More about LLL Meetings
What happens at a LLL in-person meeting?
After arrivals, when drinks and snacks are available, we gather for an informal group discussion. The discussion is facilitated by the LLL Leaders (breastfeeding counsellors) present and we all introduce ourselves and our little ones. Breastfeeding mothers (both members and non members of LLL), pregnant or new mums, and those who have been breastfeeding for longer, are all welcome. There's often a suggested topic, such as early days, introducing solids, or feeding an older baby, although it's all quite informal and relaxed. People are invited to raise any questions or things they'd like to talk about relating to breastfeeding and the mums present often describe their own experiences, and offer support to each other. The discussion usually lasts about 45 mins or so.
The group's library of books and leaflets about breastfeeding and parenting is on display for you to browse or borrow. Sometimes mums ask to speak to a Leader (breastfeeding counsellor) privately to get help with breastfeeding problems. Many mums bring toddlers along too - all children are always welcome although there is less to interest older ones. During the meeting mums often move around while taking care of their children's needs.
If you have an individual question or need one-to-one help you can speak to a Leader before or after the discussion part of the meeting. Leaders can also provide individual and ongoing support between meetings via phone, Zoom or messaging services.
After arrivals, when drinks and snacks are available, we gather for an informal group discussion. The discussion is facilitated by the LLL Leaders (breastfeeding counsellors) present and we all introduce ourselves and our little ones. Breastfeeding mothers (both members and non members of LLL), pregnant or new mums, and those who have been breastfeeding for longer, are all welcome. There's often a suggested topic, such as early days, introducing solids, or feeding an older baby, although it's all quite informal and relaxed. People are invited to raise any questions or things they'd like to talk about relating to breastfeeding and the mums present often describe their own experiences, and offer support to each other. The discussion usually lasts about 45 mins or so.
The group's library of books and leaflets about breastfeeding and parenting is on display for you to browse or borrow. Sometimes mums ask to speak to a Leader (breastfeeding counsellor) privately to get help with breastfeeding problems. Many mums bring toddlers along too - all children are always welcome although there is less to interest older ones. During the meeting mums often move around while taking care of their children's needs.
If you have an individual question or need one-to-one help you can speak to a Leader before or after the discussion part of the meeting. Leaders can also provide individual and ongoing support between meetings via phone, Zoom or messaging services.
What is an online LLL meet like?
If you have been to our regular meetings, you'll find our free and friendly mother-to-mother breastfeeding support meetings pretty similar in format to what you are used to.
We start with sharing a few guidelines - you are the expert on your baby, take from the meeting what works for you and your baby, we're all different. We'll then ask you to introduce yourself - your name, little one's name and age, and ask you to share any issues you are currently working through. If you prefer not to speak that is fine too, just enjoy listening.
We might ask if others have also encountered that challenge and what helped them, so you can hear you are not alone and perhaps pick up a few tips to try yourself. We share a bit of info and research if it is relevant and always follow up with email info after the meeting.
Lastly, we join together again for final thoughts and comments and a few notices. If issues have not been covered in the meeting or other things have arisen, we offer follow up as needed.
We have a few safeguarding rules:
If you have been to our regular meetings, you'll find our free and friendly mother-to-mother breastfeeding support meetings pretty similar in format to what you are used to.
We start with sharing a few guidelines - you are the expert on your baby, take from the meeting what works for you and your baby, we're all different. We'll then ask you to introduce yourself - your name, little one's name and age, and ask you to share any issues you are currently working through. If you prefer not to speak that is fine too, just enjoy listening.
We might ask if others have also encountered that challenge and what helped them, so you can hear you are not alone and perhaps pick up a few tips to try yourself. We share a bit of info and research if it is relevant and always follow up with email info after the meeting.
Lastly, we join together again for final thoughts and comments and a few notices. If issues have not been covered in the meeting or other things have arisen, we offer follow up as needed.
- On a mobile, you see just a few faces. On a laptop, you can select 'gallery view' on your screen and see all the faces! Do what works for you.
- You can dip in and out of meetings. 2 hours may be unrealistic in your household to take part in a meet - that is absolutely fine! We'd rather see you for a little while than not at all! Feel free to move around the house etc.
- Grab a cuppa, join us. Pyjamas accepted!
- If your data is low or your wifi connection is not good, you can join with audio only.
- You can also choose not to have video if you prefer to be more private.
We have a few safeguarding rules:
- We don't record the sessions.
- We ask you not to take screen shots.
- The 'what's said in the room, stays in the room' rule applies as usual. For that reason, if you have other people around, you may find it works best to use headphones for privacy.
- If you need to change nappies, please do them off screen, turn your camera off or turn your screen away.
- You'll be in a waiting room until we admit you and your microphone will be off to manage background noise. If there are lots of people we suggest everyone is muted, apart from the LLL Leaders at the meeting, until you need to speak as even a chair moving or a cough is picked up.