Better late than never. As the Murray LLL group approaches her 5th series meeting, I'd like to give an update on our last meeting (which rounded out a complete set of series meetings for the Murray group).
We had 11 moms at our April meeting. 3 were new to the Murray group (2 new to LLL, 1 being a SLC group regular), 1 infant, 6 tots, and 5 expectant moms (with 6 babies on the way) and since our meeting, we are happy to report that twin girls have come into the world!
Our opening question was with regards to favorite springtime activies (the weather was lovely the day of our April meeting, though it's fluctuated since) and things to look forward to (especially for mamas who will be facing a first summer with baby or a first summer with a toddler who can really enjoy the outdoors).
We listed together benefits of breastfeeding, among which were safety, sterility, perfect food, easily transported, abundant, and also went into many emotional, psychological and physiological benefits for both mommy and baby. And the discussion followed into the people or reasons which made each of us explore breastfeeding, stick with it and for some of us, even continue on to enjoy the breastfeeding relationship for much longer than we'd planned or anticipated for ourselves.
Books which were highlighted for this meeting were The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (LLL) and The Breastfeeding Book (Martha Sears).
We are excited to announce that our library has grown significantly over the past month and we will have several books to offer member mothers for check out and perusal beginning with our May meeting (This Tuesday).
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Weaning and Nutrition
March 3 was the third meeting for our La Leche League of Murray group. The meeting was lead by Timbra (lone leader of the Murray LLL group). We had 10 moms in attendance, 2 of whom were new to the group. 3 babes (under 1) and 8 tots (under 4) were also there. Our topic this month was Meeting 4: Weaning and Nutrition. We started out the meeting with introductions and shared our favorite indulgences, then got down to business. Because many of the moms have so far had at least one toddler, the meeting was geared more towards nutrition than weaning. We began with an excerpt in the most recent New Beginnings magazine, a mother's description of weaning, followed by an article in the same magazine on making dietary changes, which also included some recipes to try. From here we made a list "Why You Buy" and it was obvious that each mother is at a different stage of understanding, knowledge and concern for nutrition. Of course economical/expense, dietary choices/restrictions, and avoidance of certain ingredients were on the list. We also got more specific with ingredients, discussed certain foods which included various preservatives, and discussed some dietary differences within the group (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free diets, etc). Finally we went around the group and described ways we were trying to "healthify" our own family's diets. Switching out red meat for ground turkey, making comfort foods/traditional foods healthier, being label readers and choosing brands that omit certain ingredients in place of brands we've "always used" (or maybe even mom always used), making more things from scratch, and how to "hide" fruits and veggies in foods, specifically by pureeing them and including them where they won't be noticed. We highlighted Dr. Sears' Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood as our book to back up some of the info for this month's topic. The intention is to attempt to highlight at least one book from the La Leche League Bibliography when each topic is presented.
Due to a large number of tots, the meeting was quite "busy." Some of the moms stayed until 2:30 discussing baby wearing and interesting "symptoms" while nursing. I learn more and more with each meeting.
Our group now has a treasurer, however, as our greeter has gone back to work a few days/week, we are now in search of a greeter. At present the group is not prepared with "new mom" packets (that's moms who are new to the Murray group), but if you read this blog and attend meetings, and would like to consider being part of the group in this way, be aware that we will be seeking a greeter in coming months, and have a "new mom" packet available (hopefully) in May.
Remember: For LLL members, the Sandy LLL group holds an enrichment the 4th Tuesday of the first 3 months of the series. Next Tuesday (3/24) the topic is "Benefits of Pre and Post-Natal Yoga." Check it out!!!
Due to a large number of tots, the meeting was quite "busy." Some of the moms stayed until 2:30 discussing baby wearing and interesting "symptoms" while nursing. I learn more and more with each meeting.
Our group now has a treasurer, however, as our greeter has gone back to work a few days/week, we are now in search of a greeter. At present the group is not prepared with "new mom" packets (that's moms who are new to the Murray group), but if you read this blog and attend meetings, and would like to consider being part of the group in this way, be aware that we will be seeking a greeter in coming months, and have a "new mom" packet available (hopefully) in May.
