Faces of La Leche League NZ

The recent vilification of La Leche League NZ (LLLNZ), by New Zealand media and members of the public has been quite an eye opener.   Slow news day was it NZ Herald and TV3?

This great article by Donelle Bellanger Taylor raises the most valid of points in this whole debate.  Most people have absolutely no idea who LLLNZ even is.  She notes:  

I don't understand why people find it so hard to comprehend that hospital midwives are not La Leche League, lactation consultants are not La Leche League, Plunket nurses are not La Leche League, and random grumpy old ladies aren't La Leche League either.  

La Leche League is made up of volunteers who give their own time to work with women who call them or come along to meetings. Women come to them to get support and information to help them succeed in breastfeeding."

I agree that LLLNZ has a bit of an identity problem.   Many people seem to believe that it's full of hairy-legged hippies who sit around with their norks out, feeding their 7 year olds and because they are a volunteer organisation, there is not and will likely never be, any funding for a big glitzy marketing campaign to change that misconception.  This means the fantastic work they do every day in our communities (providing support and information to breastfeeding mums) and the real face of LLLNZ as it is today, simply doesn't get shared.

So here they are - just some of the faces of LLLNZ members and supporters, mostly ordinary NZ mums just like you and me - hardly the horrific hairy-chinned "breast feeding nazis" they've been painted! 



More images are being added all the time, but we had to start somewhere.

Please note:  This video has been put together by me, through my connection with other LLL members and is therefore completely independent of LLLNZ.

Final thought:  Putting aside deliberately inflammatory reporting and incorrect identifcation of LLL personnel, if even half the horror stories are true then perhaps it's time for LLLNZ to reassess training and it's level of intervention.   In some situations the goals of LLL (as a breastfeeding support organisation) and parents won't match, and that's likely to be where the breakdowns are.

Thumbs Up - Cosmo Pregnancy

When the image of a baby bottle is still used so widely as the universal sign for baby, it's refreshing to see Cosmopolitan Magazine taking this approach and using a breast feeding image on the cover to represent their 'Feeding' section.

And while we applaud them for this, we note that an image on a magazine cover does not a breast feeding culture make, but baby steps and all that.   Check out what a true breast feeding culture looks like when you see the caption for  this image from the La Leche League NZ Facebook page.  See the caption    Classic!

Sports Nursing Bra by La Leche League

Here at Belly Beyond, we aren't the type to sit on our hands and are always on the lookout for something new to bring to you.

A perfect example are these amazing Sports Nursing Bras from La Leche League which have just arrived into store.

There'll definitely be no more sore boobies or black eyes after a walk with the mountain buggy! ;)

Only $39.95 and only available at Belly Beyond.


Watch the short video or see more detail on the site here

New bra range by La Leche League keeps abreast of fashion

  

Media Release - 12 January 2010


When it comes to the 4 F’s, fashion, fit, function and fun, the new line of La Leche League International Nursing Bras by Q-T Intimates has it covered. These innovative nursing bras include the Wrap ‘N Snap™ which adjusts to a woman's ever-changing body size while still being fashionable and functional. Designed for the modern woman’s nursing needs, the range is now available in New Zealand at award-winning online baby boutique www.bellybeyond.co.nz.

With over 65% of new mothers in New Zealand breastfeeding their infants, Louisa Currie and Heidi Riley, founders of Belly Beyond, aim to fill a gap in the market as well as promote the work done by La Leche League in New Zealand.  “We see it as a win-win situation." says Louisa.  "Women will benefit from the comfort and convenience of the latest nursing bra designs from La Leche League International and at the same time we can help raise the profile for the local La Leche League organization, which does such great work in the community.”

A portion of all LLLI licensed products goes to La Leche League International to support their many programs and services worldwide.

Range includes:


Strapless Nursing Bra (with Removable Clear Straps)

Wrap ‘N Snap™ Adjustable Soft Cup Nursing Bra

Pullover Sleep Bra

For more information including print ready images, please contact:

Louisa Currie, Belly Beyond on Ph: (09) 815 6656 or (027) 230 0997 or louisa@bellybeyond.co.nz www.bellybeyond.co.nz

For more information on their great work see the website for La Leche League NZ

La Leche League Nursing Bras

Our new range of Nursing Bras by La Leche League have arrived.

We are stocking this range for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I wasn't able to find a strapless nursing bra for under summer tops and dresses, anywhere in NZ and this range has a great one.

Secondly, La Leche League is such a fabulous organisation and anything we can do to highlight the fantastic work they do here, we are more than happy to do.

I think the common misconception is that La Leche League members are hairy-legged hippies that don't wear bras who sit around breastfeeding their 10 year olds. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's simply an organisation of ordinary Kiwi mums who are passionate about helping other mums get gain confidence with breastfeeding. Bravo we say!

Tip: It's pronounced La La-chay League

We are still to finalise the finer details with them but we working towards donating a portion from every LLL bra sold at Belly Beyond, to La Leche League NZ, in support of the fantastic work they do right here at home. Check out their website here