LLL's Image: What Is LLL
Philosophy and What Isn't?
from LEAVEN, May-June 1986,
pp. 35-6
by Betty Crase
LLL's image and LLL philosophy--one
should be a projection of the other, but it seems that's not always
the case within LLL today. LLL philosophy, which is based on THE WOMANLY
ART OF BREASTFEEDING and summarized in the concepts, is at the very
heart of the organization--the "bottom line," as put in popular terminology.
LLL's image is how Leaders in particular, as the official representatives
of the organization, convey that philosophy to others.
In 1984 when LLLI faced the
financial problems which led to the Second Founding, many questions
were raised about the future of the organization. The issue of LLL's
image began to seem more and more important. LLLI soon recognized the
need to clarify its image to its Leaders, its membership, and the general
public.
Problems can arise with LLL's
image when some interpretations of LLL philosophy are singled out repeatedly
over others. The difficulty is further compounded when Leaders dwell
on their own experiences, which may have evolved far beyond a new mother's
acceptance level, rather than drawing out a variety of alternatives
from everyone in the Group. This contributes to the image that there
is only one "right way" to incorporate LLL philosophy into one's life.
As Edwina Froehlich, founding mother, once pointed out, one of LLL's
main objectives is to give the baby back to the mother and revive her
own mothering instincts, not give her a set of rules to follow.
It may be interesting to
compare what the concepts really say to some of the individual interpretations
of LLL philosophy that may adversely affect LLL's image. Explaining
the basics of LLL philosophy can help us gain a greater understanding
of the wide range of lifestyles that can be encompassed by it.
Mothering through breastfeeding
is the most natural and effective way of understanding and satisfying
the needs of the baby.
This particular aspect of
LLL philosophy really summarizes all the rest. All of our philosophy
is based on mothering through breastfeeding and meeting babies' needs.
This concept stands out because it is positive and strong; LLL is a
positive organization--FOR breastfeeding and meeting babies' needs.
Mother and baby need
to be together early and often to establish a satisfying relationship
and an adequate milk supply.
Early and often are the terms
used here rather than setting arbitrary time limits on the need for
mother and baby to be together. The condition of the mother or the baby
immediately following birth may cause some delays, but those who understand
this need make every effort to keep mother and baby together, and nursing,
from birth.
In the early years
the baby has an intense need to be with his mother which is as basic
as his need for food.
This concept expresses the
need of the baby for a very special, one-to-one relationship with his
mother. It is not meant to imply that a mother must never leave a child
of any age. The sensitivity to her baby's needs that develops in a nursing
mother is the best guide to when a particular child is ready to spend
time away from mother. Many little ones are fine with dad or grandma
long before they would be happy being cared for by a stranger. Others
are not happy without mother until their third birthday.
In some families, sleeping
together in the family bed is a natural outgrowth of this concept, but
it is by no means the only way to achieve the goal of a satisfying relationship.
This concept allows for individual mothers, differences in babies, and
family situations.
Breast milk is the
superior infant food.
This is a dynamic statement
of fact, proven over and over again by medical research. Stating this
fact and developing it enables a mother to make an informed choice about
feeding her baby. Pointing out the benefits of breastfeeding is not
meant as a criticism of bottle-feeding mothers.
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.
In this concept the emphasis
is once again on the uniqueness of human milk and the individuality
of each baby. Some are ready for solids at five or six months, while
others may be closer to a year old before they show signs of readiness.
Mothers are encouraged to follow their own baby's lead, not to get into
a competition over whose baby started solids at the youngest age or
whose baby waited the longest before starting them.
Ideally, the breastfeeding
relationship will continue until the baby outgrows the need.
LLL philosophy has nothing
to do with the number of months or years each child is nursed, the age
at which a child weans himself, or whether or not more than one child
is being nursed simultaneously. It is the mother's responsibility to
recognize her child's readiness for weaning, encouraging its natural
course. This concept begins wisely with the word "ideally." Nursing
through pregnancy and tandem nursing may not be ideal for some babies
or mothers
Alert active participation
by the mother in childbirth is a help in getting breastfeeding off to
a good start.
This is another example of
the ideal vs. reality of the situation. LLL's goal for every mother
is educated childbirth, including an awareness of the wide variety of
childbirth options that are available. Home birth and VBACS (vaginal
birth after cesarean) are not requirements, but alternatives for mothers
to learn about and consider.
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.
LLL emphasizes the importance
of the mother-baby-father triad but recognizes the fact that the baby's
father may not be the mother's husband. Single mothers and mothers with
non-supportive husbands can still mother their children effectively.
Good nutrition means
eating a well-balanced and varied diet of foods in as close to their
natural state as possible.
THE WOMANLY ART is quite
specific about supporting a basic and simple approach to nutrition awareness.
Food co-op participation and maintaining a vegetarian diet may be outgrowths
of this basic philosophy for those who decide on their own to do so;
there are many different ways to implement this concept.
From infancy on, children
need loving guidance which reflects acceptance of their capabilities
and sensitivity to their feelings.
LLL has always advocated
a gentle style of parenting, based on a parent's understanding of each
individual child. Sometimes this concept is interpreted to mean allowing
the child total freedom without regard for other people or their property.
Allowing freedom without teaching responsibility does the child a grave
disservice and doesn't prepare him for the years ahead. Although harsh
punishment is not recommended, as caring parents we have the responsibility
to set realistic expectations and limits for our children.
There are no hard and fast
"rules" for parents who want to follow LLL's philosophy in raising their
children. What LLL parents have in common is the sincere desire to do
the best they can to recognize and meet the needs of their little ones.
The points made here are
not meant to be a complete discussion of LLL philosophy. I only hope
it will to be used to start some constructive thinking about the image
of LLL in your community. Misinterpretations of LLL philosophy adversely
affect our image. Let's keep the true spirit of LLL and spread it to
mothers and babies around the world.
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:32:03 UTC 2007.
