Talking about Breastfeeding
Many wonder why anyone would have a meeting about breastfeeding. They might ask, “Who goes 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 to one another. LLL meetings are ideal for learning from – and making friends with – other mothers. These meetings provide time for mother-to-mother sharing in a friendly and accepting atmosphere. The informal meetings are usually attended by expectant, new, and experienced mothers and their babies. Most groups rotate through a series of breastfeeding topics; however, every meeting is different, and the questions of the attendees are always given top priority.
Why LLL meetings? In generations past, many mothers had plenty of support for breastfeeding their babies because their mothers, grandmothers, and sisters had breastfed. Now, many of us live far away from our families, and most likely our own mothers didn’t breastfeed. Breastfeeding is natural, but it is a learnt art. Attending an LLL meeting and seeing other mothers breastfeed their babies helps new and expectant mothers learn how to nurture their own babies.
Who attends LLL meetings? Women and their partners, relatives, and friends interested in learning about breastfeeding are welcome. Women are encouraged to begin attending meetings as soon as they know they are pregnant or even before, if they are interested! Attending early in a pregnancy gives mothers plenty of time to learn as much as possible about the “womanly art of breastfeeding” and to observe how other mothers breastfeed their babies. Most groups have a lending library of books especially for breastfeeding families, on the topics of breastfeeding, nutrition, parenting, and childbirth. The LLL comprehensive guidebook The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is offered for sale by most groups.
What are the meeting topics? In-depth information on breastfeeding is presented through discussions on the following topics:
The advantages of breastfeeding. Mothers are amazed to hear about the many remarkable qualities of human milk, their bodies’ fantastic ability to produce milk, and 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 roadblocks that may impede breastfeeding progress.
Nutrition and weaning. Pregnant women enjoy this topic so they can optimize their unborn baby’s health. Mothers learn how to get their babies started on solids. Nutritious options for family meals are also shared.
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.
What about the meeting itself? Meetings are led by accredited LLL Leaders. Each Leader is a mother who has breastfed her baby and has completed La Leche League comprehensive training programme. During meetings, she shares her knowledge of breastfeeding, encourages others to share their experiences, and helps clarify the La Leche League philosophy of mothering through breastfeeding. Her material is validated by experts in medical, psychological, nutritional, and child development fields. Leaders present LLL information in a loosely structured format that allows plenty of time for mother-to-mother sharing and questions. Mothers (and their babies!) enjoy the warm and supportive atmosphere that encourages mothering through breastfeeding.
Now, aren’t you wondering where LLL meetings are? They can be held in private homes or in accessible public locations. LLL meetings held in English are offered in the Basel and Zürich areas. To find a group near you, look on our LLL Switzerland webpage.
We look forward to seeing you and your baby at a group meeting!
Adapted with permission from “What Goes on at Those La Leche League Meetings?”
Illustration by Susana Gutierrez
Susana is the mother of two little girls and a freelance illustrator. She can be reached at s.escapa@gmail.com
