children took part in The Big Latch On held at Lydiard Park, which aimed to get as many women as possible coming together at registered locations around the world and all latch on their child for one minute at a set time.
 

In Swindon, a total of 18 women fed their children for one minute at 10.30am and were counted by a witness.


Their efforts will be added to the numbers from around the world in a bid to beat last year’s record, which stands at 5,687.
 

Caroline Culshaw, who lives in the town centre, took part with her four week old daughter Isabelle Murphy, who was the youngest baby at the event.
She said: “I thought it would be a good event to take part in, breast feeding is just the best way to feed your baby.
 

“I go to the Breast Mates support group in Swindon and it is lovely, it’s a really welcoming atmosphere, really friendly and it is nice to go and chat to other mums.”
 

Helen Harfield, 23, of Calne, took her seven-month old daughter Anya Curtis to the event.
 

She said: “I thought it would be a good event to be part of. Breastfeeding is so good for babies’ health and it is so important – it gives them the best start that they could possible have.
 

“I was quite lucky with my daughter that we had a good start with the breastfeeding, there were a few hiccups but it was a very good considering she is my first child.”
 

One of the organisers, Kathryn Beale, of Park North, said she was pleased with the turn-out.


Kathryn, who is a breast-feeding peer supporter and a doula – a person who offers practical and emotional support to mothers during and after childbirth – said: “I wasn’t sure how many to expect so I am really pleased.”
 

Mum-of-two Jenn Guppy, from Royal Wootton Bassett, was also part of the organising team.


She said: “We had lots of hungry babies beforehand but it was lovely and calm during the minute that they were all latched on.
 

“We have children from four weeks old to 22 months so it is quite varied.”


In Swindon, there are a number of breast-feeding support groups called Breastmates. These are informal drop-in groups where breastfeeding mothers can meet other like-minded mothers for a drink, chat and if needed, gain support with breastfeeding difficulties.
 

The groups are run by a mixture of health professionals, breastfeeding counsellors and peer supporters.”