I'd like to clarify a few things.  Any given LLL Group will have a different
set of women.  The Group, while part of the discussion, is not responsible
for the information given, nor held accountable for their individual
beliefs.  They are welcome to express their concepts and the Leader's job
during the discussions is to provide a wealth of options, usually beginning
with a phrase like, "some women have found that..."  We start meetings with
a disclaimer which might begin, "You are the expert on your baby.  Feel free
to take what you hear that is helpful and leave the rest."

Regarding Accreditation as a Leader: some of you who are curious might want
to contact the Leader Accreditation Department for you Area.  Order the
Applicant packet and see what is involved in Accreditation.  Most Leaders
have the Breastfeeding Answer Book, Medications and Mother's Milk, The
Womanly Art and other references by their phone and with them at meetings
(and that does not include their probable extensive library of pamphlets,
tear-off sheets and parenting books).  They are required to stay up-to-date
or retire as Leaders.  We receive a magazine expressly for Leaders which
included medically informative articles from the Professional Liason
Department, another arm of LLL.

Lastly, remember that most Leaders still have children underfoot at home!
They are volunteers because this is a subject near to their heart.  They
chose to help women breastfeed.  If one has less pumping information, they
might refer to a co-Leader who has a supply of pumps.  If they come across
an issue which they can't answer, they have a Professional Liason in their
own Area to contact for information.

As a Leader, it is my distinct pleasure to be both a mother and informed
about the latest breastfeeding research.  I make it my business to attend
Conferences, search Medline when needed, and READ continually.  I also work
to maintain friendly, open relationships with LCs at my local hospitals.  We
plan to work together next year to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week.

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