Remember: For LLL members, the Sandy LLL group holds an enrichment the 4th Tuesday of the first 3 months of the series. Next Tuesday (3/24) the topic is "Benefits of Pre and Post-Natal Yoga." Check it out!!!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding Difficulties
Tuesday February 3rd LLL of Murray held her second official meeting. We had 12 moms in attendance, the only 4 "returning moms" were the leader and the 3 moms who took on group jobs at our fist meeting. . . so, 8 new moms. An entirely different group dynamic and lots of new perspectives. We had 4 expecting moms (all of whom have older children, 3 of whom are still nursing) and babies in attendance from ages 2 weeks to 3 years. I am also happy to announce that Jaclyn is our new group Treasurer/Bookkeeper. We hope to be selling slings, maya tais, etc in the near future.
Our discussion began with the questions "Who were you before you were 'mom' and how have you held onto those things or incorporated them into your life AS a mother?" Answers ranged from community activism turned breastfeeding advocate, to those with degrees in higher learning still using their specialties a few hours each week or when they need to be part of the "grown up" world, and of course we had some working moms as well.
This month's meeting topic was Meeting 3: The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding difficulties.
Each mother was given a piece of paper with a difficulty that may be encountered during the "normal" course of breastfeeding written on it: mastitis, nursing strikes, "normal" nursing patterns in a newborn, more/less nursing at milestones,etc. We went around the room reading our "difficulties" and hearing from those who had encountered some of them. We discussed what the "normal" course of breastfeeding included and that "normal" is an arbitrary word really, each baby, mother and nursing situation is completely different. We also talked through some difficulties not listed, such as dealing with public opinion on nursing in public, including places like gyms, malls and even the pediatrician's office. And finally talked through where different moms found their resolve to continue nursing even when experiencing difficulties at various stages/ages of nursing.
Moms came and went at various times due to older children in school, work schedules and the like. I was able to meet with one mom privately before she left while the meeting needed to continue for a few minutes without me. Several of the "new" mothers had learned of our meetings online either through our blog or other online forums. About half of the mothers stayed after the official meeting where I was able to address some one-on-one questions. The later conversation circled around child wearing, weaning and child spacing. To make our meeting space more "breastfeeding friendly" we displayed photos of nursing moms (with photographer's permission) taken for a project titled "Positive Images of Breastfeeding" which have recently been donated to the Utah Breastfeeding Coalition. Of course these will be taken down after each meeting.
Our discussion began with the questions "Who were you before you were 'mom' and how have you held onto those things or incorporated them into your life AS a mother?" Answers ranged from community activism turned breastfeeding advocate, to those with degrees in higher learning still using their specialties a few hours each week or when they need to be part of the "grown up" world, and of course we had some working moms as well.
This month's meeting topic was Meeting 3: The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding difficulties.
Each mother was given a piece of paper with a difficulty that may be encountered during the "normal" course of breastfeeding written on it: mastitis, nursing strikes, "normal" nursing patterns in a newborn, more/less nursing at milestones,etc. We went around the room reading our "difficulties" and hearing from those who had encountered some of them. We discussed what the "normal" course of breastfeeding included and that "normal" is an arbitrary word really, each baby, mother and nursing situation is completely different. We also talked through some difficulties not listed, such as dealing with public opinion on nursing in public, including places like gyms, malls and even the pediatrician's office. And finally talked through where different moms found their resolve to continue nursing even when experiencing difficulties at various stages/ages of nursing.
Moms came and went at various times due to older children in school, work schedules and the like. I was able to meet with one mom privately before she left while the meeting needed to continue for a few minutes without me. Several of the "new" mothers had learned of our meetings online either through our blog or other online forums. About half of the mothers stayed after the official meeting where I was able to address some one-on-one questions. The later conversation circled around child wearing, weaning and child spacing. To make our meeting space more "breastfeeding friendly" we displayed photos of nursing moms (with photographer's permission) taken for a project titled "Positive Images of Breastfeeding" which have recently been donated to the Utah Breastfeeding Coalition. Of course these will be taken down after each meeting.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
LLL of Murray Begins
La Leche League of Murray held "her" first meeting today, Tuesday January 6, 2009. Despite snow and just a little advertising, we enjoyed 8 in attendance (which includes myself, Timbra, LLL of Murray Leader and Jen Hermes, leader with the Sandy group).
Our Topic Today was "Meeting 2" Baby Arrives: The Family and the Breastfed Baby.
We started the meeting with introductions & formalities with regards to to La Leche League and familiarization of the new space, followed by personal introductions of ourselves and our children/due dates. The icebreaker was to share winter wonderland survival tips. Mall walking, swim lessons, good snow gear, and organized play spaces and indoor activities to keep little ones busy were all in the mix.
