who is a La Leche League Leader?

To contact a La Leche League NZ Leader near you, click here for the current national list.

LLL Leaders are part of a tradition that goes back to the beginning of humankind - one mother supporting another in the womanly art of breastfeeding.

A LLL Leader knows from personal experience what it's like to get started with breastfeeding a newborn and why breastfeeding is important to the older baby. 

Leaders are there to give practical information and moral support for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Leaders are trained and accredited to standards set by La Leche League International.

• They offer relaxed meetings to which all pregnant women and mothers are welcome. Babies and young children are also welcome at these meetings. Leaders are also available to help by telephone or e-mail at any time. La Leche League Leaders are able to offer practical suggestions to help a mother cope with any breastfeeding difficulties that may occur.
• The training which a LLL Leader receives through the accreditation process makes her uniquely qualified to support breastfeeding mothers. Selected initially for her experience, motivation and empathy, a LLL Leader is required to complete an extensive reading programme, to familiarise herself with most aspects of breastfeeding and to develop her listening skills. Once accredited, a Leader is provided with a continuing supply of information and support, including regular journals, contact with other experienced Leaders, and enriching workshops and conferences.

•  La Leche League also provides information and support for women in special circumstances (disabled mothers, babies with a cleft of the soft palate, premature babies, multiple births, Down's Syndrome babies and many others).