La Leche League of South Bend

Save the Date for our annual World Breastfeeding Week picnic and Live, Love, Latch challenge!  We can't wait to see you, your friends, & family there!

Have you been up to your ears in family and holidays? Fortunately  Tuesdays are great opportunities to get out and socialize with other mamas! Our monthly playgroup is next week at 10:15 at the downtown library. It  opens at 10 if you'd like to to pop upstairs to borrow books and toys before heading down to the Humphrey's Room where LLL mamas and babes will be gathering. Our usual hosts, Sarah and Alice won't be able to make it this month, but Caroline and Amelia have graciously offered to fill in to welcome you!  Those of you with tiny babies or those still in utero, please know that this playgroup is for you too! Support from other mothers is what we're all about:) Tuesday, January 6 between 10:15 and noon 304 South Main Street  South Bend, Indiana 46601  http://www.sjcpl.org/main/ Humphreys Multimedia Room:  http://www.sjcpl.org/meetingrooms/

At next week's meeting, Tama's big kids are continuing their adorable holiday tradition of throwing a party for LLL mamas, babies, and children. They will have toddler-friendly games, snacks and art projects--there will even be a project for the tiniest babies among us. Partners, siblings, friends and relatives are also welcome! This is also a nice chance for former LLL families to reconnect with the group! If you find yourself needing breastfeeding support, there will be Leaders and other mothers aplenty to lend an ear. Come celebrate with us between  10-noon , Tuesday, December 23 Harris Branch Library 51446 Elm Road Granger, IN  46530 We will also have our ***NEW*** car decals available for a $5 donation. OR, you can get one free if you become a member of our South Bend LLL group!

At our next meeting we'll share our ideas about dealing with the holidays as parents of littles. Do you have tips for fielding family questions/opinions about parenting and breastfeeding choices? Traveling with babies and children? Keeping ourselves and our kids healthy in the midst of cookies and germs?  Trying to maintain some semblance of routine amongst the craziness? Of course we will always have time for concerns you might have and insights you'd like to share, along with general chatting, support, and  library perusal. We're looking forward to seeing you at  10am Tuesday, November 18 Sunnyside Presbyterian Church 115 S. Frances St. South Bend, IN 46617 ***And save the date for the following week's meeting at Harris Branch Library about Starting Solids and Family Nutrition!*** A donation will be made to our group when you shop on Amazon if you click here:  http://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-2310043 Chec...

Although each nursing couple is unique, one thing we know for certain is that all breastfeeding relationships change and progress as time goes on. At this week's morning meeting we'll chat about nursing our babies into toddlerhood, and all the amusing and at times frustrating things that go with it!  These can be great opportunities to work on setting limits using gentle discipline. Respectful and gradual weaning is something we often think about at this stage, as well as dealing with questions of whether to continue nursing in public, and fielding questions and criticism from others.  And we always make space for any other concerns or questions you may have! See you Tuesday, October 28 @10am Harris Branch Library 51446 Elm Rd Granger, IN 46530

Tomorrow is the day of the LLL of South Bend Family Picnic!  Pack a picnic lunch and join us at Potawatomi Park between 10-1 to visit and play with other LLL families! We are also doing a photo fundraiser for our local group--see the attached notice! The FB invitation is here--feel free to invite friends, and you are certainly welcome to come even if you don't RSVP! https://www.facebook.com/events/265456876992513/?ref=22 And on Tuesday we'll be at Parkovash Park for our monthly playgroup, where there is room for mamas to walk around with their wee ones snuggled in slings, toddlers to run, climb, and swing, and nice shady spots for babies and mamas to sit and visit. Come on out and join us--no baby is too young for a mama to benefit from a playgroup! (Even the ones still inutero!)  Our new playgroup hosts, Sarah and her little one Alice, will be there to greet friends, old and new! See you on Tuesday, July 1, between 10am-noon Parkovash Park ...

