LatchOn Lights
This section of the LatchOn.org website features some of the many highlights from projects past and projects underway.
 The LatchOn.org design team has developed a way to use cutting-edge technology to help more people realize the benefits of the most simple and non-technical of interactions: that of a mother breastfeeding her baby. It provides an organized, internet-based way for donors and project managers to connect with one another in a friendly and fun way.
Diversity in Global Sessions ID 105
Regina (right) with Graca from Brazil
|
Thanks to the donations received from LatchOn, Regina Rodriguez de Tavares, an LLL Leader from the Dominican Republic (DR) was among the many enthusiastic attendees at the 19th LLLI International Conference.
Coming to the conference was prohibitively costly for Regina, who is from a low-income community in the DR. Not only did she lack funds for the conference and her airline ticket, but securing a passport and a tourist visa in order to enter the US was expensive. Although she longed to attend, she knew only a miracle could make it possible for her! The miracle happened and her excitement at being at the Conference was visible.
Regina (center) sharing her story
|
In the Dominican Republic, Regina facilitates monthly Mother-to-Mother groups for pregnant and breastfeeding women who work in four clothing factories. During the Global Session on widening and strengthening the global network of community-based breastfeeding counselors, Regina told a very moving story about her work and how rewarding it is to support these women, who have such a difficult life, to be able to give their babies such a wonderful start through breastfeeding. Her eyes lit up and there was a smile across her face, as she shared how she feels honored to be able to work with these women.
In addition to attending this session, Regina also attended other Global Sessions and participated at the Spanish table, contributing her ideas and her perspective. Regina returned to her home, more knowledgeable and even more dedicated to her breastfeeding activities (if that is possible!)
Hirkani's Daughters ID 50
As one of the featured authors in this soon to be published La Leche League International book on breastfeeding and work, Viana Maza with her little girl, Ariana (3 years old), was able to attend the 19th LLLI International Conference. The funding from LatchOn donors was combined with other funding to complete what Viana needed to realize her dream.
Viana (center, in white) facilitating a discussion in Spanish
|
As a young, single mother, Viana is an inspiration and a motivating force in her home country of Guatemala for her friends and acquaintances who are not as confident or as knowledgeable as she is in breastfeeding. Viana, who was recently accredited as an LLL Leader and is the daughter of an LLL Leader, was able to combine breastfeeding with her work and her story was selected to be included in the book Hirkani's Daughters: Women who Scale Modern Mountains to Combine Breastfeeding and Working.
At the Conference, in addition to participating in Spanish table discussions in the Global Sessions, Viana was able to meet other authors who have stories in the book, as well as Jennifer, the book editor. At the Conference, Viana also interacted with other Latin American Leaders and mothers in the Latin Room. Mainly, she learned new information on breastfeeding and parenting that she will be able to use in Guatemala as she continues to help mothers breastfeed through phone calls, home visits and La Leche League support group meetings.
|
LucyShares
In October 2002, a retiring Lactation Consultant decided to pass on her library to a La Leche League accredited volunteer in Paraguay. When others heard about this, they thought it might be a good idea to create a way for people to exchange breastfeeding-related materials, other resources, and money.
|
|
