La Leche League International

    The largest and best-known mother-to-mother support group is La Leche League International with groups in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and more than 60 other countries. Founded 45 years ago, this organization has groups and Leaders in all parts of North America. It offers a wealth of information through pamphlets, books, videos, and events such as conferences for families and seminars for professionals.

La Leche League’s breastfeeding support is unique because it is not only prenatal and post-natal, but also extends far beyond the initial establishment of breastfeeding to, at six months, the introduction of appropriate solid foods, and throughout childhood. Explains Kimberley McKenzie, La Leche League Canada’s National Development Manager and an active Leader, “We don’t go by a textbook – we value every mother’s experience as her own and help her see ways to fit breast-feeding into her family.”

Before a woman can become a La Leche League Leader, she needs to have breastfed her own baby for at least a year. McKenzie believes this is often important to new mothers: “The mother may not know anyone else who has breastfed that long. If breastfeeding for a year or more seems daunting to her, through LLL she gets to know at least one person who has done it.”

McKenzie also stresses the value of mother-to-mother support for all nursing mothers, whether or not they are having specific problems with breastfeeding. “Many women don’t call because they think it’s only for people having difficulties,” she says. “But there is something very special about hanging out with other breastfeeding mothers – like a celebration of nurturing your baby.”

In fact, McKenzie encourages mothers to attend meetings while they are pregnant, so they are well-prepared when the baby arrives. Typical LLL meetings include a mix of pregnant women, new mothers, and mothers of older babies or children.

Top | Winter 2002 Newsletters Contents |