RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Richmond is joining an international campaign promoting breastfeeding.

Called "The Big Latch On," promoters say hundreds of local women will breastfeed their babies Saturday at the bell tower on the grounds of the Capitol. Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center's Women's Health program is serving as one of the hosts of the "Latch On," which organizers say is one of many occurring around the globe.

The event is part of World Breastfeeding Month. It's designed to increase awareness about the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding.

Medical professionals say breastfeeding is one of the most effective preventive health measures for infants and mothers, yet only one-third of babies are breastfed in the U.S.

AP-WF-08-03-12 0616GMT