History of La Leche League

La Leche League (LLL) International is a nonprofit organization founded in 1956 by seven women who wanted to help other mothers learn about breastfeeding. Since then, more than 40,000 LLL Leaders have provided this unique mother-to-mother network of support in countries all over the world. Their combined experiences and expertise have made LLL the internationally recognized authority on breastfeeding it is today.

LLL's goal is to provide information and encouragement, primarily through personal support, to women who want to breastfeed their babies.

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La Leche League 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 the 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.