My LLL attracts surprising people

[CinnamonDeMarco]

I wonder if this happens at you LLL meetings.

I live in an area where AP is not the norm. We usually get a few new Moms at each LLL meeting. I would expect everyone at a LLL to be very pro-breastfeeding, but the new Moms ---- Are ---interesting.

One new Mom with a 2 week old was telling everyone she prefered feeding through bottles because she could see how much the baby eats. Once when he was breastfeeding he vomited. He must have overeaten. Bottles prevent that. "Is it okay to breastfeed after eatting greasy fried chicken?" she asked. The worst part was when she said the Babywise book by Pearl, "Made sense" and he son needed to get on a schedule right away.

One Mom gave her baby a bottle of formula at the meeting. She was capable of producing enough breastmilk, but desided to stop breastfeeding during the day. SHe breastfeeds at night only. She is a SAHM. One reason is "Her son didn't poop often, once for a whole week." I remember when she told me that had happened and I assured her it was normal and told her to call the LLL or check in a book for extra assurance that that is okay. Her other reason for supplimenting is "He is skinny." Well he is still skinny on formula. Some babies are skinny.

My LLL leader is awsome. Unfortuanately she is going to move away. She asked me to become the LLL leader. I don't mean to sound mean, but I don't know if I can work with these people. I want to help people who believe in the breast wholeheartedly. I, personally, don't like trying to convince people to believe in breastfeeding. I wish LLL memebers already believed in it.

My Dad told me every leader has to "sell" their ideas to group members that claim to believe in the mission of the group, yet really aren't 100% committed. He said people that are not living up to what they think they should do are attracted to such groups. Like if they feel badly about supplimenting they will be attracted to LLL, but still have a hard time letting go of the formula. They look to the leader for guidance. I guess if I am ever going to be a leader of anything, I better get ready to deal.

[Stephanie L.]

Maybe this is a calling for you. An opportunity to grow, to open your eyes.

I have grown SOOOOOOOO much since meeting my midwives! They did not judge me and taught me how people handle life differently.

Becoming a mom did that, too! Once I thought, "I'd NEVER EVER give my child a pacifier!!" But due to our own personal circumstances, we use binkines daily.

You would be in such a special position to offer knowledge to those less informed. It's not neccessarily selling breastfeeding, it's helping moms to raise their beautiful innocent children the best and healthiest way possible. If you are up for a challenge, I'd say, go for it!

[REDBREAST]

Your dad is right, being a leader means you have to "sell" the idea/belief taht you and others like you have. LLL is about convincing people that breast is best, and it accepts all breastfeeding mamas, regardless of how little they nurse. LLL does not promote or look down on any type of parenting philosphies, it is a breast-feeding organization, not a parenting style one. I will say that most people who join LLL do follow AP style, but not all.

I remember when I started to go to LLL meetings with my ds and there was this one mama who's ds sucked on a pacifier, and I was bothered by it, why because I personally don't use them and don't think they should be used for bf children, but it's only my belief. That lady still breast-fed, she just didn't want ds to comfort suck on her, and I had no room to judge her! I have learned the hard way that if we go around judging others, then how will we be able to educate? I rather have a mom who nurses part-time, then no time!

You should become a LLL leader, because then you will be able to guide, educate and inspire mothers and future mothers to breast-feed their babies and who knows, maybe you will have a positive impact on the mamas you mentioned, you never know what the future holds!

[Momtwice]

Just a comment on "Babywise by Pearl." If the mom said that she's very confused. Babywise is by Gary Ezzo, To Train up a Child is by Michael Pearl, and they are both nasty books that recommend abuse and neglect.

Good luck in your decision. LLL leaders have a very thankless job and I would tear my hair out if I were one!

[CinnamonDeMarco]

I think she did say Ezzo. I got the authors confused. I thought the LLL meeting was bizarre. I am still considering leadership. Sadly, if I don't do it, there may be no LLL on our island.

Thanks for the encouragement. I need it.

[AnneNic]

Good luck with considering leadership. I am also considering it. The closest meeting is about 45 minutes away. I can't always make it if I'm running late that morning, lol. I know that more moms in my area would love to have a more local LLL meeting.

Andrea

[Shelsi]

You know, it took me years to become the mom I am today and have the beliefs I have today (bfing, no CIO, keeping boys intact, etc, etc). When I was started out I was just a naive new mom. I bf but never got the supply I needed because ds was jaundiced and would go 4-6 hrs between feeds which I thought was ok...so then month 4 rolled around and I lost my supply and we ended up on formula. If only I had gone to an LLL meeting maybe things would have been different. Maybe someone could have educated me sooner. Maybe I would have learned just how important breast milk is before it was too late. Everything I've learned I learned "late." I had an elective induction with epidural, had him circumsized, I let ds CIO once when he was 4 mos old because I didn't know any better, I never wore him, used sposies, and vaxed him on schedule. Once I started to have more positive influences via internet AP/NP groups I completely changed. I would have a homebirth now, keep ds intact, no CIO, use a sling, we did switch to CD when he was 12 mos, and no vaxes.

No, you won't reach everyone. Some women will be closed minded and just won't get it at all. But maybe they'll "get it" later. Maybe with another child. You just never know. And then there will be women like me who just needed some support, information, and a little influence to really get the ball rolling.

[My4Boys]

You really should consider becoming a LLL Leader, especially if you may be losing your leader soon! LLL will give you comunication skills training to help deal with odd situations as well.

Keep in mind that you do not have to be a LLL member to attend a LLL meeting, you only have to be providing breastmilk to a child and LLL is there to provide information and support for as long a you choose to do this.

[Ammaarah]

Are you sure you were at LLL?