Over 50 years ago in the State of Illinois, seven breastfeeding mothers gathered together in search of companionship and support. At a time when artificial feeding was booming, they found a void in information and assistance for breastfeeding mothers and so, spawned from their own desire to fill the void for themselves, the Leche League mother-to mother support group was born.
In October of 1956 in Franklin Park, Illinois, the first official meeting took place. The original seven mothers and five of their pregnant friends gathered together to share their breastfeeding experiences and concerns. The gathering was so successful that demand grew rapidly and within a matter of months the original group divided into two. By 1957 the name La Leche League was chosen for what had by then grown into an established organization and by 1958 they had already begun publishing newsletters and articles on breastfeeding to distribute to mothers and moms-to-be.
What To Expect At a Leche League Meeting
More than five decades have passed and yet the essence of the Leche League Breastfeeding Support Group is the same: to help women breastfeed through mother-to mother support. Each group is led by at least one Leche League leader, who herself is or has been a breastfeeding mother.
Meetings are interactive and informative, and attendees are free to participate as much or as little as they feel comfortable. Spouses, family members and friends are also welcome to attend. Meetings are organized around a central theme, which is generally related to one of the following: the benefits of breastfeeding, preparing to breastfeed, getting off to a good start, moving onto solids and weaning. Time is also provided for attending to individual queries and problems, whether related to the central theme or otherwise.
Why Mother-to-Mother Support Is So Valuable
Many mothers will tell you that the most rewarding aspect of the group is finding companionship and support from the other mothers. It is extremely reassuring to discover that others are experiencing the same feelings and concerns as you, and indeed are working to overcome the same or similar obstacles and problems. The group provides a place where mothers can also find support for issues that go beyond breastfeeding matters, too. Three mothers who attended their local Leche League group shared the following about their experiences:
Alejandra - "I found that the group helped me shake off what I later recognized as postnatal depression. Breastfeeding was just one of the many problems I experienced when my daughter was born, and it is what motivated me to attend my local group. Through the group I not only mastered the art of breastfeeding, but was able to express my own concerns and worries as a first time mom and found listening to others experiencing the same issues was both comforting and reassuring."
Isabel - "I found the group was the ideal place to learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding and I enjoyed finding companionship with the other mothers who were experiencing the same feelings of joy, sorrow and fear. I also felt the group gave me the affirmation that I was seeking, that I was both mothering and breastfeeding well."
Justine - "Being surrounded by mothers and babies in situations similar to mine made me relax and understand that stressing would get me nowhere. Listening to the other mothers and receiving their understanding gave me strength and confidence in myself. I also was able to overcome a persistent problem with mastitis when the Leche League leader gave me advice on what to do and how to treat the problem. Being able to overcome the mastitis gave me the basis to continue believing that breastfeeding was the best option for my son."
Ten Reasons To Attend A Group
Although mothers often attend a group specifically to solve breastfeeding issues, others go simply to find companionship and satisfy the urge to get out of the house and socialize. Whether breastfeeding is going well or not, there are many reasons why attending a group could be beneficial for you, but here are ten common reasons:
- You are pregnant and want to learn more about breastfeeding.
- You have decided to breastfeed when your baby is born, but you are unsure what to expect and how to go about it.
- You are a new mom and you are finding breastfeeding difficult or painful.
- You have been unable to breastfeed exclusively but wish to.
- You feel unsure about how long to continue breastfeeding.
- You have received conflicting advice and don't know who or what to believe.
- You would like to meet other new moms.
- You are feeling isolated or lonely.
- You would like to know about introducing solids.
- You would like to know more about weaning.
Locating A Group Near You
Nowadays La Leche League is present in literally dozens of countries. To find a Leche League leader and support group near you, head to La Leche League International webpage http://www.llli.org where a directory for each country lists contact details for leaders and information about support groups, their location and meeting times.
Karen Green - Writer, teacher, therapist and mother.
