LA LECHE LEAGUE

Manhattan, Kansas

 

La Leche League was founded to give information and encouragement, mainly through personal help, to all mothers who want to breastfeed their babies. While complementing the care of the physician and other health care professionals, it recognizes the unique importance of one mother helping another to perceive the needs of her child and to learn the best means of fulfilling those needs.

 

Our Mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.

 

The basic philosophy of La Leche League is summarized in the following statements:

  • Mothering through breastfeeding is the most natural and effective way of understanding and satisfying the needs of the baby.

  • Mother and baby need to be together early and often to establish a satisfying relationship and an adequate milk supply.

  • In the early years the baby has an intense need to be with his mother which is as basic as his need for food.

  • Breast milk is the superior infant food.

  • For the healthy, full-term baby, breast milk is the only food necessary until the baby shows signs of needing solids, about the middle of the first year after birth.

  • Ideally the breastfeeding relationship will continue until the baby outgrows the need.

  • Alert and active participation by the mother in childbirth is a help in getting breastfeeding off to a good start.

  • Breastfeeding is enhanced and the nursing couple sustained by the loving support, help, and companionship of the baby's father. A father's unique relationship with his baby is an important element in the child's development from early infancy.

  • Good nutrition means eating a well-balanced and varied diet of foods in as close to their natural state as possible.

  • From infancy on, children need loving guidance which reflects acceptance of their capabilities and sensitivity to their feelings.

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    A La Leche League group meets at First Christian Church on the 4th Tuesday each month at both 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

    For more information about La Leche League, visit their website at www.lalecheleague.org.