The Downey Patriot

View Original

La Leche League forms new support group in Downey

La Leche League leaders are trained and accredited by La Leche League International. Pictured here are leaders Elise Hamel, Lana Joy Wahlquist, and Emily Niemeyer.

DOWNEY – La Leche League of Whittier has announced the formation of a new support group in Downey. 

The group will meet at 10 a.m. on July 16 at First Baptist Church of Downey in room 113, and will continue the third Saturday of every month. 

La Leche League is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed.  

Meetings are for any mothers interested in breastfeeding, whether you are pregnant, have a new baby, or are an experienced breastfeeding mom.   

Topics discussed:

■Benefits of breastfeeding
■Getting off to a good start with your baby
■Overcoming common breastfeeding challenges and
■Nutrition and Weaning.

There are times when a breastfeeding mother needs support and encouragement from someone who has successfully breastfed her own baby. La Leche League Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers who have been trained and accredited by La Leche League International to help mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding.

If you have questions about breastfeeding, whether before your baby’s birth, during the first few days, or later, help is available between meetings via phone counseling, email or on their Facebook group.

This new Downey meeting will be a dads-welcome meeting, but mothers are also welcome to bring any breastfeeding supporter. All children are always welcome at meetings and meetings are always free of charge.

La Leche League is supported through memberships, but you do not need to be a member to enjoy the full benefits of LLL. 

For now this group is affiliated with La Leche League of Whittier, a group which has been in existence since the 1950’s, almost as long as LLL itself. The Whittier group meets the second Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. and is reserved for women and children only. However, dads and other male breastfeeding supporters are welcome at the Downey meetings.

La Leche League of Whittier is also on Facebook and on the web at lllwhittier.weebly.com.