Starting local breastfeeding support group/LLL....help me word an advertisement!

[ryan'smom]

hey ladies....hope I'm posting in the right forum!

Another mama and I would like to start a breastfeeding support group that will hopefully be turned into a LLL group.  The nearest LLL for us is about a 25 minute drive.  With the price of gas, this is out of the question for many in our town.  I have met with the LLL leader of the nearest group and she said that if I can get at least 4-5 woman who would dedicate to regularly attend, she and the other leader would be willing to come down for the first few months and lead the group until either myself or the other mama can be trained to take over the group.  I am responsible for spreading the word.  We have a meeting space volunteered by a local church, so at least that is taken care of.

I would like to put together some flyers and possibly a newspaper ad to advertise the new group, but am having trouble coming up with the wording.  Anyone have any ideas??

[annettemarie]

Sounds interesting! I've never heard of a LLL group working that way. This is not really what you were asking, but last time I looked leader accreditation took about a year, not a few months, so that might be something to take into consideration. The leaders you are working with should also have sample press releases in the back of the leader book. Maybe she could copy them and you could tweak it to suit your needs?

[CrunchyGina]

Leader accredidation takes just a month for some and a year for others. It took me a year only b/c I procrastinated. All in all it would've only taken me a few months had I of gotten down to business. Since it's not yet an official LLL group you should make your own flyers advertising it as a breastfeeding support group and can take an ad out in the newspaper. Oh and don't forget to use facebook to publicize it!

[ThisLove]

We started online.  We aren't a LLL chapter, nor do we have plans on becoming one, but we're a breastfeeding support group in a really small town.  :)

Our newspaper let us add it to the calendar free of charge.  Our blurb in the calendar says: "ThisLove's Town" breastfeeding support!  If you're interested in nursing, currently nursing, or have nursed a baby in the past, please join us!  We meet at ThisPlace at ThisTime.  Our website is ThisOne, please call ThisLove for more information or shoot her an email.

We have a small community magazine and when I added us to their community directory, they decided to run a story on us (which was fabulous).  We have fliers at daycares, hair salons, church nurseries, doctor's offices.  I answer a ton of emails and a ton of phone calls, even though our attendance has been spotty so far (that's what happens when you start in January, LOL).  We have an IBCLC and a CLC that are both willing to meet with Moms from our group at a discounted rate.  We do giveaways on our Facebook page and website and offer world-wide internet support (like so many other breastfeeding communities online), as well - it's a lot of fun!

Good luck!  It's really exciting!

[Climbing Rose]

I second asking the leaders if they don't have sample flyers for you, in the back of their books.

I used to do the flyers when I was a leader (years ago now) and if I am remembering right, they are right in there- and then you don't have to reinvent the wheel.  =)  But you could change it a bit for your specific needs.

Good luck!  I hope it goes great for you!

[MommyKlein]

Im starting a group in our town as well.  I will be getting my breastfeeding counselor training as well.  I just finished up my certification to become a doula and Im also a student midwife.  There just needs to be more resources available to Moms.