For the first time in 20 years — La Leche League in Miramichi
By Kellie Underhill

Seven years ago, Lisa Wyllie’s first child was born in Toronto. Lisa knew she wanted to nurse and started looking for support and information about breastfeeding. This was how she found herself at her first meeting of La Leche League Canada (LLLC).

La Leche is Spanish for "the milk," and is pronounced "la LAY-chay." La Leche League is the only organization with the sole purpose of helping breastfeeding mothers.

After relocating to Miramichi, Lisa completed her LLLC Leader application and recently started a group here.

La Leche League Canada-Miramichi is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping breastfeeding mothers through education, phone help and monthly support group meetings.

Two weeks ago nine mothers attended the first meeting, Breastfeeding: The Healthy Choice, and Lisa hopes more mothers will become involved as word about the group spreads.

Meetings aren’t just about learning to breastfeed properly, she says. While that topic is certainly covered, mostly the meetings provide mother-to-mother support.

Like if one mother is really tired and not getting enough sleep, Lisa says another mother might have some helpful suggestions based on similar personal experience.

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but mothers often need support and information about such things as the correct positioning of the baby, working and nursing, how to tell if the baby is getting enough to eat, when to wean and so on.

Despite the proven physical and psychological benefits of nursing, Miramichi has the lowest percentage of breastfeeding mothers in the province.

At LLLC meetings, breastfeeding information is presented through discussions covering four topics:

· The advantages of breastfeeding.
· Adjusting to life with a new baby.
· Overcoming difficulties.
· Nutrition and weaning.

Because topics are so broad and each group so individual, every meeting is unique.

Meetings follow a loose structure so there’s 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.

LLLC-Miramichi meets the third Tuesday of every month in the basement lounge at St. Andrews United Church.

Upcoming topics include:

At Home With Your New Baby on October 21st

The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding Difficulties for the Holiday Season on November 18th

Baby's Changing Needs on December 16th

All meetings take place at 7 pm and pregnant women, babies, and children are always welcome.

For more information about the local group or if you would like to attend a meeting, call Lisa at 778-0087.

Or visit these websites for more information about the La Leche League: www.lalecheleaguecanada.ca
http://www.lalecheleague.org

Kellie Underhill is the editor of Bread 'n Molasses. Her writing credits include The Moncton Times-Transcript, The Brunswick Business Journal, The Atlantic Chamber Journal and The Reader magazine. Send comments about this article to editor@breadnmolasses.com.