Lora Steffie of Slatington wants to bring attention to the benefits of breastfeeding.

Steffie, chairwoman of the Lehigh Valley Breastfeeding Coalition, has been working hard to organize the third annual Big Latch On 10 a.m. on Aug. 1 at Allentown Arts Park, N. Fifth and Court streets, Allentown.

The goal of the event is to have several babies latch onto their mothers at the same time.

The motivation for the event is to normalize breast feeding in American culture.

"America views breasts as a sexualized thing," Steffie said. "There are no real role models for breastfeeding mothers.

Steffie, who graduated from Cedar Crest College's nursing program, where she gained a great deal of knowledge on breastfeeding, works for St. Luke's Hospital, where she got her start as a lactation assistant.

Along with her degree, Steffie's experience as a mother of three children helped her become very aware of the many benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby.

"Breastfeeding helps fight infections, lower heart disease, diabetes, and helps to lower the risk of ovarian cancer," she said. "Babies who breast feed also have a decreased obesity rate.

"Seventy-eight percent of mothers stop breastfeeding at three months because they hit a road bump and just give up.

"It doesn't help that formula companies court these mothers at their door with free samples and heavy advertising."

Steffie became involved in the Lehigh Valley Breastfeeding Coalition two years ago when she volunteered for the Big Latch On as a latch counter.

The coalition has 30 active members and is seeking non-profit status.

In addition to the Big Latch On, the coalition organizes educational events and partners with groups such as the Milk Mob to educate doctors, ob-gyn and pediatrician office staff on how to help provide breastfeeding support to new mothers.

The Big Latch On, which originated in New Zealand where breastfeeding is a much more regular part of the community, takes place at the end of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week.

The event is viewed as a very positive experience.

"Mothers aren't shy at the event," Steffie said. "When they see other moms doing it, it makes it more normal."

The coalition is expecting a good turn out as every year more and more people attend.

Participating mothers are asked to arrive no later than 10 a.m. to this kid friendly event.

To volunteer or for more information, go to the Lehigh Valley Breastfeeding Coalition website at lehighvalleybreastfeeding.com.