4 August 2009 - West Coast mothers are taking part in the annual breastfeeding marathon as they latch their babies on for a feed on Friday August the 7th, at the following venues;

Karamea - Market Cross B&B Westport - Kawatiri, Buller Health Reefton - Black Room, Reefton Hospital Gloriavale Greymouth - Grey District Library and McBrearty Ward, Grey Base Hospital Hokitika - Caf de Paris Franz Josef - School library

All breastfeeding mothers or supporters are welcome to attend.

Last year New Zealand recorded 1122 women breastfeeding simultaneously, this year it is anticipated that even more mothers will be counted breaking the record, which has been broken annually since 2005. This year is set to be even bigger.

This is the fifth year Women's Health Action has co-ordinated the record attempt as part of World Breastfeeding Week celebrations.

This year the theme is "Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response". Big emergencies may not happen often in New Zealand but we do respond to emergencies particularly in the Pacific and this theme gives us the opportunity to remind donors that giving infant formula and or baby food products can cause more harm than good. The safest way to feed an infant in an emergency is from the breast. That is what will be happening throughout the country and here at 10.30am on Friday the 7th of August.

When the power is out, the water is contaminated and mothers can't get home, there is always breastfeeding and for mothers who have given up, there is re-lactation.