La Leche League Series Meetings are a place where an expectant mother can
observe others suckling their young and learn, much as little girls in
traditional societies learn, this womanly art.  Women who do this while
pregnant tend to have fewer and different problems than women who wait until
their babies are born to begin to learn breastfeeding.  The mothers and the
issues they raise shape the discussion and help set the tone of each meeting.

While the Leader has a topic and outline for each meeting, she does not teach
a set curriculum.  She leads a discussion, attempting to meet the needs of
the group.  In her sense of the group, in her desire to follow the outline
she has prepared, frequently while caring for her own baby, she may miss
picking up on someone's interests.  Different and even conflicting ideas may
be expressed by attendees.  The Leader is expected to provide correct
information, citing sources as appropriate, while maintaining an attitude of
respect for individual differences.  This can be challenging.  Many Leaders
will encourage the attendees to be sure to ask any questions that they have
even if not related to the announced topic.  Some mothers won't raise their
issues if they sense that the group (which is distinct from the Leader) might
not be understanding.

As for all of us, the questions asked and situations raised for which we
don't have good responses drives our efforts to learn more.  When I first
began to share and assist other mothers in nursing their babies, the only
pumps I knew of were bicycle horn and Gomco.  I'd never used either type.
I've learned a great deal since then but now when I get a question about
pumps and pumping, I'm likely to refer the mother to one of the several
excellent IBCLCs in this area who know a good deal more than I do.

If a mother asks a question about sexuality and breastfeeding, I hesitate to
answer because I know so little.  My information is spotty and anecdotal.  I
don't want to say something that, while true for me and women with whom I've
discussed these things, is not broadly or universally true.  The latest
edition of LLL's magazine, NEW BEGINNINGS, has a feature article on
sexuality.  I haven't read it yet but I'm hopeful that it will be a valuable
tool.

Because the mothers attending an LLL meeting shape the character of the group
as much as the Leader, any given meeting may or may not be a good
representation of the positions of the organization.  If one wishes to know
the position of LLL on a particular topic, one must consult LLL itself.  The
information is readily available in The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, the
Breastfeeding Answer Book, at the LLL website and in the other books and
pamphlets published by LLL.

Alice Martino
in central New York State

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