Community Spirit
about with a breastfeeding baby, pregnancy, birth, weaning and more.
New Zealand’s first group of La Leche formed in the 1970s in Cambridge and the group has recently celebrated 50 years of helping mothers.
Wilson said the group remains non-profit and leaders work unpaid.
On the third Monday of each month, the group meet at the Parents Centre rooms in Taylor St.
‘‘Tailoring each meeting for the mums who are attending is important,’’ Wilson said.
‘‘Recent meetings have included nutritional needs of mothers while breastfeeding, night-time parenting, the benefits and importance of keeping your baby close and introducing solids.’’
Wilson said regular meetings were essential for mothers as it gave them the chance to connect with others and to be open about their problems.
‘‘Some mums come for maybe one or two meetings for support; others come for a more extended time to assist with supporting, there are no hard and fast rules about attendance.
‘‘It’s about giving support to a woman at the right time.’’
Wilson emphasised La Leche leaders are readily available to be contacted by phone or on the La Leche Facebook page anytime.
Common issues faced by breastfeeding mothers include lack of or oversupply of milk, mastitis and confidence.
‘‘Because the benefits to both mother and baby are great, we encourage every woman to breastfeed, and we welcome pregnant women to contact us for advice for when baby arrives.’’