Thinking about starting solids? Dealing with a picky toddler or preschooler? Concerned about addressing extended family ideas of what your baby should be eating over the holidays? Wondering about how best to care for your own nutritional needs as a nursing mother? At next week's meeting we'll share ideas for introducing first foods and encouraging nutritious eating for ourselves and our children.  We'll start with our 15 minute video about baby-led solids, and then move into our meeting. As always, we will have room for  your breastfeeding questions, concerns, and successes. We're looking forward to seeing you at 10am on Tuesday, February 18 Sunnyside Presbyterian Church 115 S. Frances St. South Bend, IN 46617

Are you thinking about starting solids? Dealing with a picky toddler or preschooler? Concerned about addressing extended family ideas of what your baby should be eating over the holidays? Wondering about how best to care for your own nutritional needs as a nursing mother? At next week's meeting we'll share ideas for introducing first foods and encouraging nutritious eating for ourselves and our children.  We'll start with our 15 minute video about baby-led solids, and then move into our meeting. As always, we will have room for  your breastfeeding questions, concerns, and successes. 10am on Tuesday, November 26 Women's Care Center 360 N. Notre Dame Ave. (where it intersects with La Salle Ave.) South Bend, Indiana 46617 **There is still time to submit our name for the 1st Source Bank donation! http://lllofsouthbend.blogspot.com/2013/11/help-us-help-you.html

At our next meeting we'll share our ideas about dealing with the holidays as parents of young ones. Do you have tips for fielding family questions/opinions about parenting and breastfeeding choices? Traveling with babies and children? Keeping ourselves and our kids healthy in the midst of cookies and germs?  Trying to maintain some semblance of routine amongst the craziness? Of course we will always have time for concerns you might have and insights you'd like to share, along with general chatting, support, and  library perusal. We're looking forward to seeing you at  10am Tuesday, November 19 Sunnyside Presbyterian Church 115 S. Frances St. South Bend, IN 46617 And save the date for the following week's meeting at Women's Care Center about Starting Solids and Family Nutrition!

Winter seems to be upon us, so we will move our monthly 1st Tuesday playgroup inside until spring! Please join us on Tuesday at the Main Library in downtown South Bend--we have again reserved the Humphrey's room in the basement where there is plenty of room for crawlers to crawl, big kids to play, and mamas and babies to cuddle, nurse, and chat. Feel free to bring toys to share or pop upstairs to borrow books and toys for the morning! And those of you with tiny babes or babes still in utero, please know that this playgroup is for you too! Support from other mothers is what we're all about:) Tuesday, November 5 between 10 and noon 304 South Main Street  South Bend, Indiana 46601  http://www.sjcpl.org/main/ Humphreys Multimedia Room:  http://www.sjcpl.org/meetingrooms/

As our babies grow and change, so does the breastfeeding relationship. At this week's morning meeting we'll chat about nursing our babies towards toddlerhood, and all the amusing and at times frustrating things that go with it! This is a great opportunity to work on gentle discipline--as  The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding  says, "Knowing what your child needs and what's underneath his behavior means that you can provide loving guidance that teaches appropriate behavior within the limits and capabilities of your unique child."  Respectful and gradual weang is something we often think about at this stage, as well as dealing with questions of whether to continue nursing in public or at night, and fielding questions and criticism from others. Find support in your fellow mamas with tales from the trenches, or get a glimpse of the fun that lays in store as your baby grows! And we always make space for any other concerns or questions you may ...

Let's try for one last outdoor playgroup! Come on out for the 1st Tuesday of the month La Leche League playgroup at Parkovash Park between 10 and noon next Tuesday for some informal chat time for Mamas and play time for kiddos. No baby is too young for a mama to benefit from a playgroup! (Even those still in utero...) 10am Tuesday, October 1 Parkovash Park 277 Parkovash Avenue South Bend, Indiana 46617 http://sbpark.org/parks/parkovash-park/

Are you thinking about starting solids? Dealing with a picky toddler or preschooler? Wondering about how best to care for your own nutritional needs as a nursing mother? At next week's meeting we'll share ideas for introducing first foods and encouraging nutritious eating for ourselves and our children.  We'll start with our 15 minute video about baby-led solids, and then move into our meeting. As always, we will have room for  your breastfeeding questions, concerns, and successes. We're looking forward to seeing you at 10am on Tuesday, September 17th Sunnyside Presbyterian Church 115 S. Frances St. South Bend, IN 46617

La Leche League of South Bend invites breastfeeding families to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week Where: Potawatomi Park  500 S. Greenlawn Avenue
 South Bend IN We reserved a picnic area between the playground and splash pad. Look for  balloons! When: Saturday August 3 rd *10:00am Participate in The BIG Latch On! Show your unity and support for breastfeeding with moms and babies around the world. Check out www.biglatchon.org for more information. *11:00am Picnic! Bring a picnic for your family and enjoy the super fun park with a splash pad and playground. La Leche League will provide cupcakes. *Families are welcome to come anytime during the celebration. *Invite your breastfeeding friends for more fun! Please share on Facebook! For more information: Mistel de Varona - Mistel_deVarona@yahoo.com and visit: www.lllofsouthbend.blogspot.com www.sbpark.org www.biglatchon.org ...

