La Leche League of Greater Athens

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Series Meetings This Week

2010-09-15T18:22:00.003-04:00

La Leche League Series Meetings - Thursday, September 16

10am & 7pm

St. Stephen's Church & Two Story Coffee House

Bring a friend!

La Leche League of Georgia - Annual Breastfeeding & Parenting Conference 2010

2010-09-09T10:25:00.004-04:00

Time to register for this year's Breastfeeding & Parenting Conference. Online registration! LLL of Georgia

La Leche League of Greater Athens - September Series Meetings

2010-09-09T10:11:00.004-04:00

Toddler/Enrichment Meeting

First Thursday of each Month - 10 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE!

This meeting is taking a hiatus until January 2011. (cancelled) Please plan to attend the AM or PM Series Meetings - Third Thursday of each Month.

zAM & PM Series Meetingsz

“Breastfeeding Management 101”

Third Thursday of each Month

Thursday, September 16, 2010 - 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

The ins and outs of breastfeeding management.

As always, we will address any questions or concerns the group may have.

Infants, babies, & toddlers are welcome!

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Series Meetings Next Week

2010-08-12T10:30:00.004-04:00

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Series Meetings

AM Series Meeting

10:00 am

St. Stephen's Church, Timothy Rd., Athens

PM Series Meeting

7:00 pm

Two Story Coffee House, Lumpkin St., Athens

Mamas, babies, toddlers are welcome! Bring a friend!

La Leche League of Greater Athens - July 2010 Meetings

2010-07-13T11:21:00.003-04:00

Reminder! Series Meetings this week Thursday- 10am & 7pm - Come celebrate the new 8th edition of THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING - here this week! Bring your own older copy of the book, and we'll reminisce a little. ♥

La Leche League of Greater Athens - July 2010 Meetings

2010-07-03T21:17:00.005-04:00

zAM & PM Series Meetingsz

“The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding”

Third Thursday of each Month

Thursday, July 15, 2010 - 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Come to celebrate La Leche League International’s newly revised 8th edition of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding - the BEST reference book ever written!

As always, we will address any questions or concerns the group may have.

Infants, babies, & toddlers are welcome!

La Leche League of Greater Athens - June 2010 Meetings

2010-06-06T21:36:00.007-04:00

AM & PM Series Meetings

“Breastfeeding is natural, but . . .”

Third Thursday of each Month

Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Join us this month as we discuss how breastfeeding is a natural thing to do, but sometimes we encounter difficulties.

As always, we will address any questions or concerns the group may have.

Infants, babies, & toddlers are welcome!

Things to do this spring and summer...

2010-05-12T10:36:00.005-04:00

First, let me apologize for how long it's taken to get this list up! We were experiencing some technical difficulties, so thanks for bearing with us. This list was compiled at one of our enrichment meetings where we discussed different things to keep our kids and families busy during the spring and summer months. Ideas included for things to do at home and some options around town. Thanks to all the lovely ladies who came and offered their suggestions...

Things to do in your own backyard…

1. Take some time to prepare your backyard for a season of fun! Child-proof it as much as possible, put out materials and toys that will keep your kids interested...create a place they’ll want to spend time. Pick a spot in the yard and surrender it to your kids for the summer! Let them dig, water, splash, plant, whatever they can imagine without worrying what the neighbors will think!

2. If a tree house is too big a project to undertake, build a fort or tee-pee out of bamboo poles, sheets and blankets. Your kids can add onto it throughout the summer and a waterproof tarp will make it a special place even on rainy days.

3. Create a family time capsule and bury it in the yard around your house. Let each child choose something to include…a drawing, a letter, a photo, etc.

4. Build your own outdoor obstacle course.

5. Have a family camp-out right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent, have a picnic dinner, toast marshmallows and tell stories. Invite friends over to join in the fun!

6. Dig an archaeology site in the yard. Allow your little explorers to search for fossils and buried treasure…parents can “refill” items during naps or after bedtime.

7. Plant a garden and allow each family member a small section to plant and care for whatever they choose.

8. Join the summer reading program at your local library.

9. Celebrate the birthday of your child’s special stuffed animal, doll or pet. Any excuse to bake a cake, light candles and make wishes!

Things to do around town…

1. Pick strawberries or blueberries at Washington Farms in Watkinsville. Buffalo Creek is a wonderful orchard in Oglethorpe County for picking your own blueberries.

