How long does a LLL meeting typically last?

[MomInCalifornia]

I am attending my first LLL meeting tomorrow (I am pregnant) and was wondering how long one typically lasts.

Also, what do you do at a LLL meeting?

Thanks!

[doesdebbie]

Our meetings generally last 2 hours but many moms stay later to keep talking. We hold a round robin type meeting taking turns introducing our kiddos and our selves then stating any questions or trouble we are having. The other moms and us leaders then try to figure out a solution.
You will enjoy it and the help you can get there after the baby gets here is priceless.

[pln]

Hi Sarah,

Congrats on your pregnancy.

I get the sense that some meetings are conducted differently so I'll just share my experience...

THey typically last for an hour and a half or so.

The meetings start with intros, and then the leader or coleader gives a brief presentation on the topic of the month (there is a standard series of talks that they give). It's really casual but the structure is there. Basic info is given, and then other members can add their comments about the topic. Sometimes there are a ton of questions about the topic adn sometimes there are none.

When teh topic is done, then anyone can ask any question of the group. New moms adn pregnant moms go first. Then any other mom can answer and give feedback. It's very open and friendly (well, my group is) and even fi you think you don't need to hear about the topic, often you learn something new anyway because of related topics.

At the end there is a little social time.

At least in my group, I've left early or arrived late many times due to ds' nap situation for the day and have never felt awkward about it. Certainly if you want to leave early no one will question a prego mama...at least I hope not.

Maybe find the leader in the beginning and let her know you might be leaving early so she knows?

Have fun--I also started attending before I had ds and it was REALLY helpful in my early bf mental attitude.

Priya :-)

[Katie's Momma]

All of the meetings I attended were about 1.5 to 2 hours and ran about the same as pln described. Lots of the more chatty people stayed after and had a social time as well while the kiddies played.

I started going to them at 7 or 8 months pg and really liked that the leader did NOT make a big deal of me being new.

I knew zip about breastfeeding and had not really been around it at all so I was really nervous to go. I found them to be extremely informative and helpful. They had tons of literature, books, flyers etc that I could borrow and read at my leisure.

I found some of the women to be a little too aggressive in their opinions but most were excellent and very friendly.

Enjoy.

[marisa724]

Ours are about two hours in general too, but people are definitely coming and going as they need to. Some of the moms with toddlers don't seem to make it there until an hour in, sometimes.

Our leaders tend to go by the 4-week cycle, they address one of the 4 topics at each meeting, and it cycles through one topic a month for 4 months. This month, I think, was 'challenges' --- I say "I think" because really they'll spend a few minutes introducing it, but will switch topics if everyone has questions in a different area (we had a lot of moms going back to work and so it turned to pumping, etc.)

[Icequeen_in_ak]

Ours usually last about 1 1/2 hours. Our poor leader, truly does try to stay to an agenda... but we are a bunch of blabbermouths and we always wonder way off topic. Our leader is a sweetheart and is so patient with us. She usually gives up after 1 1/2 hours and lets us blabber our hearts out until we decide we've had enough and go home (usually 2 hours or so later).

[DaryLLL]

Our mtgs start at 10 and go til noon. (The Leaders get there half an hour early to set up. Occ a couple moms come early too to help).

The first 15 mins are for meet and greet.

Then the leader tells the history of LLL for those who are new. Group workers explain treasury/dues, library, where the bathroom and snacks are, any special events coming up. Disclaimers such as, only Leaders speak for LLL, meet your child's needs, take what works and leave the rest.

(Dues are $37/yr and you get New Beginnings magazine, 10% discount on all items from the catalog and on slings we sell. Dues are not required, but LLL depends on memberships to survive. Even volunteer Leader pay dues!.)

Then we go around the circle and introduce outselves and our kids.

We usually address mom's urgent questions/concerns first, then do the topic.

Overcoming and Avoiding Difficulties
The First 6 weeks (includes preparing during pregnancy, birthing choices, dads and siblings)
Benefits of Bfing/Hazards of artificial feeding
Weaning/Starting Solids, Loving Guidance, Nutrition for Mom during pregnancy and lactation

The topic is flexible depending on who is there. If there are pg moms and infants, less time will be spent on weaning, for ex.

We stop the formal part of the mtg at 11:30 and leave a 1/2 hr for chatting one on one, sling lessons, and library use.

LLL rocks!

[JayGee]

I'm going to my first LLL meeting next Wednesday. I'm so excited!!!! Now that I've read this thread, I'm looking forward to it even more than I was originally .

[lilyka]

We usually planned for all the meeting type stuff to be done inside of an hour and then questions and answer itme went on after that and things just natrually disolvolved into socializing and snacking. The second part would go on for an hour or two (I was the last to leave and someone was usually feeling chatty - we did night meetings and most of us left our oder kiddos with dad. It was rare quilt free alone as a mom with a small baby gets time)

[Viola]

Our meetings last about an hour to an hour and a half, maybe longer if people are chatting afterwards. An hour and a half is typical, but we've wrapped up the official meeting part in an hour. In our situation, it can get really hectic and after an hour the side coversations start to get out of control, so they leader will wrap it up early if that seems where things are headed.

I usually get out before 12:30, but I am always one of the last ones there, picking up toys and vacuuming and such. Even when I try to leave early, I just can't bring myself to do it.

Sandra, my meetings sound a lot like yours.

Now the evening meetings? Well, no one ever comes, so those end fairly quickly.

[pln]

Originally Posted by Amywillo

Now the evening meetings? Well, no one ever comes, so those end fairly quickly.

Wow, what I wouldn't give for an evening meeting. I'm goign back to work in teh fall and it looks like that'll be the last of my LLL days, even though it won't be the last of my nursing days.

Maybe someone can answer--how do you go about suggesting an evening meeting? I wouldn't dare do it in the morning meeting--lots of people there who are vocally anti-WOHM. Is there some neutral party in the LLL organization that I can suggest it to?

[DaryLLL]

Evening mtgs are sometimes popular, sometimes not. It is not only WOHM's who go to them. Quite a few moms of toddlers come, as the toddler has a set bedtime and can be left with dad. There are usually only little in arms babies at nighttime mtgs. They are also popular with pg moms.

Do not worry if a few members of your mtgs seem to be anti-WOHM. The Leaders are not. The Leaders are there to support all mothers to bf for as long as they want to. (Actually I would be upset if SAHM attendees were allowed to voice unsupportive opinions about this subject at a mtg.)

Ask a Leader about the possibility of a nighttime mtg (either after the mtg or by phone). Or she may direct you to a nearby group that is already holding them. You could also tell her about your feelings of discomfort about the outspoken anti-WOHM attendees, while you are at it.

If you go here:

http://www.lalecheleague.org/WebIndex.html

You can find all the groups near you. Most have websites with dates/times/locations of mtgs.

As always, if one group/mtg doesn't suit you, try another mtg with the same group, or a different group. Each will have its own flavor, depending on Leader styles and members.