Participant FAQs

Can I take part in the Big Latch On?

The Big Latch On is designed to be as inclusive as possible. Whilst the focus of the Big Latch On is on breastfeeding and breastfeeding support, we recognise that all infant feeding journeys are valid, and that whānau and the wider community play an important role in optimal infant feeding. We welcome anyone who wants to attend – as a breastfeeding/chestfeeding/mixed-feeding/formula-feeding parent, whānau, or as a supporter – to come along.

If you are not sure about attending a Big Latch On event, speak to your local host and they can answer any questions or concerns.

Are you running a Latch Count?

No, we are not running an official “Latch Count”. Over recent years our focus has shifted from counting the number of people breastfeeding their children at one time, to inviting people at all stages on the infant feeding journey to gather together and find connection and support in their communities, at events able to be held at any time across three days. This means you will be considered a participant at any Big Latch On event, regardless of whether you are breastfeeding your child there or not.

Is there an age limit for children attending?

No, we welcome all children, of all ages to take part.

How do I find an event in my local area?

A list of all registered events is available on our ‘Find an Event’ page. New event registrations are accepted right up to the day before the event, so keep checking this page as one near you may be listed nearer the event.

What if there are no Big Latch On events in my local area?

New event registrations are accepted right up to the day before the event, so even if there is not an event near you, one may be listed nearer the time.

If there is not currently an event in your area, you could host an event yourself. Hosting is easy, fun, and a great way to connect with other breastfeeding women in your community. Information on hosting can be found here.

If there is no event near you, you can use our search tool to find a virtual event to connect to instead.

You can also take part in the Big Latch On online, through the “Brelfie” (breastfeeding/feeding selfie) campaign. Post your brelfie on social media using the hashtags #Brelfie #BigLatchOnNZ

Do I need to register in advance?

No, you do not need to register in advance to attend a Big Latch On event. You may like to register for an event via our website, but it is not a requirement, it’s more so that you will be reminded about the event details. Contact information for hosts can be found with the event information on the ‘Find an Event’ page.

What do I need to do on the day?

Nothing – just turn up and enjoy yourself! Hosts may require you to fill out a participant registration form, and there will be feedback forms if you would like to tell us how you found the event, but it is not a requirement. Your feedback is valuable so that we can continue to improve the Big Latch On each year.

Can I attend more than one Big Latch On event?

Yes! The Big Latch On takes place over three days (Friday to Sunday), and you are welcome to attend as many events as you like, at any time during those days. You can attend both virtual and in-person events.

Can I bring family/friends with me?

Yes! Support of family, whānau and friends is important for breastfeeding, infant feeding, and indeed parenting in general! We encourage you to bring as many supporters with you as you like.

What is the Brelfie Campaign?

The “brelfie” selfie initiative was created in 2014 to give breastfeeding women and parents who could not attend a Big Latch On event in person the chance to participate online and encourage them to connect with other parents via social media sites such as Facebook. This year, we’re inviting all people who are feeding their children to take part in the Brelfie campaign.

Can I take part in the Big Latch On in person and online?

Yes! You are welcome to attend a Big Latch On event in person, virtually, and take part in the Brelfie campaign – how much you participate is all up to you.

How do I share my Brelfie?

Post your pics to Facebook @BigLatchOnNZ or Instagram @thebiglatchonnz or on Twitter @LatchOnNZ with the hashtags #Brelfie #BigLatchOnNZ

If you are not sure how to upload your selfie, we are happy to help out. Just email [email protected]

Can my selfie include other people in the photo?

Yes, if you want to take a selfie with other parents, or any family members or supporters, you are more than welcome to, but you MUST have permission from these people before you share the photo.

Who can see my photo?

If you post your photo on your own Facebook page, who sees it will depend on your own privacy settings. Alternatively, if you post your selfie directly on the Big Latch On Facebook page, it can be seen by the general public as this is a public page. Women’s Health Action cannot be responsible for the privacy of photos posted directly onto our page.

When should I post my selfie?

For your selfie to be included in the official participant count for the Big Latch On, it needs to be posted between Friday 4th and Sunday 6th April 2025.

Does Facebook/Twitter/Instagram have restrictions in place around breastfeeding photos?

For the most part, a breastfeeding selfie should not violate any rules or policies on these sites. Click here for Facebook’s policy, click here for Twitter’s policy, and here for Instagram’s policy.