2. Attend a UGA sporting event. Women’s softball games are free of charge and Men’s baseball games are $5/ticket.

3. Find outdoor concerts in your area

4. Visit the UGA farm on Milledge (across from the Botanical Gardens) to see the spring lambs.

5. Attend a kids’ clinic at Lowe’s or Home Depot (free) or Michaels (small fee).

6. Children’s story times are held at libraries in Athens and all surrounding counties.

7. Visit the Athens Farmer’s Market and play at Bishop Park.

8. Turn your ordinary PB&J into something special by packing a picnic lunch to take to the park or eat in your own backyard!

9. Check out the cheap shows for the latest family-friendly movie.

10. Visit Bear Hollow at Memorial Park when they feed the animals or open the Exhibit Hall.

11. Bring the whole family to participate in the many Fun Runs held at local schools.

12. Spend an afternoon going to yard sales searching for inexpensive, but beloved treasures.

13. Visit J&J Flea Market or Pendergrass Flea Market

14. Go for a swim at Sandy Creek Park or take a hike at Sandy Creek Nature Center. The Nature Center is perfect for those scorching summer days!

15. Take a yoga lessons with your kids.

16. Enjoy one of the area’s festivals like Twilight Criterium.

17. Kids’ Dance Parties at Clocked Restaurant

18. Hodgson’s Ice Cream

19. Tour the local fire station

20. Take in a show at the UGA Performing Arts Center

21. Chick-Fil-A special events like “Daddy-Daughter Date Night)

Favorite Pools in the Athens areas…

1. Green Acres

2. Memorial Park

3. Bishop Park

4. Legion Park

Favorite Parks & Playgrounds…

1. Bishop Park- for younger kids

2. Memorial Park- ducks, dog park, wildlife zoo

3. Chase Street Elementary- after 6 p.m., or when school is not in session

4. Barnett Shoals Elementary- barnyard animals

5. Pittard Park- playgrounds for younger and older kids

Georgia Breastfeeding Awareness Month

2010-05-07T20:23:00.003-04:00

May is Georgia Breastfeeding

Awareness Month!

Bring awareness to the Athens Community by reminding people that breastfeeding is important and, normal.

Join the Athens Breastfeeding Coalition as they host. . .

Breastfeeding in the Park

Saturday, May 15, 2010

10 am - 2 pm

Memorial Park, Athens

Shelter #2

All nursing moms, moms-to-be, and anyone with a passion for breastfeeding are invited to join the coalition for a fun-filled day of food, prizes, and breastfeeding education.

Representatives from Athens Regional Medical Center, St. Mary’s Hospital, La Leche League of Athens, and Moms Helping Moms Peer Counselors will be present to provide information about lactation.

See you there!

La Leche League of Greater Athens - May 2010 Meetings

2010-05-07T20:06:00.004-04:00

zAM & PM Series Meetingsz

“The Awesomeness of Breast Milk”

Third Thursday of each Month

Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Join us this month as we discuss “The Awesomeness of Breast Milk.”As always, we will address any questions or concerns the group may have.

Infants, babies, & toddlers are welcome!

La Leche League of Greater Athens - May Enrichment Meeting

2010-05-03T12:46:00.005-04:00

La Leche League Enrichment Meeting - Thursday, May 6, 2010

"Parenting: share the love AND your resources!!"

Come join us for a casual enrichment meeting discussion where we create a compilation of all our favorite online resources. Where do you find new ideas? What are the blogs that inspire you? Where do you find great information and inspiration? Please jot down your best of the best and come ready to share. Notes will be taken, lists will be made, and everyone will receive a copy of the information shared.

La Leche League of Greater Athens - April 2010 Meetings

2010-04-13T20:49:00.004-04:00

AM & PM Series Meetings

“Feeding the Family ”

Third Thursday of each Month

Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Join us this month as we discuss “Feeding the Family,”As always, we will address any questions or concerns the group may have.

Infants, babies, & toddlers are welcome!

La Leche League of Georgia - Annual Breastfeeding & Parenting Conference 2010

2010-03-14T13:27:00.005-04:00

La Leche League of Georgia - Breastfeeding & Parenting Conference 2010

October 1,2,3, 2010

Callaway Gardens

Pine Mountain, GA

website

Lots more exciting conference news to follow - soon!

Subscribe or RSS the blog to stay in touch.

La Leche League of Greater Athens - March 2010 Meetings

2010-03-02T12:30:00.007-05:00

z Enrichment Meetingz

“Spring Fever”

March 4 - 10 a.m.

Join us to hear how other families will be enjoying the warm weather that’s coming our way! We’ll brainstorm and share ideas for fun, inexpensive/free places to take your kids and activities to do with them at home, too. Plan to leave inspired and full of ideas to keep your kids happy this spring and summer!

As always, we will address any questions or concerns the group may have.

zAM & PM Series Meetingsz

“Breastfeeding Maintenance 101”

Third Thursday of each Month

Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Join us this month as we discuss Breastfeeding Maintenance basics, and how to avoid or overcome some common difficulties. As always, we will address any questions or concerns the group may have.

