The basic philosophy of La Leche League is summarized in the
following statements:
Mothering through breastfeeding is the most natural and effective
way of understanding and satisfying the needs of the baby.
Mother and baby need to be together early and often to establish a
satisfying relationship and an adequate milk supply.
In the early years the baby has an intense need to be with his
mother which is as basic as his need for food.
Breast milk is the superior infant food.
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.
Ideally the breastfeeding relationship will continue until the baby
outgrows the need.
Alert and active participation by the mother in childbirth is a
help in getting breastfeeding off to a good start.
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.
Good nutrition means eating a well-balanced and varied diet of
foods in as close to their natural state as possible.
From infancy on, children need loving guidance which reflects
acceptance of their capabilities and sensitivity to their feelings.
The ideals and principles of mothering which are the foundation of
LLL's beliefs are further developed in
