Meetings in 2015 in Flitwick

• Our meetings are held at the Rufus Centre Steppingley Road, Flitwick, Beds MK451AH. 10 until 12.30 .  The next meetings will be on
  
• 11 Mar
• 15 Apr
• 13 May
• 10 June
• Do check here or on our facebook group, or ring or email Helen [01525 713478 or lllbedfordandluton@gmail.com]  just to make sure that there have  been no last minute cancellations due to illness or other difficult situations.  As it is only me leading meetings at present on occasion I may possibly need to reschedule   

Meetings in 2014 in Flitwick

• Here we are, our meetings are held at the Rufus Centre Steppingley Road, Flitwick, Beds MK451AH. 10 until 12.30 
  Wed 8 Jan  
  Wed 5 Feb
  Wed 19 March
  Wed 23 April
  Wed 21 May
  Wed 18 June
  Wed 16 Jul
  Wed 10 Sept
  Wed 15 Oct
  Wed 12 Nov
  Wed 10 Dec
• Do check here or on our facebook group just to make sure that there have  been no last minute cancellations due to illness or other difficult situations
• 
  

Bedford Meetings at Peter Pan Childrens Centre cancelled

For reasons beyond our control we have had to cancel the Tuesday meetings at Peter Pan.  Watch this space for information about  when  and where meetings in Bedford will be held.

Meetings in Flitwick 2013

Meetings will be held in the community room at the Rufus Centre Steppingley Road Flitwick Beds MK45 1AH on the following Wednesday mornings 10 - 12.30
Wed 6 Feb
Wed 13 March
Wed 17 April
Wed 15 May
Wed 12 June
Wed 17 July
Family picnic August
Wed 11 September
Wed 16 October
Wed 11 December
To find the Rufus Centre see here
http://www.therufuscentre.co.uk/contact-us/find-us

Bedford Meetings 2013

 These are held at  Peter Pan Children's centre Edward Rd Kempston Bedford  MK42 9DR
Meetings will be held on the following Tuesday mornings between 10 and 12. 

12 Feb
19 Mar
23 Apr
21 May
18 Jun
23 Jul
August Picnic TBC
17 Sep
22 Oct
19 Nov
17 Dec
Any last minute changes will be advertised on the facebook group.  If you are not a member  it can be  handy to phone  01525 403505 first just to confirm that there have been no changes due to illness or centre closure
How to get there
http://www.surestartcauldwell.co.uk/la-leche.html

Next meeting in Flitwick will be at the Rufus Centre on Wednesday 12 December at 10,  our topic will be   nutrition,  introducing solids and weaning.
Next meeting at Peter Pan Children's centre will be on Tuesday 18 December at 10
http://www.surestartcauldwell.co.uk/la-leche.html

Meetings for the new year will be arranged soon,   watch this space
Helen

Response from La Leche League to:A Serial Qualitative Interview Study of Infant Feeding Experiences: idealism meets realism

The article published today by the British Medical Journal addresses important issues concerning the challenges many parents face in the early days of breastfeeding. Scientific evidence shows that exclusive breastfeeding for six months has many advantages for both a baby and mother. Breastmilk gives babies all the nutrients they need for at least the first six months of life. It is a living substance and adapts to fit the needs of each baby and it complements and boosts the immune system for as long as it is offered. If a baby has solids before he can digest them properly, at around six months, it can cause tummy problems and the nutrients will not be fully utilised. First foods are often low in iron and so are simply replacing the perfect food for babies with ones with fewer nutrients.

However, we live in a society in which breastfeeding is often perceived as difficult and although women “try” to breastfeed and think breast is best, formula is often seen as the norm. The report highlights the fact that some women do not get accurate breastfeeding information or enough support in the early days, and that when difficulties arise giving a bottle is often seen as the solution. LLL agrees that many women are often not prepared for the reality of the early days of breastfeeding and mothering. Many new mothers have never seen anyone breastfeed and are worried about how breastfeeding will fit into their lives. Women who attend groups run by breastfeeding support organisations get the chance to see other women breastfeed and talk about what life with a new baby is like, and often feel better prepared when difficulties arise.

The decision to breastfeed needs to be made by parents based on good information and once that decision is made, and for exclusive breastfeeding for six months to become the norm, women need good support afterwards. Six months can seem a very long time to a new mother and setting smaller goals along the way can be helpful. Sadly, many women decide to stop breastfeeding because of early difficulties, before they experience the benefits of breastfeeding and the pleasure it can be to exclusively nurse a child. For breastfeeding to become the norm in our society we need to have information on breastfeeding presented in schools as the normal way to feed a baby, accurate information about the realities of parenting and support and acceptance of breastfeeding in public spaces. In an ideal society women would not feel pressurised to breastfeed but would make a positive decision to do so, and feel supported in their choice. Although that may not yet be a reality for all women it is important to aim for it to become so.

Written by Anna Burbidge, on behalf of La Leche League GB March 14 2012