Infants, babies, & toddlers are welcome!

La Leche League of Greater Athens - February 2010 Meetings

2010-02-01T16:51:00.008-05:00

Toddler Meeting - Thursday, February 4 - 10 a.m.

"Tot Wars" St. Stephen's Church, Athens

Thursday, February 18 - 10am & 7pm "Adjusting to a New Baby" St. Stephen's Church (AM) & Two Story Coffee House (PM)

La Leche League of Greater Athens - January 2010 Meetings

2010-01-03T14:57:00.005-05:00

z Enrichment Meetingz

“2010 Kick-Off!”

First Thursday of January

January 7, 2010 - 10 a.m.

Let's talk about what we're excited about in our lives... what's already working, what we're planning to tweak, and the many ways we're looking forward to enjoying 2010. Need a little inspiration? I'm sure there will be plenty to share, so come and join us!

As always, we will address any questions or concerns the group may have.

Infants, babies, & toddlers are welcome!

zAM & PM Series Meetingsz

“Breast Milk is Best - Cold & Flu Season”

Third Thursday of each Month

Thursday, January 21, 2010 - 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Join us this month as we discuss all the great ways that “breast milk is best” during cold & flu season. As always, we will address any questions or concerns the group may have.

Infants, babies, & toddlers are welcome!

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Holiday Social

2009-11-28T21:11:00.007-05:00

Holiday Social - Thursday, December 3, 2009

10 a.m.

St. Stephen's Church

Timothy Rd., Athens

Come for our annual Holiday Social! Bring a snack to share while we chat about ways to manage (and enjoy) the Holidays with babies and kids.

As always, there will be time for any questions or concerns the group may have.

Happy Holidays!

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Fall Family Picnic

2009-09-20T19:49:00.006-04:00

La Leche League of Greater Athens invites you & your family to our

Fall Family Picnic!

Bring a dish to share & a blanket to sit on, and enjoy a nice evening with friends!

We'll plan to start dinner shortly after 6:00 pm, as the evenings are getting shorter everyday.

See you there!

*no rain date

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Series Meetings This Week

2009-09-16T12:11:00.003-04:00

AM & PM Series Meetings - Tomorrow - Thursday, September 17, 2009

Join us this month as we highlight the awesome qualities of breast milk. As always, we will address any questions or concerns the group may have.

Infants, babies, & toddlers are welcome!

photo:sara wise photography

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Toddler Meeting

2009-08-31T16:12:00.006-04:00

Toddler Meeting

“Anger Strategies”

Thursday, September 3, 2009 - 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Join us this month where we'll discuss strategies for managing angry mama feelings in constructive ways... both for our own sake, and for the sake of modeling healthy emotional behavior for our children.

References from: Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves by Naomi Aldort,

Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline by Becky Bailey, and

The Explosive Child by Ross Greene.

It's never too soon to attend a Toddler Meeting - Babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers are welcome!

Dr. Jack Newman - Comes to Athens!

2009-08-07T19:12:00.009-04:00

Traditional and Modern Strategies

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Center for Continuing Education University of Georgia

Athens, GA

Conference Information & Registration: Dr. Newman Presents

Sponsored by the Community Breastfeeding Coalition & Northeast Health District

Dr. Jack Newman Website

Mark your calendar, this is something you don't want to miss!

World Breastfeeding Week

2009-07-27T14:58:00.003-04:00

World Breastfeeding Week 2009

1-7 August 2009

Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response
Are you ready?

OBJECTIVES of WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK 2009

• To draw attention to the vital role that breastfeeding plays in emergencies worldwide.

• To stress the need for active protection and support of breastfeeding before and during emergencies.

• To inform mothers, breastfeeding advocates, communities, health professionals, governments, aid agencies, donors, and the media on how they can actively support breastfeeding before and during an emergency.

• To mobilize action and nurture networking and collaboration between those with breastfeeding skills and those involved in emergency response.

RATIONALE

• Children are the most vulnerable in emergencies – child mortality can soar from 2 to 70 times higher than average due to diarrhea, respiratory illness and malnutrition.

• Breastfeeding is a life saving intervention and protection is greatest for the youngest infants. Even in non-emergency settings, non-breastfed babies under 2 months of age are six times more likely to die.

• Emergencies can happen anywhere in the world. Emergencies destroy what is ‘normal,’ leaving caregivers struggling to cope and infants vulnerable to disease and death.

• During emergencies, mothers need active support to continue or re-establish breastfeeding.

• Emergency preparedness is vital. Supporting breastfeeding in non-emergency settings will strengthen mothers’ capacity to cope in an emergency.

