about La Leche League

To breastfeed happily, a mother needs confidence, the right information, and lots of time: time to talk with other mothers who are sympathetic to her needs and the needs of her baby. Our aim is to provide this service.

La Leche League (pronounced "Lah Lay-chay League") is an organisation founded by seven women who wanted to make breastfeeding easier and more rewarding for both mothers and children. The organisation offers information and encouragement - primarily through personal help - to women who want to breastfeed their babies.

Founded in the USA in 1956, La Leche League has become an international organisation. Today there are Groups on every continent. La Leche League became established in New Zealand in 1964 and currently has approximately 140 Leaders and 50 Groups.

Do it for your baby: do it for yourself - Breastfeed!

Breastfeeding is recognised as the best way to nurture a baby. Breastfeeding can enhance a baby's health, growth and development. If you plan to breastfeed your baby, you'll want the information and encouragement that La Leche League can provide. La Leche League Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers and have been trained to help you make breastfeeding work for you. Whether you're pregnant or already breastfeeding, La Leche League has something extra - tips and techniques passed down from generation to generation of nursing mothers. It's a human touch no book or clinic can offer.

Please call us for answers to your breastfeeding questions or for information about Local Group Meetings. Babies and young children are always welcome.

Local Mother-to-Mother Support

La Leche League Groups hold regular meetings where various aspects of breastfeeding are discussed. These meetings, during which mothers can share ideas, are invaluable to a breastfeeding mother because they provide a forum for her to air her doubts and frustrations. She can be confident that no one will question her ability to breastfeed her baby, or suggest that she might like to stop. She will receive positive comments about herself and her baby, and much encouragement. She will meet other mothers who are enjoying breastfeeding and have overcome the difficulties of the early weeks. She will see that breastfeeding can be a joyful experience and that it can provide more that just food for her baby - it is a way of nurturing, comforting and loving her baby.

LLL meetings are free and we also offer a free lending library with books on various aspects of breastfeeding and children. Mothers who join LLLNZ receive our bi-monthly magazine, Aroha, containing stories, articles, research and information.

"Since going to La Leche League when I was having my second baby, I trust my instinct more, I worry less about doing things 'right' but instead do what is right for my child." Kathleen.