I totally went to a La Leche League meeting today.
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"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 meeting was really laid back; there were 2 leaders and myself and 3 other moms/moms-to-be there. Basically everyone introduced themselves and then the Leaders just opened the discussion. We didn't really talk about breastfeeding that much, instead most of the meeting was spent talking about giving birth. Although LLL's philosophy is to have natural childbirth, both leaders strongly believed it really is the mother (and father's) choice what should happen during labor and they continually encourage the other pregnant woman and me to know what we want beforehand and stand up for it.
All in all, they really weren't hippies. And I'll probably continue to attend.
I think the message of the meeting is a really important one for women who are expecting. Whether you want every intervention possible or you want to give birth at home in the comfort of your own bath tub, know what you want, why you want it, and don't let anyone make you feel bad for your decision. And it's important to remember you can question the doctors and nurses at the hospital. 99% of the time you will have more than enough time to think over decisions that are being presented to you, and if it really can't wait they'll let you know. But no one wants to be in a stressful situation (like child birth) and making big decisions on short notice, so do as much research and preparation as possible.
Have you attended any LLL (or similar) meetings? Why or why not?
Until next time...
PS - I totally confessed my love hate relationship with my boobs, especially since I've started leaking so early. The group was impressed with my early leakage. I'm still not impressed...lol
Yay. My local LLL group is awesome, and I get a bit giddy when others find a good group. Their view on birth is pretty much the same as mine. I was really nervous about being pushed into unnecessary medical procedures. Every intervention you have makes it more likely that you'll end up with more, so I wanted to avoid all of them if I could. But the biggest thing for me was being able to make those decisions for myself based on research, how I was feeling and the input from my stepmom who is a nurse and mom of three. What is the hospital your are delivering in like? I know some military moms who complain about the lack of options they have.
ReplyDeleteDiana - I'll be delivering in a Navy hospital and everyone I've talked to who has delivered there was happy with the experience. Most of the options you have at a "normal" hospital they have there, but like anywhere else you can't be afraid to stand up for yourself if they're pushing for additional interventions.
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