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Series Meetings Next Week

2009-07-07T12:29:00.007-04:00

Questions?

Expecting your first baby, soon?

Do you feel ready to breastfeed for the first time?

Do you have questions about breastfeeding your new baby?

Have you heard conflicting advice about breastfeeding?

Would you like to talk to experienced breastfeeding mothers?

Would you like to hear what's normal and what-to-expect?

Are you feeling a little apprehensive about breastfeeding for the first time?

Are you wondering if your feelings are normal?

Are you wondering how to manage breastfeeding right after birth?

Are you wondering how to manage breastfeeding when you get home; alone, or around visitors?

Do you have some of these questions? We answer these questions, plus many more, at every LLL Meeting, each month of the year! So, please come to this month's Series Meeting (Thursday, July 16) to have your questions answered - it's never too early or too late!

La Leche League of Greater Athens is an on-going support group of women who breastfeed their babies, facilitated by accredited LLL Leaders. All women are encouraged to attend - bring a friend!

AM Breastfeeding Support Series Meeting:
3rd Thursday of each Month
St. Stephen's Anglican Church
Timothy Road, Athens, GA
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

PM Breastfeeding Support Series Meeting
3rd Thursday of each Month
2 Story Coffee House
1620 S. Lumpkin St.
Athens, GA 30601
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

See you there!

Athens Maternity & Baby Fair

2009-07-07T12:07:00.005-04:00

Look for La Leche League of Greater Athens at this year's Maternity & Baby Fair! We'll have an exhibit booth there - so stop by and say hello!

Mama Tested, Mama Approved

2009-06-11T21:56:00.005-04:00

I scribbled frantically through last Thursday's LLL meeting to capture the great ideas and recipes that were shared… and here’s the list! Please let me know if I didn’t faithfully record your recipe and I’ll be happy to edit. ☺
Meal Ideas
Baked Oatmeal -
3 c rolled oats (not instant, if gluten free- make sure they are certified)
1/2 c brown sugar
2 t cinnamon
2 t baking powder
1 t salt
2 T flax meal (optional)
1 c milk (or soymilk, water)
2 eggs
2 t vanilla
1/4 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup dried fruit
I used a 4 quart round crockpot. You're baking this, but no need to vent the lid of the crock; keep all the moisture in. I really wanted this to take 6 hours on low so I could see if it could be done overnight. It took 4 3/4 on low for me, so unless you hardly sleep do it during the day so you can keep an eye on it!
Mix all the ingredients in the crockpot. I dumped in all the dry stuff, then added the melted butter and milk. Stir well with a spoon -- make sure the baking powder gets dispersed evenly.
Cover and cook on low for 3-5 hours, checking every so often. This is done with the edges are brown and beginning to crust, and the center is set. An inserted knife should come out clean.
Let it sit in the cooling crockpot for at least an hour before attempting to cut. The longer you let it sit, the more set and brownie-like the pieces will be.
OR bake in a 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes, until set.

Curry Chicken
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (mine were frozen solid)
1 onion, sliced
6 garlic cloves, chopped
4 T butter
15 cardamom pods
2 t curry
1/2 t cayenne pepper
2 t garam masala
1/2 t ground ginger
1 can coconut milk
1 can (6oz) tomato paste
2 T lemon juice
1 c plain yogurt (to add at end)
large bunch of chopped fresh spinach
Use a 5 qt or larger crock pot. Put chicken in crockpot, add onion, garlic and all of the dry spices. Plop in the butter and tomato paste. Add lemon juice and coconut milk. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4. The chicken should shred easily with 2 forks when fully cooked. Add fresh spinach and let cook until just wilted. Stir in plain yogurt 15 minutes before serving. Discard cardamom pods. Salt to taste, serve with white or brown basmiti rice.

Quesadillas – Top a whole grain tortilla with cheese, black beans, chopped zucchini, grape tomatoes, avocado. Top with another tortilla and heat in a lightly buttered skillet. Serve with salsa.

Fish Tacos – heat talipia in skillet, season with salt and pepper. Wrap in tortilla, taco style, and top with cheese and your favorite tex-mex toppings.

Salmon – remove skin. Toss in sesame/soy sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, pan fry. Turn fish and finish in oven.

Salmon - Place a ring of wadded-up aluminum foil in a deep skillet. Place a dinner plate on the foil, then add water to the skillet. The water should not reach the level of the plate. Drizzle salmon and plate with olive oil, then top fish with lemon slices and dill. Steam for 5-10 minutes.

Fish - cook in foil packets in the toaster oven. It seems to work better to use more small packets than one large. Add onions, lemons and tomatoes if you want.

