What La Leche League meetings are all about

A La Leche League (LLL) meeting is a wonderful place to get support along your breastfeeding journey.

LLL meetings have led to the development of long-lasting friendships, even when that was not the original purpose of attending.

Who can attend a LLL meeting

Meetings are coordinated by accredited leaders and can be attended by nursing mothers, grandmothers, female caregivers and pregnant women. Babies and toddlers are expected to accompany their mothers. Occasionally meetings are arranged to accommodate fathers as well.

Toddlers and babies are welcome at support meetings

LLL Leaders are all mothers, who have experienced the highs and lows of breastfeeding. Not everyone has successfully breastfed their first, second or even third child but at some point along their mothering journeys, they have overcome their challenges, and have successfully breastfed. All LLL Leaders are passionate about helping and supporting other mothers who would like to embark on this wonderful “mothering through breastfeeding” journey.

How does a LLL meeting work

We start meetings with a brief round of introductions of ourselves and our little ones and allow everyone a chance to settle in. Meetings are usually informal, with lots of discussion and sharing of information, under the guidance of a LLL Leader. However, for moms who prefer to just sit back and listen, there is no pressure to talk. Mothers are free to feed their baby, rock their baby, change their baby: whatever the baby needs at the time. Mothers are invited to raise any questions or concerns they may have.

Meetings are a wonderful place to receive information from experienced breastfeeding mothers in a non-judgmental, non-prescriptive manner. No two people at a meeting will have the same parenting style. We encourage mothers to try what they like and leave the rest. Breastfeeding and mothering often come with lots of challenges; sometimes, all we need to hear is that someone else is going through the same thing. Attending regular meetings can help one realise what is normal and what requires help. Support and the correct information can prevent or help overcome problems along the way. Questions are encouraged, and mothers can be assured that LLL Leaders provide information that is backed up by scientific research.

Mothers can get in-person help from Leaders at support meetings

Which topics are discussed

Various breastfeeding issues are covered at LLL meetings, including the amazing properties of breast milk, overcoming early-day challenges, pumping and storing, returning to work, advice for caregivers, starting solids, and the benefits of extended breastfeeding. Sometimes, a mother will ask, “Why do I need to attend another meeting? You covered everything in today’s meeting.” Each and every LLL meeting is a unique experience. It is impossible to cover “everything” in one meeting; attendance at each meeting is different; each mother comes with her own story, and therefore lights up the meeting in a different way. As one’s baby grows, one’s breastfeeding journey changes; new concerns will surface, therefore continuing to attend meetings will be beneficial. Should a mother have a concern that she wishes to discuss privately, she can chat with the Leader/s before or after the meeting. Books and pamphlets on breastfeeding are available at the meetings to browse through or borrow.

Some comments from mothers who have attended LLL meetings:

"I have received so much knowledge and understanding through the meetings. I thought breastfeeding was a mission, but by learning and sharing thoughts, I have learnt to love doing it. My baby will be turning 3 and I still enjoy the closeness of my baby, to touch and look at her when we have our breastfeeding session and then to know how close we are. This closeness I have never experienced with my first child and I will definitely do it over and over again and recommend it to any mom-to-be; breastfeeding is the best way."

-Chantal Galant

"Meetings have made me realize that even being a mother the second time around I don’t know everything yet and most of the moms in our meetings go through all the same problems sooner or later."

-Amiena Pinas

"I can never put into words what it (LLL meetings) really means to me. Every mom wants the best for their babies. The LLL meetings have empowered and informed me to make the best, evidence-supported, choices for myself and my babies. It’s not a one-time thing... It changes the way you think and feel about raising your children in all aspects. This is where I get the strength to persevere on the tough days. No mommy should be without this amazing support, whether you choose to breastfeed or not."

-Tercia Johnson

Written by LLLLeader, Rahmat Bagus, Mother of 2 boys and 2 girls (ages 21, 18, 16, 10)