Attention, breastfeeding families and expectant parents! As you’re planning your activities for the upcoming year, here’s one more you might want to include: the 2008 Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge.

This year, the date and time are especially easy to remember: October 11^th (11-11) at 11 a.m.

Since 2001, the Quintessence Foundation has been sponsoring this annual event “to highlight the benefits and value of breastfeeding, while having some fun.”

At registered sites around the world, breastfed babies and their mothers gather to breastfeed simultaneously. (Dads, older children, and supporters are welcome, too!) Last year, a total of 5,374 breastfed children participated at 225 sites around the world. (That’s a nice increase over the 4,685 children and 155 sites in 2006.)

The event is free and there’s no cost to register. Some sites have music and snacks; all offer conversation and companionship. If you’re interested, bookmark the Quintessence website. There, you can register to join an existing site or register a new site. (Registration will be available in March.)

Here it is, 2008. Yet breastfeeding mothers are still being told to leave public places or cover their babies during feeding. Breastfeeding images are still being removed from art exhibits and online forums. (What’s more, the above links are just the tip of the iceberg.)

This event sounds like a great, fun way to bring attention to the issue. Mamas, be sure to register! Tell your friends. Let’s help make the 2008 event bigger and better than ever!