Cabbage – cut in thirds and slice thinly (almost like small noodles) then sautee in olive oil and salt. Even the 4 year old approved!

Raw Cabbage Slaw - Toss thinly sliced cabbage and carrots with a drizzle of honey, vinegar, diced dried apricots and raisins. Let sit in the fridge overnight, then enjoy.

Black Bean Burgers – especially with walnuts and mushrooms...

Quiche – 3 eggs, 1/2 cup milk or half-&-half, cheese and veggies. A crust is optional... bake until done. Moms especially seem to like steamed spinach. ;)

Quiche - Brown rice layered with egg and cheese in a baking dish. Add diced asparagus, diced mushrooms and spinach with feta cheese. This is a great use for leftover rice.

Veggie Sloppy Joes - green lentils, onion, celery, catsup, balsamic vinegar, water in a crock pot. The veggies keep a great texture!

Snack Ideas
smoothies

cheese chunks

cheese-and-crackers

any kind of fruit, dried or fresh

veggie sticks

granola and yogurt

mac-n-cheese-wieners and broccoli (just a spoonful of mac-n-cheese helps the broccoli go down!)

walnuts, raisins, apricots, occasional chocolate chips for trail mix

muffins

sliced french loaf with yogurt and raisins, peanut butter

eggs - scrambled, sandwich, yummy with cheese

Favorite Recipe Sources
Whole Foods for the Whole Family
Feeding the Whole Family
How it all Vegan
How to Cook Everything
Busy Mom's Slow Cooker Cookbook
Dr. Sear's Family Nutrition Book
allrecipes.com
Betty Crocker Cookbook
Nourishing Traditions

Our Favorite Recipes

2009-06-04T21:31:00.003-04:00

Today's meeting was a big success. We were pleasantly surprised to have such a great turn out on this rainy morn. Melanie and Kate chose to lead a discussion on planning meals and snacks for the family. It can be a challenge at times to keep it interesting with 3 meals and probably 2 snacks a day; feeding ourselves and our yungins something delicious and nutritious is a grand task. I am so glad to have had this discussion as I wanted us all to have a recipe share months ago, and I failed to write this post as I had promised. Well, better late than never ; )

Thanks to Emily for coming to the meeting with not one, but two recipes in hand with copies for all!! I plan to try the oatmeal bake very soon, and maybe next time we can get you to bring your famous spanakopita recipe. Mmmmmm Many of us have enjoyed it at a couple previous LLL picnics. It was great to have a couple new faces join us, and one mama brought a favorite vegan cookbook, How it All Vegan. I enjoyed looking through it, and I will be putting that one on hold at the library. I don't know about the rest of you, but after todays meeting I found myself super hungry!

Oh, and I cannot leave out one of my most inspiring people...Cynthia Lair. She is the author of Feeding the Whole Family, one of the titles that Melanie mentioned today. Her quirky little video blog can be found here:

http://www.cookusinterruptus.com/

Here is my contribution to the recipe exchange. If you would all leave a comment to this post and share your favorite "old stand-bys," perhaps anything/everything you think of as just ho-hum because you make it so regularly, we will all find that the things one person thinks of as the usual boring meal, everyone else will see as a new and great food idea.

Christina

Spinach Tortilla Pie

This is great warm or room temp, so something good to take to a pot-luck. It is a snap to prepare. Total time about 30 minutes.

6 tortillas (I like the Ezekiel sprouted grain tortillas) the original recipe called for corn, but in the 100 times I have made this, I have yet to get around trying it with them :)

1 - ten ounce package frozen chopped spinach - prepared according to package directions

aprox. 6 ounces good quality feta cheese - crumbled (our fave is Split Creek Farms through Locally Grown)

1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes when in season - when they are not, I use about 3/4 can of diced

3/4 can pinto beans

olive oil

Preheat oven to 375. Brush olive oil onto both sided of tortillas, and fan them out into a round pie pan so that they overlap to make a "crust." Bake for about 8 minutes. Spoon the spinach evenly over the tortillas followed by the tomatoes, feta, and beans. You can top with a small drizzle of olive oil. If you desire, you can season with salt and pepper. Bake about 15 minutes until tortillas are crispy, but be careful not to overcook. Enjoy now or later when cool. It really is delicious, and although I have a mental block against making it at times because it is just our old tortilla pie recipe, whenever we do, I always declare how tasty it is, and my husband and I proceed to inhale large servings and nibble through any left sitting on the stove, polishing it off by night's end.

Bon Appetit

Breastfeeding In The Park

2009-05-22T09:09:00.003-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to visit LLL at the Breastfeeding In The Park event last weekend. We were fortunate the rain held off until after we packed up and ended the event! We met several LLL moms in the crowd. It was great chatting with each of you, seeing your children and supporting breastfeeding together!

