La Leche League Philosophy
The basic philosophy of La Leche League is summarized in the following statements:
Mothering through breastfeeding is the most natural and effective way of understanding and satisfying the needs of the baby.
Mother and baby need to be together early and often to establish a satisfying relationship and an adequate milk supply.
In the early years the baby has an intense need to be with his mother which is as basic as his need for food.
Breast milk is the superior infant food.
For the healthy, full-term baby, breast milk is the only food necessary until the baby shows signs of needing solids, about the middle of the first year after birth.
Ideally the breastfeeding relationship will continue until the baby outgrows the need.
Alert and active participation by the mother in childbirth is a help in getting breastfeeding off to a good start.
Breastfeeding is enhanced and the nursing couple sustained by the loving support, help, and companionship of the baby’s father. A father’s unique relationship with his baby is an important element in the child’s development from early infancy.
Good nutrition means eating a well-balanced and varied diet of foods in as close to their natural state as possible.
From infancy on, children need loving guidance which reflects acceptance of their capabilities and sensitivity to their feelings.
The ideals and principles of mothering which are the foundation of LLLI beliefs are further developed in THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, the most comprehensive handbook on breastfeeding and parenting ever published. It has provided needed answers to three generations of nursing mothers on every aspect of breastfeeding.
(From LLLI publication No. 300-17, “La Leche League Purpose and Philosophy.”)
When would be considered the best time to start attending La Leche meetings? I am 8 weeks pregnant and was curious.
By: Kara B. on December 28, 2010
at 12:10 am
Hello there Kara! I’d venture to say the sooner the better. By coming while you’re pregnant you’ll be able to get comfortable with members and leaders making it easier to call them after the baby’s born. You will also be exposed to terms, resources and solutions you might not find elsewhere. Since we only meet once a month it wouldn’t be hard to plan on attending from now on, that way if you miss a month or two you’ll still feel active.
I didn’t start coming until after my first son was born. Oh how I wish I had come while pregnant! Hope to see you soon!
By: marybethf on December 28, 2010
at 1:31 am
Susan- there is a meeting this week. Thursday Jan 13 at 6:45 at The Village of St. Edward. If you need further directions you can call a leader! Hope to see you there!
By: marybethf on January 11, 2011
at 2:51 pm
Does this group only meet once per month? I just had a baby and looking for some breast feeding support to get on my feet but don’t want to wait until first Monday in September. Anyone know of any local Medina groups that help with this on a more regular basis? Thank you!
By: Kathryn on August 9, 2011
at 3:32 am
There is a breastfeeding support group at the medina health dept this friday at 10am. I work there at the WIC office as the breastfeeding coordinator. It is open to the public. Our west Akron LLL group meets this Thursday at 645 by summit mall I’d u r interested. I can also offer help over the phone if there are any immediate questions 320-388-6843. Leave a message I’d I don’t answer. I’ll get back to you quickly! Congratulations!! ~ Jamie
By: Jamie Mcneeley on August 10, 2011
at 3:53 am
Kara,
I would agree with Mary Beth that sooner is better.
Even if you don’t know what to ask about yet, just listening to everyone conversing may give you some answers to questions you didn’t even know you had.
We hope to see you on January 12th.
Peggy
By: Peggy on December 28, 2011
at 3:00 pm
Hello, I was planning to attend last week’s meeting but was unable to. I hope to attend the next month’s meeting! I am breastfeeding my four month old son. We have been doing well so far, despite some very major medical challenges (he had open heart surgery in March) but since I work outside of the home, we are finding new challenges along our journey. I’m excited to get some pointers from other moms who have been there. Hope to see you all in June!
By: Amy P on May 15, 2012
at 5:51 pm
Will there be a meeting on June 7th in medina in the resource room at the hospital?
By: Amanda on May 29, 2012
at 10:15 pm