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La Leche League Meetings
Local La Leche League Groups provide mother-to-mother support by holding regular discussion meetings on various aspects of mothering and breastfeeding. It can be helpful for a mother to come along whilst pregnant to learn about breastfeeding, and reassuring to attend after the baby is born. Each Group maintains a library of books and leaflets on childbirth, breastfeeding, nutrition and parenting which is available at meetings.
La Leche League also provides information and experience for women in special circumstances (mothers with disabilities, babies with a cleft of the soft palate, premature babies, multiple births, Down's Syndrome babies and many others).
What Goes on at La Leche League Meetings?
Many people wonder why anyone would have a meeting about breastfeeding. Who would go to these meetings and what do they talk about?
At Group meetings La Leche League Leaders and other mothers share experiences, give suggestions and offer support and encouragement. LLL meetings are ideal for learning more about mothering through breastfeeding and making friends with other mothers. They provide time for mother-to-mother sharing in a friendly and accepting atmosphere. The informal meetings are attended by expectant, new and experienced mothers and their babies. Groups rotate through a series of breastfeeding topics, however every meeting is different and the questions and concerns of the attendees are always given top priority.
Why LLL meetings?
In past generations mothers had plenty of support for breastfeeding their babies because their mothers, grandmothers and sisters had breastfeed. Now many of us live far away from our families and maybe they didn't breastfeed. Breastfeeding is natural, but it is a learned art. Attending an LLL meeting and seeing other mothers breastfeed their babies helps new and expectant mothers learn how to nurture their babies too.
Who attends LLL meetings?
Women interested in breastfeeding are welcome to attend LLL meetings. Women are encouraged to begin attending meetings during their pregnancy. Attending early in a pregnancy gives mothers plenty of time to learn as much as possible about the “womanly art of breastfeeding”. Most Groups have an extensive lending library of books especially on the topics of breastfeeding, nutrition, parenting and childbirth. La Leche League's comprehensive handbook, THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, is offered for sale by most Groups. This and many other books are available from LLLBooks.
What are the meeting topics?
In-depth information on breastfeeding is presented through discussions on the following topics:
- The benefits of breastfeeding: a chance to hear about the many remarkable qualities of human milk and the body's fantastic ability to produce milk, as well as the positive impact breastfeeding has on families, the environment and society.
- Adjusting to life with a new baby: this meeting focuses on the first six weeks and offers tips to make the transition into being a family as smooth as possible.
- Overcoming difficulties; Leaders and mothers have excellent ideas to help mothers overcome challenges that may impede breastfeeding progress.
- Nutrition and weaning: this meeting focuses on nutrition and the whole family, including topics such as nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, introducing solids to babies, weaning and providing nutritious family meals.
LLL meetings can be viewed as a buffet of ideas. Each mother is welcome to select only those that appeal to her and her family.
Remember, with topics so broad and each Group so individual, every meeting is different. The attendees’ input and questions are welcome. Some Groups hold special meetings for couples and for mothers of toddlers.
What about the meeting itself?
Meetings are led by an accredited LLL Leader. She is a mother who has breastfed her baby and has completed LLL's comprehensive training program. During meetings, she shares her knowledge of breastfeeding and encourages others to talk about their experiences. Her material is validated by experts in medical, psychological, nutritional and child development fields. Mothers (and their babies!) enjoy the warm and supportive atmosphere that encourages mothering through breastfeeding.
Now, aren't you wondering where LLL meetings are?
Usually they are held in private homes or in the meeting rooms of community halls, health clinics, churches, libraries or hospitals. (La Leche League is a non-profit, non-sectarian organisation that welcomes all interested women and babies.) Some Groups meet during the day, while others find evening meetings more convenient. To find a Group near you look at our list of Groups or call the helpline number.
We’re looking forward to seeing you and your baby at a Group meeting!
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