May LLL Activities

2009-05-13T20:35:00.003-04:00

Looking forward to see you at an LLL meeting this month! Here is a quick review of what's coming up!

Saturday, May 16, 10am - 2pm - Breastfeeding in The Park at Memorial Park. Come out and support Georgia Breastfeeding Month! LLL will have a table. Please stop by and see us!

Thursday, May 21, 10am - Daytime Series Meeting. Bring your questions. Babies welcome!

Thursday, May 21, 7pm - Nighttime Series Meeting. Need more help, ideas or support? Do two meetings in one day!

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Series Meetings This Week

2009-04-12T22:30:00.008-04:00

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Breastfeeding Series Meetings

AM & PM Breastfeeding Series Meetings This Week!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

St. Stephen's Anglican Church

Athens, GA 30606

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

2 Story Coffee House - Tree Room

1680 S. Lumpkin St.

Athens, GA 30605

www.twostorycoffeehouse.com

"Nutrition & Whole Foods"

Questions? Contact any LLL Leader listed on this page.

See you there!

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Family Picnic

2009-04-06T21:20:00.005-04:00

La Leche League of Greater Athens Spring Family Picnic

La Leche League of Greater Athens - March AM Series Meeting

2009-03-19T21:05:00.008-04:00

Thank you, everyone, who attended this morning's AM Series Meeting! We had a great turnout today, with many moms and their babies/toddlers.

The topic was "The Empowering Art of Breastfeeding," so we discussed how breastfeeding has helped us feel empowered. It was a very positive discussion!

To ensure that everyone's questions were answered, we also discussed what's normal and expected breastfeeding behavior for a newborn, etc.

As always, if you have any questions, relating to this topic or any breastfeeding/parenting issue, please ask! (Leader contact information is listed to the right of this blog page.)

For more information about La Leche League International: www.llli.org

An Awesome Quote

2009-03-19T12:21:00.004-04:00

"When we trust the makers of baby formula more than we do our own ability to nourish our babies, we lose a chance to claim an aspect of our power as women. Thinking that baby formula is as good as breast milk is believing that thirty years of technology is superior to three million years of nature's evolution. Countless women have regained trust in their bodies through nursing their children, even if they weren't sure at first that they could do it. It is an act of female power, and I think of it as feminism in its purest form."

--- Christiane Northrup M.D.

photo by Sara Wise Photography

La Leche League of Greater Athens - March PM Meeting

2009-03-19T11:40:00.008-04:00

The March PM Meeting was very nice! We met at 2 Story Coffee House (Five Points) in their cozy Tree Room. (thank-you 2 Story for this generous free space!) While sipping delicious coffees (nice perk to meeting at a coffee shop!) we chatted about many topics; adjusting to a new baby in the family (with older siblings), newborn fussiness (could it be dairy-related?), breastfeeding different age babies/kids - pros/cons, and some random topics like diapering, slings, and stroller choices.

Welcome to the newest group member - little Miss Scarlett Moon, she's absolutely precious!

Thursday morning is the AM Series Meeting, we'll post a summary soon. ;-)

La Leche League of Greater Athens - March PM Meeting

2009-03-16T19:16:00.005-04:00

La Leche League of Greater Athens - PM Series Meeting

"The Empowering Art of Breastfeeding"

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

2 Story Coffee House
The Tree Room
Five Points, Athens

Join us Tuesday evening for a casual discussion about how breastfeeding is an empowering experience. Babies and non-separating toddlers are welcome!

La Leche League of Greater Athens - March Toddler Meeting

2009-03-09T19:06:00.001-04:00

This month's Toddler Meeting focused on Weaning. Several moms came, with their babies/toddlers; a few were new to the Group, and all had good questions and comments to share.

We discussed starting solids (first step in the weaning process), nighttime nursing/weaning, thrush, etc.

Everyone's questions were answered, and all had a great time.

The next Greater Athens LLL Meeting is Tuesday, March 17, 7:00 p.m. at 2 Story Coffee House, Five Points.

Did You Know?

The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that "Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.." And, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that babies be breastfed for at least two years.

Just as babies do, toddlers receive health benefits from breastfeeding. Your milk continues to provide immunities and vitamins, and can help protect your toddler from illness and allergies. If your toddler does get sick, nursing will help comfort him. In fact, a toddler with an upset stomach may be able to tolerate nothing but human milk.

photo by Sara Wise Photography

La Leche of Greater Athens - March '09 Newsletter

2009-03-04T19:17:00.000-05:00

La Leche League of Greater Athens - February AM Meeting

2009-02-23T09:51:00.000-05:00

Lights, Camera . . . Action!

