Non Profit Feature :: La Leche League of Omaha

In 1956 in Illinois seven young mothers began the world’s first ever breastfeeding support and educational organization simply by creating friendships and meeting together for the sole purpose of providing information and practical support  to one another. During the 1950s, breastfeeding was spoken about in hushed tones and usually took place only behind closed doors, if it took place at all. Due to the hard work and dedication of these counter- cultural women, La Leche League is now internationally recognized as one of the pioneers in breastfeeding research, education, and career advocacy.

La Leche LeagueThe mission

Omaha La Leche League is a part of La Leche League International whose mission is, “To help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.” Our motto of Nursing Babies and Nurturing Families is fulfilled in many different ways and looks completely different than the founding mothers ever probably imagined it would. In addition to the original goal of La Leche League, which is to promote the art of breastfeeding through mothering, La Leche League today also seeks to provide this support and education in a current and inclusive manner. The official vision of La Leche League International is “to realize, deepen, and share the love and wisdom found in the breastfeeding relationship.” The practical application of this vision is completed by local chapters like La Leche League of Omaha.

Education and encouragement 

La Leche League of Omaha currently holds free meetings several times a month in various locations all across the metro area. Our accredited Leaders provide information and guidance based on training they have received from the organization as well as their own breastfeeding experience. Getting help from a La Leche League Leader or a meeting will look different for each person, and it will look vastly different from the help that a mother may receive in a medical setting. Although it may not look clinical, the education and encouragement that families can obtain is no less valuable. La Leche League seeks to help each individual mother and family on their own unique journey by providing a place to create a community of breastfeeding support.

Each meeting has a topic and discussions are held in a laid back, round table setting allowing for peer to peer support that can be tailored by each mother to fit the needs of her family. Besides the meetings, Leaders can also provide over the phone or email support. While not medical professionals, many Leaders are able to guide mothers to find solutions to their unique issues during their breastfeeding journey, empowering them to continue to reach their breastfeeding goals.

Leaders

Leaders with La Leche League are all volunteers who have breastfed their own child for at least a year and are passionate about promoting breastfeeding and helping families succeed. Since all support is free, La Leche League is able to serve a wide variety of populations, no insurance necessary. The collaborative efforts of our volunteers help keep the vision alive and expand the reach of the organization in a powerful but gentle manner. La Leche League of Omaha has a Facebook page where you can find a list of our current meeting times and locations. You can also reach out to us by phone at 402.413.1250 anytime day or night. Both the Facebook page and the telephone line are great ways to get families connected with Leaders to provide them with the help or encouragement that they need.

Contact us

Breastfeeding is not just a journey for mothers but entire families. One of the best ways to get involved with La Leche League is to come to meetings. Even as an expecting mother, coming and sharing your fears or expectations can help your nursing experience to get off to a great start. Bring a friend or come alone, tell others about La Leche League, visit our Facebook page or our website that can be found at www.lllofne.org. Each and every person can have an impact on the lives of another breastfeeding mother. Through La Leche League we can make that impact positive and lasting.

Omaha Mom
Omaha Mom is written by moms, for moms. We provide genuine parenting resources, events and community through connecting and empowering local Omaha Moms.