4 - Wednesday, November 2, 1988 - Capilano Chronicle “photo Mike Waketield CHILDREN ARE welcome at the La Leche meetings that are held monthly at North Lonsdale United Church. Mothers who are breast-feeding their babies meet together to exchange advice and encouragement. Nursing moms supported THE SOCIAL sanctioning and support of breastfeeding so often missing in our society is provided to North Shore mothers by two La Leche League groups. “Society doesn’t always place much importance-on breastfeeding, but it is of great emotional as well as nutritional value,"* says Sandra Yates of the local league, which meets every third Tuesday at North Lonsdale United Church. A newly formed evening group meets in private homes. Active on the North Shore since 1973, La Leche League began in the U.S. over 30 years ago, spreading to 43 countries around the world. Although nursing is a natural process, it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. The league’s four local feaders have gone through extensive training so that they can provide nursing mothers with in- formation, support and assistance. A group of regular members assist with the organization of the mectings, and through their fees support the national and interna- tional organization. - The Spanish name of the group, La Leche, was inspired by a shrine in St. Augustine, Florida, called Nuestra Senora de La Leche y Buen Parto, which means ‘Our Lady of Happy Delivery and Plen- tiful Milk.*” The monthly meetings are orga- | nized around various topics, in- cluding the advantages of breastfeeding to mother and baby, the family and the breastfed baby, the art of breastfeeding, avoiding difficulties, nutrition and weaning. “Part of what we do is provide role models, so that women can sce other women breastfecding discreetly — keeping in mind the sensitivities of other people that might be around,” says Yates. Each group maintains. a lending library covering a variety of topics, MAUREEN CURTI Contributing Writer including childbirth, breastfeeding, nutrition and parenting. Babies are always welcome at La Leche League meetings, and preg- nant women are encouraged to at- tend prior to delivery. i When a leader feels that a nurs- ing mother needs more assistance, she can refer her to a lactation consultant, whose work can be covered under the medical plan. - These consultants operate in private practice and out of the fac- tation clinic at Vancouver General Hospital. “There are more options for nursing mothers — the profes- sional support is growing,’’ says Yates. Although a special Mothers of Multiples (twins, triplets) group is no longer functioning, these mothers are still active in La Leche League and held a successful an- nual Double Take swap meet, in Vancouver, Sept. 10. A 24-hour telephone contact service will put mothers in touch with the nearest ‘accredited La Leche League leader to provide in- formation and assistance. Call 736-3244, You'll look great in your newly cleaned 3115 Lonsdale Ave. North Van. 980-7311 COMBAT HIGH PRICES Canadian, U.S. and European Army clothing © Work clothing © Footwear TUES.-SAT. 10-5 FRIDAYS TILL 9 - { SUNDAY 12-5 ian ae LYNN VALLEY SURPLUS " ACROSS FROM 7-11 3050 MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY 983-204 How to relax with y spa or hot tub. Chances are. when you bought your spa or hot tub, no one bothered to tell you how to take care of it. So maybe the very thing that was supposed to help you rekex is making you tense. Bring your spa to BioGuard and we'll take the worry out of spa care. We can test and analyze the water and put you on a simple treatment program to keep your spa healthy. So don't get steamed, relax with your spa or tub-with BioGuard. ax Bring your spa eS to BioGuard. Bio Guard \ . Pool & Spa NS a Chemicals SPOONS s ' maintenance our specialty 986-0069 |f 986-3318 1§ Business built on service 1225 Welch St. North