Oscar Night at the AM LLL Meeting!

LLL members and visitors made their way down the red carpet to give their "mommy" acceptance speeches and to share all things Oscar. Each mother was presented with an Oscar as supermom and each had an opportunity to share who has been significant in their motherhood journey in their acceptance speech. Of course it's not the Oscars with out all the food, drinks, beautiful gowns, etc. Meeting participants were able to share questions and concerns about the baby and the family. We talked about solids, reflux issues, weaning, nutrition and much more.

Everyone had a great time!

Maya Wrap Sale

2009-02-22T12:06:00.000-05:00

A huge Thank You to everyone who took advantage of our Maya Wrap Sale! Nearly all of our Wraps were sold!

It's great to know that several more babies are enjoying the comfort and warmth of being wrapped around their moms, dads, grandmas, and caregivers!

Thank you, Athens!

La Leche League of Greater Athens PM Meeting @ 2 Story Coffee House

2009-02-22T11:56:00.001-05:00

February's PM Meeting at 2 Story Coffee House was great fun! Many of us came to enjoy the nice atmosphere of this adorable little coffee shop at Five Points. Each of us ordered our favorite beverage (and dessert), then got settled in the comfy Tree Room for our meeting.

We talked about a number of interesting breastfeeding & parenting topics related to those who attended that evening. It was a great discussion!

Thanks, 2 Story, for letting us reserve this space for our PM Meeting!

Plan to meet us for the March PM Meeting at 2 Story Coffee House, 7:00 p.m., Five Points.

La Leche League of Georgia - Annual Breastfeeding & Parenting Conference 2009

2009-02-22T11:48:00.000-05:00

Early-Bird Registration Ends Soon!

Register NOW to Receive the Early-Bird Savings - $15 off the Two-Day Conference Registration Fee!

New LLL of Greater Athens Group Information

2009-02-16T13:46:00.000-05:00

LLL of Greater Athens Group News!

NEW PM Meeting Location -- 2 Story Coffee House, 1680 S. Lumpkin St., Five-Points, Athens

Come see us at our new PM Meeting location, Tuesday, February 17, 7:00 p.m.

We've reserved the Tree Room for our meeting; it's the first room with glass doors downstairs, look for our sign on the doors. Free parking in front and behind the coffee house.

Babies and non-separating toddlers/preschoolers are welcome!

Meeting topic: "Lights, Camera, Action! Enjoying and adjusting to our breastfed baby"

All questions are encouraged and welcomed.

La Leche League of Georgia - Annual Breastfeeding and Parenting Conference 2009

2009-01-26T19:50:00.000-05:00

To view all the fun and exciting information about this year's event, go to www.georgiaparentingconference.com.

Maya Wraps on Sale!

2009-01-21T00:35:00.000-05:00

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Maya Wraps on Sale

La Leche League of Greater Athens - January Newsletter

2009-01-03T12:32:00.000-05:00

La Leche League of Greater Athens - January '09 Newsletter

La Leche League of Greater Athens - Toddler Meeting

2008-12-28T23:20:00.000-05:00

La Leche League Toddler Meeting
Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Gentle Discipline

Join us for a lively discussion about Gentle Discipline. Learn ways to initiate early discipline, to develop your own philosophy/style, and to adapt to your child's changing stages.

Toddler Meetings are for anyone who wants to learn more about the ages and stages of the one- to- two-year-old. Feel free to attend with your under-one-year-old; early exposure to toddler development, stages, issues, and their behaviors is advantageous.

Bring your questions, concerns, and experiences to share with the group.

See you there!

First Tuesday in January
January 6, 2009
10:00 a.m.
St. Stephen’s Anglican Church
Athens, GA

New York Times Magazine Honors Edwina Froehlich

2008-12-28T18:52:00.000-05:00

New York Times Honors Edwina Froehlich
NY Times, 12.28.08

The Lives They Lived

With a new year in sight, we have another opportunity to take note of some of the lives that ended in the past 12 months. This is our 15th annual Lives They Lived issue, and as always, we do not try to be comprehensive or definitive in our choices of the people evoked within these pages. Instead, this is an unabashedly idiosyncratic collection, driven by the interests, passions and whims of our editors and writers. We hope you are moved, tickled, intrigued and provoked by reading about these 24 very different lives, all memorably lived.

Subscribe to La Leche League of Greater Athens Blog

2008-12-13T19:56:00.000-05:00

Now, you can conveniently subscribe to the LLL of Greater Athens blog through Feedburner! Notice the subscription box to the right, "Subscribe via Email." Then, when a blog post is published, you'll receive an email letting you know. That's convenient!

