Support group meetings are led by accredited Leaders (breastfeeding counsellors) who have completed La Leche League's comprehensive training. They lead a group discussion (hence the term ‘leader’) on a topic related to breastfeeding whilst making sure that any burning issues, questions or concerns that mothers bring with them to the meeting are addressed first, either in the group meeting or privately. There is always plenty of time for mother-to-mother sharing, suggestions, support and encouragement and in many ways LLL meetings are like a chat amongst friends. We empathise with the fact that mothers are never short of advice - everyone has an opinion on how they should do things. Doctors, midwives, health visitors, grandparents, family, and friends, all bring a mixture of opinion, experience and some level of knowledge to the mother. At a La Leche League meeting, we steer away from simply dispensing advice or telling mothers what to do. Instead we offer mothers who want to breastfeed the most up to date, evidence-based information on breastfeeding so that you feel empowered in your choices - however long you choose to breastfeed for. LLL meetings can be viewed as a buffet of ideas - each mother is welcome to select only those that appeal to her and her family.
LLL meetings are open to any woman interested in breastfeeding whatever stage you're at, including pregnant women and mothers of older children, and babies and toddlers are always welcome. There is plenty of room for buggies. Come to ask questions, share your experiences, get support or encouragement or just to hang out with other breastfeeding mums. You don't have to have a problem to come to an LLL meeting! (We also have regular toddler meetings, specifically for mothers breastfeeding older babies - see the Toddler Meetings page for details - although plenty of mothers with older babies and toddlers still come to the main meetings).
We have a large selection of books relating to breastfeeding and parenthood. If you are a member of LLL you can borrow these for free when you attend a meeting, otherwise we need to hold a small deposit until the book is returned.
2022 Dates Friday 17th June Friday 15th July No August meeting Friday 16th September
Location The Pavilion, Canbury Gardens, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5AJ
Directions to The Pavilion & parking There is lots of parking on Chestnut Road, Eastbury Road and Lower Ham Road. Take the entrance to the park between the bottom of Eastbury Road and Chestnut Road. Follow the park path to the left, heading towards the tennis courts and past the childrens swings on your left. Continue along the path, going into the area where the tennis courts are accessed. Walk to the end, with the tennis courts on your right. The pavillion is on the left, through the gates. There are some picnic tables in front of the pavilion and the entrance is on the left. If in doubt, look for the signs for the cafe as there is also a cafe run from the pavilion most mornings (but not when we are running the group)