La Leche League (LLL) meetings are friendly local breastfeeding groups. You’re welcome to come at any stage of your journey – during pregnancy, with a new baby, or while feeding an older baby or child.
Meetings are relaxed and informal. You can meet others in a similar situation, share experiences, and pick up ideas – or simply listen. Trained LLL Leaders (breastfeeding counsellors) guide discussion, and are able to offer individual support with any aspect of breastfeeding if you need it.
For many mothers, it’s a chance to pause, think about their own needs, and be with others who understand, without feeling judged.
There’s no one right way to care for your baby, and hearing how others have found their way through challenges can help you feel more confident in your own choices.
You’re very welcome whether you’re:
- pregnant and would like to see breastfeeding in action
- looking for support with breastfeeding, whatever that looks like for you
- hoping to meet others who are breastfeeding
It’s completely normal to feel unsure before your first meeting. You can come along and see how it feels, and join in as much or as little as you want.
There’s nothing you need to prepare, and no need to know anyone in advance. Just come as you are – with your bump, baby, or child.
To get a sense of what a meeting might feel like, it could help to listen to this episode of our podcast, where a group discusses what self-care means to them:
The rest of this page is about our in-person meetings. Learn more about our online meetings.
FAQs
Find your nearest breastfeeding support group
If there isn’t a group you can get to, you can find our online meetings listed there too.
You can usually just turn up, though some groups ask people to sign up in advance so they know who to expect. You can contact your local Leader if you’re unsure.
We welcome anyone who is:
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
- making milk (for example by expressing, or inducing lactation)
LLL meetings focus on supporting you where you are in your breastfeeding journey, and on sharing experiences – listening to others, hearing different perspectives, and learning how each person has found their own way, in a space where you can feel seen, heard, and safe.
You don’t need to have things sorted to come along.
LLL meetings welcome people with a wide range of families and breastfeeding stories.
Whether you are:
- nursing your baby at the breast
- combi feeding
- exclusively pumping
- nursing with a supplementer
- chestfeeding/bodyfeeding (terms some people use)
- breastfeeding a baby birthed by someone else
- or breastfeeding in any other way, we would love to meet you.
Meetings are led by one or more accredited LLL Leaders (breastfeeding counsellors).
When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by a Leader and can settle in at your own pace.
There may be a round of introductions and a suggested topic, such as breastfeeding in the early days, introducing solids, or feeding an older baby.
Meetings are informal and shaped by what people want to talk about on the day.
You’re welcome to bring any questions or experiences related to breastfeeding.
If it would help to know what to expect, you’re very welcome to contact a Leader in advance.
Great to attend an LLL meeting for the first time. Everyone was so welcoming. The added structure with a guiding facilitator meant the chat stayed on breastfeeding, brainstorming some topics we had been struggling with, with input from others in the group. Great set up, left feeling very glad I had been, with a few new numbers in my phone and a borrowed book to read from the LLL library. Thank you
– Lizzie
You can take part in your own way
There’s no pressure to speak. Many people come and prefer to sit quietly at first. You can spend time with your baby or child and take in what feels useful.
The support participants give each other is just as important as what Leaders offer.
A relaxed, baby-friendly space
Your baby’s needs come first.
You are free to feed, walk, rock, change nappies, play, step outside for fresh air, arrive late, or leave early – whatever you and your child need. Babies cry, toddlers move around and chat, and meetings adapt – it’s all part of being together with young children.
Confidential and supportive
Meetings are respectful spaces where everyone’s experience is taken seriously.
You may hear a range of ideas – take what is helpful to you and leave the rest.
You can always talk things through further with a Leader after the meeting, or contact them later.
What makes LLL meetings special
However a meeting is organised, and wherever it takes place, many people notice a shared sense of warmth, understanding, and connection – often recognised as something special about LLL meetings.
Being with others who are breastfeeding can make things feel more manageable and less isolating, at every stage.
Read more about how a supportive breastfeeding community can help
Many people aren’t sure what to expect before they come. These are some of the things they tell us afterwards:
“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
“I was having quite a few problems with early breastfeeding. At LLL I found support from both the Leader and other mothers who had been through similar experiences. It showed me there was hope during a difficult time.”
— Leonie
“I first went at 39 weeks pregnant and was welcomed with congratulations and cookies. Hearing from other mothers helped me prepare for breastfeeding and feel more confident in the early days.”
— Rachel
Read Rosella’s meeting story
What a first meeting can feel like
“The first time I managed to get to an LLL meeting was not the first time I had planned to go. It took a few months to get there! I arrived an hour late… in a bit of a state. The friendly, welcoming atmosphere was great and calmed me down.”
— Myriam
Many people arrive feeling unsure – and find it easier than they expected.
Read Alisha’s account of her first LLL meeting
Yes – we’re here to support you in your breastfeeding goals, whatever they are. Many people come when things aren’t going as they hoped.
You won’t be judged for where you are or how things are going. No one will assume what your goals are.
You are welcome as you are, and we will support you in the way that works for you.
Yes – you’re welcome to bring older children if you feel the meeting will work for them.
You are responsible for your children during the meeting, and it may help to bring toys, books, or other activities.
Some groups also offer Toddler Meetings for those breastfeeding beyond the first year.
Contact your local Leader to find out what’s available.
Meetings are primarily for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or making milk.
Each group’s Leaders decide whether supporters are included, based on the needs of the group.
If your local group doesn’t usually include supporters, it may still be possible to bring someone if you couldn’t attend otherwise. Your local Leaders will be happy to talk this through with you.
Meetings take place in a wide range of venues, including community halls, children’s centres, libraries, cafés, and sometimes private homes.
LLL does not have political or religious affiliations, regardless of where meetings are held.
Many venues have some level of accessibility.
Check your local group online, or contact a Leader if you need more information.
Leaders are happy to answer questions and help you attend where possible, or suggest alternative ways to get LLLGB support.
We welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities.
Our aim is to help everyone attend as comfortably as possible, and take part in a way that works for them.
If you have specific needs or preferences, including communication or language needs, you are very welcome to contact your local Leaders in advance to talk through anything that would make it easier for you to attend.
Some groups provide snacks and drinks, brought by Leaders or attendees. Where meetings take place in cafés, you may be able to buy food and drinks there.
There is no obligation to eat or drink the food provided. It is usually possible to bring your own.
If you have concerns, please contact your local Leader.
No – all LLL support is freely given by volunteers, and there is never a charge.
Some groups have a collection pot, QR code, or card reader for donations, but there is no pressure to give.
You don’t need to be a member to come to meetings.
If you choose to become a member, you’ll be supporting LLLGB and your local group, helping us reach more breastfeeding mothers, parents, and families.
The needs of those attending for breastfeeding support always come first.
Some groups do welcome observers where this helps build useful links. Please contact your local Leaders to ask.
LLL meetings are about mother-to-mother, peer-to-peer support rather than professional advice.
If you attend, you will be asked to observe and not take on a professional role. Commercial services are not promoted at meetings.
Other ways to get support
If meetings aren’t right for you, there are many other ways to get breastfeeding support through LLLGB.
You might also find LLL’s manual The Art of Breastfeeding (La Leche League International, 9th edition, 2024) helpful. It covers all ages and stages in a friendly, accessible way and is often described as a “meeting in a book”.
If attending a meeting has helped you, please consider supporting LLLGB with a donation. Every gift, however small, helps keep breastfeeding information and support flowing.