Breastfeeding tent a highlight for mums

Dunedin mum Litia Naika relaxes and feeds her baby daughter Amelia in the breastfeeding tent,...
Dunedin mum Litia Naika relaxes and feeds her baby daughter Amelia in the breastfeeding tent, offered by Pacific Trust Otago as part of the Moana Nui Festival. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
A popular spot at the Moana Nui Festival was the breastfeeding tent, which hosted The Big Latch On event on Saturday.

Pacific Trust Otago health and wellbeing co-ordinator Theresa Aiiloilo said the tent was a major highlight of the festival for many of the mums who attended.

‘‘The initiative proved to be very positive, as mothers expressed that they felt more comfortable having a private and safe space to breastfeed their babies, as well as somewhere they could relax and take a moment to themselves,’’ she said.

There was also an area set up for small children, which allowed mothers to comfortably care for both their baby and other children at the same time.

In total, 16 mothers accessed the breastfeeding tent, with most returning more than once during the Moana Nui Festival.

‘‘This really shows the value and impact of having a dedicated space like this available,’’ she said.

The Big Latch On is an annual nationwide event celebrating infant feeding across Aotearoa New Zealand.