Media Release: La Leche League Announces Mother-to-Mother Support Forum

Contact: Mary Lofton, 847-519-7730, (ex.271) mlofton at llli.org or Mary Hurt (ex.286) mhurt at llli.org

Schaumburg, IL (February 2006)—La Leche League International (LLLI) is pleased to announce “The Mother-to-Mother Forum,” a newly established interactive bulletin board for parents, with a focus on pregnant and nursing mothers. (forums.llli.org)

The bulletin board offers parents a place to ask questions, receive answers and share their joys, concerns and experiences with other breastfeeding women and those who support them. Whether it is getting started, establishing a milk supply, or a special situation such as breastfeeding multiples or breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery, participants share the information and support they need. Accredited LLL Leaders, experienced breastfeeding mothers who receive training in lactation issues, moderate the board to share their expertise and give additional information.

The Mother-to-Mother Forum serves as a clearinghouse for breastfeeding and parenting information. In addition to breastfeeding, other topics discussed include sleep, dealing with miscarriage, caregiver issues, and nutrition.

“We want to provide a safe and welcoming environment where parents can offer each other encouragement, information, and support about breastfeeding and many other parenting issues as well,” says Sue Ann Kendall, LLLI Director of Internet services and initiator of the board. Reading along as others discuss situations helps a new mother relax, have fewer worries and enjoy her baby more.

Pregnant women who participate in the forum will gain the knowledge and self-confidence they need to do well even before their baby’s first feeding. Mothers who are already breastfeeding also benefit from exchanges with other parents. Whether the mother is dealing with a wakeful baby, going out with a breastfed baby, or wondering when to start solids, she will find answers to her questions and concerns.

The forum is ideal for mothers who are in an area where there is no LLL Group. It is also a great way for mothers who are attending local Groups to supplement their LLL meetings between meeting dates. LLLI is the world’s foremost authority on breastfeeding mother-to-mother support. The Mother-to-Mother Forum is a new way to present a time-honored tradition---one mother supporting another in the womanly art of breastfeeding.

LLLI is a nonprofit organization founded in 1956 by seven women who wanted to help other mothers learn about breastfeeding. Today LLL is an internationally recognized authority on breastfeeding, with a mother-to-mother network of Groups in over sixty countries. It is the world’s largest resource for breastfeeding and related information and products. For more information about LLLI and breastfeeding, visit the LLLI Web site at www.llli.org.

July 25, 2006 by chj.