A new Border event aims to drum up community support, one latch at a time.
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The first annual Albury-Wodonga Big Latch On on August 4 aims to support local mothers to breastfeed and create a feeding-friendly community during World Breastfeeding Week.
Two Border mums, who also happen to be a midwife and student midwife, are the driving force and say "breastfeeding doesn't have to be isolating".
Organiser and mum-of-two Jess Plunkett said mothers think breastfeeding "will just work out".
"But it can be really isolating especially if women don't have a good support network," she said.
"We just wanted to create a bit of a mum tribe for women to feel comfortable to speak to other women in the same position and going through the same thing.
"The Big Latch On is less about the awareness of breastfeeding and more about local women supporting local women.
"The community needs to get involved to support women to breastfeed.
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"I am currently breastfeeding my second baby and while I have never had a problem in cafes and restaurants around Albury-Wodonga.
"In fact a lot of local businesses go above and beyond to show women that they are breastfeeding friendly and this is really encouraging for our community.
"But in saying that some women do feel uncomfortable and some people aren't educated about breastfeeding and make it hard for women to do it in public.
"And this isn't ok."
The Albury event is part of the global initiative which aims to bring as many breastfeeding women together as possible.
"We just want our local women to feel safe, supported and to have a group of women they can go to for advice," Ms Plunkett said.
"This is the best thing you can do when you are breastfeeding - surround yourself with women who have had personal experience.
"It is about showing women and the wider community that breastfeeding is normal and will just be a great event to get mums and bubs together for a family day."
The Big Latch On will be held on Sunday, August 4 from 10.30am at the Albury Botantic Gardens, with the "latch on count" happening at 11am.
To keep up-to-date follow the Albury-Wodonga Big Latch On Facebook page.