We discussed "surprises" of bringing baby home, which also included the unexpected with regards to birth and what a new baby does and how often, despite "the norm" or "average" (nursing, spitting up, sleeping, etc). We shared things that were learned from child to child (specifically moms who had more than one), or what we'd like to plan for with the next (charging admission of a hot meal when people come to see the new baby) as well as realizing we just aren't going to get much done. Jen shared that one hospital she had an experience with through family, gave the new mother a notice saying "This is your full time job" showing that changing, bathing, holding, nursing, and attending to baby's needs will take up more than 8 hours of your day (or take the place of a full-time job) with little room to get all the "usual things" done.
The second part of our discussion centered around advocating for oneself with regards to birth, hospital practices and understanding various effects of interventions on the start of breastfeeding, with focus on the LLL philosophy that "Active and Alert participation by mother during the birth process helps to get breastfeeding off to a good start." This included discussions on our emotional support systems and how to sift out poor advice and misinformation and even "tactics" on helping to educate those who confront each of us with misinformation.
The first meeting of LLL of Murray was an awesome success. Our "busy tots" area seemed to work out well, even if moms did have to handle a few stairs to get to the space. And I promise next time we'll turn on the heat.
A heartfelt thanks to all who attended. And I am excited to announce that all three of our Group Jobs have been filled. Erin will be our "Secretary," Liz our "Snack Coordinator" and Laurel our "Greeter." Thanks Ladies. Library Books and more group jobs to come as our new group grows.
Our Topic Today was "Meeting 2" Baby Arrives: The Family and the Breastfed Baby.
We started the meeting with introductions & formalities with regards to to La Leche League and familiarization of the new space, followed by personal introductions of ourselves and our children/due dates. The icebreaker was to share winter wonderland survival tips. Mall walking, swim lessons, good snow gear, and organized play spaces and indoor activities to keep little ones busy were all in the mix.
We discussed "surprises" of bringing baby home, which also included the unexpected with regards to birth and what a new baby does and how often, despite "the norm" or "average" (nursing, spitting up, sleeping, etc). We shared things that were learned from child to child (specifically moms who had more than one), or what we'd like to plan for with the next (charging admission of a hot meal when people come to see the new baby) as well as realizing we just aren't going to get much done. Jen shared that one hospital she had an experience with through family, gave the new mother a notice saying "This is your full time job" showing that changing, bathing, holding, nursing, and attending to baby's needs will take up more than 8 hours of your day (or take the place of a full-time job) with little room to get all the "usual things" done.
The second part of our discussion centered around advocating for oneself with regards to birth, hospital practices and understanding various effects of interventions on the start of breastfeeding, with focus on the LLL philosophy that "Active and Alert participation by mother during the birth process helps to get breastfeeding off to a good start." This included discussions on our emotional support systems and how to sift out poor advice and misinformation and even "tactics" on helping to educate those who confront each of us with misinformation.
The first meeting of LLL of Murray was an awesome success. Our "busy tots" area seemed to work out well, even if moms did have to handle a few stairs to get to the space. And I promise next time we'll turn on the heat.
A heartfelt thanks to all who attended. And I am excited to announce that all three of our Group Jobs have been filled. Erin will be our "Secretary," Liz our "Snack Coordinator" and Laurel our "Greeter." Thanks Ladies. Library Books and more group jobs to come as our new group grows.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
LLL's Philosophy
*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 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.
-- La Leche League International, Publication No.150
Monday, December 1, 2008
Topics, Dates & Directions
1 The Importance of Breastfeeding: Nursing benefits for baby, mother, father, families and the world December 1, 2009
2 Baby Arrives: The Family and the Breastfed Baby Preparing for birth, establishing nursing in the early weeks, & including dad, sibling/s, & grandparents January 5,2010
3 The Art of Breastfeeding & Avoiding Difficulties: The normal course of breastfeeding, recognizing challenges, caring for yourself, getting support Febrary 2,2010
4 Nutrition and Weaning: Starting solids, family nutrition, extended nursing, approaches to weaning, loving guidance March 2,2010
Maps & Directions:
(entrance is "kitty corner" to the Ampitheater Parking Lot of Murray Park/Parkside Dr. Please note Parkside Dr. is 495E, however, we are still further East 494/498E) http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Murray&state=UT&address=494e+5300s&zipcode=84107
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