Pat Young wrote: "Over the years I've observed that moms who come to several
LLL meetings before they have the baby do best.  I'm not just patting LLL on
the back. Moms  do better than the ones who go to short BF classes usually
given once by the hospital."

I think peer support can be critical to the nursing relationship, especially
if there are any "problems" or the mom doesn't know other breastfeeding
moms. A LLL meeting provides a powerful combination of knowing one's
difficulties are not unique, that other mothers have indeed overcome such
difficulties, getting suggestions from *moms* who have been there (rather
than an "authority figure" like an LC...who may be a mom, but might not talk
about her personal nursing experience as openly in the clinic setting and
may come off as judging--a complaint I hear from other moms), and being a
place where nursing moms and babes "belong" in a society that is not
breastfeeding friendly. This doesn't have to be in the form of a LLL meeting
(for example, a playgroup or mom's group with other breastfeeding moms might
suffice), but LLL is certainly best organized to provide this important peer
support. 

Chris Musser
www.momsmilkanywhere.org
www.reluctantlactivist.blogspot.com

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