La Leche League International Inc

Overview

La Leche League International Inc (LLLI) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting breastfeeding and providing mother-to-mother support worldwide. It was initially founded in 1956 in Franklin Park, Illinois, USA, by Marian Thompson, Mary White, Mary Ann Cahill, Edwina Froehlich, Mary Ann Kerwin, Viola Lennon, and Betty Wagner. The organization expanded its scope to become international in 1964, with groups in Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand, and now operates in approximately 89 countries.

Mission

LLLI's mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education. It aims to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of both the baby and mother[3][5].

Activities

The organization offers meetings led by trained Leaders who facilitate discussions and provide support and resources for breastfeeding families. These meetings often take place in homes, hospitals, and community centers. LLLI also provides educational materials and advocates for breastfeeding-friendly policies.

History

La Leche League was founded at a time when breastfeeding was not widely practiced in many parts of the world. For example, in the United States, only about 20% of babies were breastfed when the organization was established[2]. Over the years, LLLI has grown significantly, receiving consultative status with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in 1981[2].

International Presence

LLLI has a global presence, with affiliates and groups in numerous countries, making it a leading international advocate for breastfeeding. Despite its international scope, it has faced internal challenges and controversies, including issues related to diversity and inclusion.

Controversy

In recent years, La Leche League International faced controversy when one of its founders, Marian Tompson, resigned due to the inclusion of transgender individuals in the organization[2]. This has led to discussions about inclusivity and diversity within the organization's framework.

Financial and Governance

For information on financial metrics and governance, interested parties can access tools like GuideStar Pro to analyze data and insights from similar organizations[3]. However, detailed financial information and governance specifics are not publicly available in the provided sources.