The first Tuesday of every month we gather informally for a playgroup in the park! We'll be at Parkovash Park between 10 and noon next Tuesday, July 2. I hope you'll join your fellow Mamas for some informal chat time and play time for kiddos. And those of you with tiny babes or those still in utero, please know that this playgroup is for you too! Playgroups are for Mamas just as much as for children (if not more!) http://sbpark.org/parks/parkovash-park/

Is your nursing relationship changing as your baby moves towards (or through) toddlerhood? Are you thinking about getting pregnant again but aren't sure whether you should wean first? Wondering about nursing through pregnancy and continuing to tandem nurse once the new baby is here?  If you are curious about any of these issues, or have experiences to share, please join us at the next LLL morning meeting! And even if these topics aren't relevant to you right now, come enjoy the camaraderie, commiseration and support of other nursing mamas. And we always make space for any other concerns or questions you may have! See you  Tuesday, June 18 @10am Sunnyside Presbyterian Church 115 S. Frances St. South Bend, IN 46617 Here's some valuable information about breastfeeding past infancy:  http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/

At the last 3rd Tuesday meeting, Tama shared her awesome resources for fun in the summertime! In case you missed it or lost your copy, here it is! Fuller’s Camp Ground 1622 East Clear Lake Road Buchanan, MI 49107-9599 (269) 695-3785 - Fax: (269) 695-4066 Email: info@fullersresort.com www.fullersresort.com Daily Gate Fee: Adults: $3.00 Senior Citizens 65 and over: $2.00 Children 12 years of age and under: $1.75 After 6 pm to dusk: $1.00 Kennedy Water Playground Kennedy Water playground opens June 9, 2011 Located in Kennedy Park 2700 West more, South Bend Located at Kennedy Park, Kennedy Water Playground is a low depth interactive water playground. Kennedy also has locker rooms and a concession stand. Fee: Ages 0 – 2: free         Ages 3 – 10: $4         Ages 11 & over: $5 Times: 11-5 Mon - Sat, noon-5 on Sundays St. Joe Library has too man...

Summer is almost upon us--does anyone have plans for a beach visit? Roadtrip? Airplane journey? Looking for summer activities in Michiana to enjoy with your babies and toddlers? Summer adventures can bring new challenges when we're attempting them with our nurslings. Tuesday's meeting will be a chance for us to share tips and ideas about traveling and fun in the sun with wee ones.  Of course we will always have time for concerns you might have and insights you'd like to share, along with general chatting, support, and  library perusal. Looking forward to seeing you Tuesday, May 21 at 10am Sunnyside Presbyterian Church 115 S. Frances St. South Bend, IN 46617

It's been a long couple of weeks what with a snow cancelation and a rare 5th Tuesday, but thankfully with the dawn of February LLL is back in full swing! Our monthly playgroup is coming up next week--please join us on Tuesday at the Main Library in downtown South Bend--we have the Humphreys room in the basement reserved where there is plenty of room for crawlers to crawl, big kids to play, and mamas and babies to cuddle, nurse, and chat. Our intrepid playgroup host Olivia will be on hand so that you'll know you're in the right spot! Feel free to bring toys to share or pop upstairs to borrow books and toys. And those of you with tiny babes or babes still in utero, please know that this playgroup is for you too! Support among mothers is what we're all about:) Tuesday, February 5 between 10 and noon 304 South Main Street  South Bend, Indiana 46601  http://www.sjcpl.org/main/ Humphreys Multimedia Room:  http://www.sjcpl.org/meetingrooms/

Although each nursing couple is unique, one thing we know for certain is that all breastfeeding relationships change and progress as time goes on. At this week's morning meeting we'll chat about nursing our babies into toddlerhood, and all the amusing and at times frustrating things that go with it! These can be great opportunities to work on gentle discipline--as the most recent edition of  The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding  says, "Knowing what your child needs and what's underneath his behavior means that you can provide loving guidance that teaches appropriate behavior within the limits and capabilities of your unique child." Respectful and gradual weaning is something we often think about at this stage, as well as dealing with questions of whether to continue nursing in public, and fielding questions and criticism from others.  And we always make space for any other concerns or questions you may have! See you  Tuesday, January 15 @10am ...