Viewfinder: Royal Oak Patch Verifies Count for 'Big Latch On' World Record

Christa Gowing and about two dozen other local nursing moms gathered at  today to participate in the Big Latch On to help set a world record.

From 10:30-10:31 a.m., 23 mothers had their babies latched on and nursing for a full minute in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the most women breastfeeding simultaneously. In October 2010, 9,826 nursing mothers were recorded at 325 sites in 16 countries, according to the organization's website.

The Big Latch On, a synchronized nursing event in the United States, took place in hundreds of locations across the country. It was organized by breastfeeding support group La Leche League International. The event coordinates with World Breastfeeding Week, which is Aug. 1-7.

Gowing, who grow up in the area, said she thought Royal Oak would be a central place to host such an event. Other Michigan locations include Madison Heights, , Milford, Grand Rapids and Fenton. 

To certify the number, Gowing needed all participants to sign an official waiver. She also needed photos and media verification, which is where Royal Oak Patch comes in. At 10:30 a.m., infants and toddlers latched on, nursing women raised their hands and Patch was able to verify 23 participants for the Guinness World Records.

For more information about the event, which is sponsored worldwide by the La Leche League, a breastfeeding advocacy group, visit lllusa.org