There’s one thing that can make a huge difference in the life of a breastfeeding mom. It’s not a cream or fancy pump. It’s doesn’t cost a penny. It’s not available in any fancy baby boutique. Quite simply, it’s peer support- having someone to talk to about the trials and tribulations of your breastfeeding experience.
Did you know that in places where they’ve provided breastfeeding mothers with a peer counsellor breastfeeding rates have soared in comparison to moms who were not set up with a counsellor?
When I started my breastfeeding journey I had no one to talk to about it. Most of my friends didn’t have kids yet and those who did were not in daily contact. My mother and husband provided lots of support, but it wasn’t the same as having a friend who was going through the same thing.
When baby was six months old, I went to my first La Leche League meeting and all of that changed. I went in not knowing what to expect and I found a room of the most diverse, interesting, and intelligent women I have ever met.
There were career women who owned their own businesses, stay at home moms who volunteered their time on preschool boards of directors, women with PhDs, women who hadn’t finished high school, women who cloth diapered, women who planned to wean at three months, women who were pregnant and nursing, women who were working and breastfeeding, women from Newfoundland, and women from all over the world. Just about the only thing we all had in common was that we were trying to successfully breastfeed our babies.
Over the years, I have gone back to that group again and again. The women there helped me stay sane when my daughter seemed to want to live only on breastmilk forever. They told me where to go to find a good nursing bra. They sympathized with me when I encountered hurtful criticism from relatives. They gave me information when I got pregnant and wanted to keep nursing. They supported me when I didn’t have anyone else to talk to about breastfeeding and they seemed to understand everything I was going through.
I’ve seen mothers come to those meetings in tears and leave with a grin and new found sense of hope. I’ve been there when the group has supported mothers who wanted to wean. The best part is that there are no expectations there. It’s just a group of moms who want to breastfeed and who get together to help each other do it.
La Leche League meetings take place at 7pm on the second Monday of every month in the Community Room of Highland Drive Sobeys in St. John’s. Unfortunately there are no other La Leche League groups in the rest of the province, but I have heard of other local breastfeeding support groups set up by moms in other regions. (for more information on what may be available in your area, see our Need Help? page)
If you can’t get to a meeting, we are lucky enough to have two La Leche League leaders in the province right now who are able to provide support to women all over Newfoundland and Labrador via telephone and email (I’ll post their contact info below). My friends Jane and Jan are both experienced breastfeeding moms who are trained to help other moms with various breastfeeding issues. I’ve known them both for a while and I am positive that there are no other two more caring, intelligent, and compassionate women on this planet.
La Leche League Canada is holding a fundraising walk this Sunday at 11:30 at Kenny’s Pond Playground on Macdonald Drive in St. John’s. If you’re in the area you should swing by. I’ll be there with my two breastfed babes and my husband who loves boobs too!
My Family's First LLL Walk in 2008
Here are the La Leche League Contacts in Newfoundland:
Jan 739-9368 or Jane 722 -5815
or
email questions to lllc.janbt@gmail.com or lllc.jane@gmail.com
or
visit their website!
Felicie is a teacher turned work at home mama to two busy little angels, aged 22 months and 4 and a half years. She is a proud member of La Leche League Canada and has helped to organize three World B[..]
I remember when you first came with S and I’m so happy that you kept coming. Your blog is wonderful and must be shared.
Even 18.5 months into my breastfeeding journey, there are times when I wish for nothing more than such a group. My husband is great, my immediate family is (mostly) supportive, and my best friend nursed her children. Sometimes, though, I long for a room full of women where I can be my breastfeeding self!
Thank you Wendy! I remember you and the wonderful advice you had for others at that first meeting too. And Lisa- you should come for a visit and spend a Monday evening with us! I forgot to mention that there are also usually lots of delicious snacks there as well.
If anyone is planning to come to October’s meeting, I’ve been advised that it is actually the first Monday of the month for that month only, so as to avoid the holiday weekend. Hope to see you there!
LLLove to you to Felicie! You enrich every meeting you attend. We’re having a morning meeting Tues Oct 18th as well, email me for location!
Due to mom-to-mom support, I was able to nurse my first son for 17 months (while at home and at work). Thank you for your wonderful article.