La Leche League International: supportive or non-supportive?

Is La Leche League such a support for b-feeding moms or is it an arrogant organization? Some people within the organization think their @#!$ don't stink. I b-fed all 3 of my kids for a year, but I don't think it's appropriate to feel superior or act superior to other people. The breast is not for everyone-and it can make you harbor resentment towards your children (post-partum depression) if you don't enjoy it. That happened to me with the 2nd one. If you are only doing it to feel better than the next person you're doing it for the wrong reasons. La Leche League has stifled a few people I know, and they have the unfortunate reputation of being nursing nazis. In my opinion, the organization is not supportive of those who choose to breastfeed.

I second your feelings on La Leche League!

I think La Leche League can be incredibly helpful in giving out information about breastfeeding. But, they are definitely "breast feeding nazis". I went to their site to get info, but couldn't stand the patronizing air about them. Every mother has to figure out what works best for them and for their baby. Of course it would be great if we could all breast feed our babies as much as we wanted without pain, trouble with lactation, and disapproving looks in public. Unfortunately, mothers experience all those problems and more. So, I say to La Leche League, give new moms a break. By now, we know breast milk is best. But it's a mom's choice what and how to feed their child. As long as they're giving their children enough to thrive, then it's no one's business how they do it!

You don't think they are supportive of those who choose to bfreed? I think they are supportive, but in a very rigid way. They aren't really open and "loving", and it is very hard to get ACTUAL help out of them. My bfeeding consultant made me feel like poop when I was first trying to feed my son. She was saying what I was doing wrong, what he was doing wrong - it was a bonding moment for me and him because I felt like it was us against her! I went to try something and she was like NOOOOO don't do that!!! Needless to say, after she left - wihtout me successfully breastfeeding yet - we did what she told us not to do and it worked!!! I think LLL needs to be there, and people need to be strongly encouraged to bfeed, but you are right - they are nazi's!!! And about people who long term bfeed having attitudes - SO true!! I went for 10 freakin months and my "friend" who went for longer had such a superiority complex about it!!!!! Stupid girl got knocked up again with #2 before her baby was 1, and they are still living in a 1 bedroom apartment, but yet she has a superiority complex over ME (who is MARRIED and owns a home) because she breastfed longer and feels like a better parent! I guess I should just feel bad for her kids...

I had to call them with my #5 baby! She would not latch on properly, and they, over the phone, walked me through different things and really helped! They were awesome!

Id definitely say supportive. My first was a preemie and had problems latching and the members were a terrific resource. Ive never before heard any talk of them being arrogant. But could see how it could vary in local clubs.

I have a friend who is a certified La Leche League consultant. It's been nice having someone with so much information on hand when I had issues arise while nursing my little ones.

However, she has even commented that sometimes that some LLL groups are better than others. The fact is that breast milk is usually more nutritional than formula. However, breastfeeding is a very big commitment of time and energy that some mother's just can't do.

I would never have been able to work and nurse my first daughter, because she is too temperamental. Luckily, I was able to stay home with her. I have noticed, though, that LLL doesn't give much help when it comes to weaning on their site.

I so agree!! I am a mother of 4 children, all breastfed. By the time my last two came along (twins), I knew what to expect. The la leche league woman came to me in the hospital room with her nose in the air. She was adamant that the nurses NOT give my twins a bottle, eventhough my milk had not come in. She made me feel horrible. I agree that the La Leche League look down on people who do not breastfeed or do so part time. With the twins, I breastfed them soley until they were a month old, then one would get a bottle while the other got the breast, and visa versa. I think the La Leche League should support breastfeeding in any and all forms, whether it's the way they teach or not.

I appreciate your comments concerning the League. I have never joined the organization because I feel the same way you do.

Happy nursing (or not),
Erin Mahon