>The format of La Leche League is a white, middle-class format. The
>whole concept of support groups of this type are very accepted among white
>middle-class women, but is not as accessable to everyone.


I agree with this wholeheartedly!  I am a member of a peer group in my area
that covers more than just breastfeeding.  We each have our own specialty
and it helps to know that any breastfeeding questions they have are answered
by someone who is educated in human lactation. Sometimes I have found that
new moms feel odd going to a local LLLI meeting.  They are encouraged to go
by their childbirth educator or by the nurses in the hospital, they feel
like they don't fit in.   In our area we have moms with needs that reach
beyond what the local LLLI groups allow us to discuss, such as extended
nursing, nursing while pregnant, etc.  Back before I decided to get
certified I played with the idea of becoming a leader and after a very frank
discussion with LLL I was told that I couldn't run meetings far from their
*normal* format.  It only made sense to come up with a group with a
different focus.  Just my thoughts.


Melisa
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Did you hear? Breast is Best!
Certified Lactation Counselor
IBCLC Exam Candidate
www.nurturingmama.com  opening 02/01

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