La Leche League Philosophy

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.

What Mothers Need to Know Before They’re Mothers

Words of Wisdom from Real Mothers at a La Leche League Meeting

Newborns don’t look like magazine babies.
There are no right answers.
People say things, but they aren’t always trying to be judgmental when they say them.
A dirty house builds extra immunities.
Sometimes motherhood stinks.
Should is a poison word that argues against reality.
It’s important to see other babies so you know what’s really normal.
Sometimes the books are just wrong.
Listen to yourself.
Listen to your baby. Respect him and his intuition. He will tell you what he needs.
Find someone who will listen to you.
You will never achieve an ideal state of motherhood.
Wait long enough and it will change, and the questions and answers will be
different.
Pick your battles.
A dog is an excellent floor cleaner.
Respond to questions with “Why do you ask?”
Receiving blankets have all kinds of  uses— a surface for public diaper changes, an
extra wrap in a car seat, catching  spit- up.
Hold off buying things until you know whether you’re ever going to use  them— like
a crib or changing table. Don’t get caught up in the consumerism of new
parenthood.
The ideal  adult-to-baby ratio is about three to one the first week. But if all you have
is one mother and one baby, you’ll manage.
When people offer help, say yes.
Join a playgroup. It’s not for the child, it’s for the mother.
After a week or so, get out of the house. The crying doesn’t bother other people as
much as you think it does, and even the grocery store can seem like a wonderful
adventure.
Step outside when you can, throw your shoulders back, take a deep breath, and look
up for at least a few seconds.
Don’t be surprised at how totally bizarre you feel the first week. It’s normal to feel
really weird.
You can only do what you can do.
Let go of your expectations and let what is be.
Just because it’s fun doesn’t mean it’s not important.

© 2010 La Leche League International, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Chapter 20.