La Leche League (LLL) believes that parents know their babies best. We offer evidence-based information and suggestions from our experience and that of many other parents. If there’s something you don’t agree with, please do come back and continue to participate in our meetings. Feel free to take the ideas that seem right for you and leave the rest. We all have different ideas and opinions, and we welcome yours in our community.
LLL Philosophy Concepts
- Mothering through breastfeeding is the most natural and effective way of understanding and satisfying the needs of the baby.
- Human milk is the natural food for babies, uniquely meeting their changing needs.
- Alert, active participation by the mother in childbirth is a help in getting breastfeeding off to a good start.
- Mother and baby need to be together early and often to establish a satisfying breastfeeding relationship and reliable milk supply.
- Breastfeeding is enhanced by the loving support of the baby’s father, a co-parent, a partner, and/or close family members who value the breastfeeding relationship.
- In the early years, the baby has an intense need to be with his mother which is as basic as his need for food.
- For the healthy, full-term baby, human milk is the only food necessary until the baby shows signs of readiness for complementary foods, about the middle of the first year after birth.
- Good nutrition means eating a well-balanced and varied diet of foods in as close to their natural state as possible.
- Ideally the breastfeeding relationship will continue until the child outgrows the need.
- From infancy on, children need loving guidance which reflects acceptance of their capabilities and sensitivity to their feelings.
A Meeting in a Book
The ideals and principles of mothering which are the foundation of LLL beliefs are further developed in The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, the most comprehensive handbook on breastfeeding and parenting ever published. It has provided needed answers to multiple generations of nursing mothers and parents on every aspect of breastfeeding.
The 9th edition of our core book is being written now and will be published as The Art of Breastfeeding in October 2024.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement (LLL USA)
La Leche League USA (LLL USA) is committed to diversity and inclusion. LLL USA supports all breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and human milk feeding families, inclusive of their race, ethnicity, immigration status, national origin, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, primary language, ability, or socio-economic status. LLL USA fosters diversity among its Leaders so as to incorporate a wide variety of perspectives and responsible decision-making.
La Leche League of San Antonio is a member of La Leche League International (LLLi), La Leche League USA (LLL USA) and La Leche League of Texas (TXAN).
La Leche League of San Antonio 