“Live, Love, Latch” event celebrates motherhood and breastfeeding

Pioneers Memorial Hospital is celebrating mothers who breastfeed with their first “Live, Love, Latch” event.

Stephanie Ibarra, a mother of one, said, “I just feel like more connected to him. And he recognizes me more. He feels closer to me then I feel like if I were to bottle feed.”

Ibarra had her son, Alonso, eight months ago. Since then, she’s breastfed him and it’s made her bond with him stronger.

“I mean I’ve always loved children but it’s so different having your own. And especially bonding with him in such a special way to be breastfeeding. I think it’s just a beautiful thing,” Ibarra added.

She joined other mothers in the Imperial Valley at Pioneers Memorial’s “Live Love and Latch” event.

The event offered other mothers the opportunity to hear each others’ struggles and advice in breastfeeding.

Pioneers Memorial Board Member Linda Rubin said, “In Imperial County, our breastfeeding levels have not been as high as we would like them. Breastfeeding is important. So it’s good for moms to be able to get together and share ideas with other moms about their breastfeeding experiences.”

April Hale, the hospital’s lactation consultant, said mother to mother support is integral when looking for help.

“What everybody got out of this today is that no one’s alone. And these moms are a great support and I want to value and support them. And celebrate them,” said Hale.