Nursing persons publicly breastfed together at the ‘7th Annual RI Big Latch On’ to promote and celebrate breastfeeding. Rhode Island doulas helped organize the event, and shared their thoughts about the Rhode Island Perinatal Doula Reimbursement Act, a new law that enables doulas to be paid using health insurance. The law takes effect on July 1, 2022.

Susie Finnerty is a doula and the Co-President of Doulas of Rhode Island, a professional organization for Doulas. Quatia Osorio is also a doula and member of Doulas of Rhode Island, and is the facilitator of Chocolate Milk Cafe RI, a Black breastfeeding support group.

On the livestream, nursing persons from Rhode Island and Massachusetts commented to say that they were also “latched”, which means that they were actively breastfeeding their child. Doulas of Rhode Island, healthcare providers, tarot card readers, photographers, and community organizations set up tables at the event.

Photographs: Kye Kase.