Maybe you are thinking of coming to an LLL meeting, and have found your local group.
Here are some questions we’re often asked about our meetings.
Do I have to pay to come to a meeting?
I’m worried about allergies. Is there usually food at meetings?
Can I bring my partner or support person?
I’m combination feeding my baby – is LLL still for me?
Do I need to be a member of LLL to come along?
Who comes to LLL meetings?
You’re very welcome to our meetings whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to, and wanting to learn more about it or share your experiences.
What happens at LLL meetings?
Meetings are led by an accredited LLL Leader (breastfeeding counsellor). There’s time at the start to get settled in and meet people. Then usually we all go round and introduce ourselves and our little ones. There’s often a suggested topic, such as breastfeeding in the early days, introducing solids, or feeding an older baby, although it’s all quite informal and relaxed. People are invited to raise any questions or things they’d like to talk about relating to breastfeeding – however, there is no need to talk at all if you don’t want to, you can sit back, relax, mother your little one and simply listen to what’s being said. The mums present often describe their own experiences, and offer support to each other.
Some groups hold less formal coffee morning style meetings where there’s no structured discussion.
At LLL, your baby’s needs come first. Please feel free to feed your baby, rock your baby, change your baby, pop out for some fresh air, leave early, leave late, whatever your baby needs in that moment. No one will tut at you for arriving late, or leaving early, and we are very used to babies crying and toddlers needing to roam around. Just please be mindful of the other mums who are listening, and treat their words in confidence.
Meetings are confidential and you may hear a whole range of ideas and experiences on breastfeeding. There is definitely not ‘one LLL way’ to breastfeed or mother your child. Please take what works for you from the suggestions and leave the rest behind. You can chat over anything that you hear in more detail with your Leader at any point.
LLL Cambridge toddler meeting
Where are meetings held?
Our meetings are in all sorts of places. Sometimes they’re hosted by one of our LLL Leaders (breastfeeding counsellors) in their own homes, or in the home of another member of the group. Or they could be in a local community hall or other central space. Some groups meet in cafes. Wherever the venue is, LLL isn’t expressing any connection to the host other than being grateful for the chance to use their space! We have no political or religious affiliations.
We do our very best to make sure that our venues are accessible and if you have any concerns about coming to us in a wheelchair or with a pram or buggy, please do contact your local Leader who will be able to describe the setup for you and tell you how we can help you to access the room.
Do I have to pay to come to a meeting?
All LLL support is freely given by our volunteers, and free for you to access. We never charge for meetings or for any of the support we give on the phone, on emails, through social media or our website. Having said this, we do welcome donations! Usually there’ll be a collection pot or plate available at meetings, and you always have the chance to support us here so that you can help us to keep supporting others in the future.
I’m worried about allergies. Is there usually food at meetings?
Some groups provide snacks and drinks, often brought by those coming to the meetings. There’s no obligation to eat any of these, nor to share what you’ve brought for you and your child if you know your own options are limited. If you’re concerned about the safety or appropriateness of food that might be at meetings, please do get in touch with your local Leader.
Can I bring my partner or support person?
At LLL meetings, our priority is supporting you and your baby and letting you get the breastfeeding help that you need. We have to balance the needs of everyone who might come to us, which include mothers who feel they need the moral support of their partner (or the physical help to get there), mothers who would feel very uncomfortable attempting to breastfeed with men in the room, and those wishing to breastfeed who do not identify themselves as mothers. Some groups hold special “families and partners” meetings; some have a separate area for those needing privacy, or can arrange to spend some time with you and your partner together to give you the help you need; some will usually ask male partners to drop you off and wait elsewhere. Where we meet in public places, of course we cannot control who is nearby. Please get in touch with your local Leader to find out what’s usual in your group.
We often see grandmothers at our meetings, supporting their own daughters and sharing their experiences.
I’m combination feeding my baby. Is LLL still for me?
We’re here to support you in meeting your breastfeeding goals. No one will judge you for using a bottle or for anything else you’re doing with your baby, and no one will assume what your goals are. Please come as you are and we will support you in the way that you need.
Do I need to be a member of LLL to come along?
You don’t have to be a member to come to LLL meetings but by becoming a member you’ll be supporting LLLGB and your local group, and enable us to support more breastfeeding mothers just like you.
Mums talk about LLL meetings
“I feel like I’ve come home when I go to LLL meetings.” – Sophie
“Before I went to LLL I wasn’t sure what to expect; I found knowledgeable supportive kindred spirits. I would not have survived early motherhood without LLL.” – Georgina
“A friend told me about LLL as I was having quite a few problems with early breastfeeding. I was able to get great support from both the Leader and the other mums there who had been through the same or similar. It showed me there was hope and a light at the end of the tunnel during a difficult time. I also really like the format to the meetings and as a first time mum I find the wealth of experience reassuring which is something you don’t get at other breastfeeding groups.” – Leonie
“I attended my first LLL meeting last week, when my son was just 9 days old. At this very delicate stage I was made to feel very welcome and free to open up about my thoughts and feelings, especially as breastfeeding hadn’t worked out for me first time round. I wish I’d found LLL then.“ – Lorna
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