How to Find a La Leche League Meeting Near You

When I polled people to see if they had ever attended a La Leche League meeting, the poll results showed that 35% — 50 people — had not attended a meeting but would like to do so. I want to help people make it to a meeting!

Here are some things that might help:

~ Here’s how to pronounce La Leche League
~ There are regular series meetings that rotate through four general topics, but you can go to any meeting and ask any question, any time!
~ Meetings are offered in the daytime or the evening or both, depending on the area
~ Of course you can bring your baby, older nursling, and any older children too! Some groups welcome spouses as well — make sure to ask first!
~ You do not need to be breastfeeding to attend a meeting! It’s very helpful to attend when you are pregnant, or to continue attending even after you wean to help support other mothers. Doctors, nurses, students, grandmothers, and others are also welcome to attend (it’s nice to give the leader a heads-up in advance if you plan to show up, so the leader can be of most assistance and maybe even pass on free brochures to hand out!)
~ Meetings are free and while you are welcome and encouraged to join La Leche League, you can keep going to as many meetings as you like without actually joining.
~ In addition to the regular series meetings, there are toddler groups, groups for mothers of multiples, couples meetings, enrichment meetings, and informal park days or playgroups!
~ Usually there are snacks (depending on the location and group)
~ Often the group has a free lending library and you can check out birth, breastfeeding, and parenting books approved by LLLI!

Ready to go to a meeting?

~ You can use the LLLI tools to find a local group in the United States or other countries.
~ You can also search with a search engine tool like Google, using “La Leche League [your city or your state]” and you might find a website for your local group. Typical group websites include contact information for the local leaders and the date, time, and location of the next meeting. It’s always a good idea to call or email to confirm the information is up to date.
~ You can also reach an accredited La Leche League leader near you by calling 1-800-LA-LECHE (1-800-525-3243) and following the directions to find a leader by using your zip code. In Canada, telephone 1-800-665-4324, or (514) LA-LECHE for a French-speaking Leader.

Photo courtesy of: Generation X-Ray