Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas and Tarrant County Breastfeeding Coalition sponsored a location for the Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge earlier this month at Dunlop Park in Arlington. This was one of only two locations in Texas, and one of only three locations in the entire United States! Despite the cool fall temperatures, nearly 40 people arrived for the fun. At the designated latch time, 15 babies were breastfeeding.
Moms participating in the Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge on October 5 at Dunlop Park in Arlington
In addition to the breastfeeding challenge, the event featured a silent auction with items and services from local businesses that support breastfeeding. They included baked goods, cloth diaper services, and even a breast pump! RTC PhotoWork photographed the event and Winks and Wiggles provided demo yoga classes for the children – many even preferred it to the large play structure in the park!
Event chair Jacque McCollum said, “Thirty-nine people braved the cold last weekend to to raise awareness of breastfeeding and the use of human milk. We had 15 babies and children breastfeeding simultaneously at our first Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge. We can't wait for next years challenge!”
Moms participating in the Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge on October 5 at Dunlop Park in Arlington
The Quintessence Foundation was established in 1998 in Canada. It focuses on breastfeeding education to health professionals and the public. The Quintessence Challenge occurs in the fall each year and is now a worldwide event. The Quintessence event has encouraged community discussion about issues related to breastfeeding and donor milk banking. It has provided a focus for health promotion around human milk and the importance of breastfeeding, and the key role it plays in the health of a community.
View more pictures of the event on the Tarrant County Breastfeeding Coalition’s Facebook page. To learn more about the Quintessence breastfeeding challenge, visit the Quintessence Foundation’s website.