Thank you for visiting the LLL of Greater Athens blog!

November Daytime Series Meeting

2008-11-19T09:59:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone that attended the daytime Series Meeting! It was a nice turnout with three new moms attending! We love to have new people come and receive support. Our topic was about breastfeeding and the holidays. Here are some of the tips we came up with.

--If you don't want to play "pass the baby" with the entire family, wear baby in a sling to keep her close. Wearing baby in a sling will help keep her calm and also allow for nursing in a discreet manner.

--If your baby is eating solid food, be aware that families love to feed the baby. If you are concerned about what foods baby will be eating, bring her favorite foods along, prepare them and hand baby and food over to eager family member wanting to feed her!

--There is an increase in plugged ducts and mastitis this time of year. Be aware that it is easy to do too much and run your body down. Also times can be very busy and we may forget to nurse baby as often. Remember to drink to thirst, rest, don't over-do and nurse baby often!

--Being around family may cause them to question some of your choices, i.e., breastfeeding, cl-sleeping, etc... Plan ahead of time what your responses will be and make sure your spouse will be supportive also.

--Be prepared for baby to possibly be more fussy at family gatherings. Imagine how unsettling it can be for little ones to be in a room with lots of people, noise, etc... All they know is mom and nursing will make them feel better. So you may notice an increase in nursing. That is okay...roll with it!

--Some mothers shared that their baby doesn't nurse well in crowds so they need to find a quiet place to nurse. Be prepared for this if your little one is very fussy.

--Georgia state law protects mothers and babies. You are allowed to nurse anywhere you are allowed to be. You may be asked to leave a room or go somewhere else in a family members home. Be prepared with your response to this ahead of time so you aren't caught off guard!

Happy Holidays and Happy Nursing!!

LLL of Greater Athens - Holiday Fundraiser

2008-11-06T19:18:00.000-05:00

LLL of Greater Athens Schedules Holiday Fundraiser

For the past few years the Athens LLL Group has been participating in the Borders gift wrapping fundraiser. It's a great opportunity for the Group to earn a little money (tips) while having a lot of fun wrapping customers' gifts.

It's time to organize this year's fundraiser! We've reserved three dates/times to wrap at Borders, and we need two-three volunteer-wrappers throughout each session. The volunteer doesn't have to stay the full length of time, any time is greatly appreciated.

Here are the dates & times:

Friday, November 28 - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Black Friday!)
Saturday, December 13 - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, December 18 - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anyone interested in helping is welcome to volunteer for any length of time during our scheduled time-period. Just email us with the date/time you'd like to wrap. Thank you!

What does LLL of Greater Athens do with the money earned during this fundraiser?

The funds are used in a number of ways to benefit the Group and Community: (to name a few)

--New books are purchased for the Group Library.
--A donation is given to St. Stephen's Church, where we meet each month.
--Financial assistance is made available to Group Leaders so that they can attend breastfeeding education seminars or conferences.
--Other miscellaneous expenses incurred by the Group.

Join us for another fun holiday wrapping season at Borders!

For more information, or to volunteer, contact Christina: greenbeancasserole@gmail.com

Thank you!
LLL of Greater Athens

Washington Post: Breast-Fed Baby May Mean Better Behaved Child

2008-10-31T22:29:00.000-04:00

Breast-Fed Baby May Mean Better Behaved Child

By Serena Gordon
HealthDay Reporter
Wednesday, October 29, 2008; 12:00 AM
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Add yet another potential benefit to breast-feeding: Fewer behavioral problems in young children.

Parents of youngsters who were breast-fed as infants were less likely to report that their child had a behavior problem or psychiatric illness during the first five years of life, a new study found.

And the likelihood of mental health issues decreased in proportion to the duration of breast-feeding, meaning that a child who had been breast-fed for a year was less likely to have behavior problems than a child who had been breast-fed for just two months.

"This is an early finding, but it suggests that breast-feeding during infancy could have an effect on behavior during childhood," said the study's lead author, Dr. Katherine Hobbs Knutson, a resident in the department of psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

She was to present the findings Wednesday at the American Public Health Association's annual meeting, in San Diego.

Previous research has shown that breast milk offers numerous benefits for babies and that breast-feeding can benefit both mother and infant. Babies who are breast-fed are less likely to suffer from ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, wheezing, and bacterial and viral illnesses, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Research has also linked breast-feeding with a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and certain cancers, according to the AAP.

For mothers, breast-feeding helps the uterus quickly return to its pre-pregnancy shape and helps burn additional calories, which can help get rid of extra pregnancy weight, the AAP reports. Additionally, breast-feeding is believed to help nurture the mother-child bond.

The new study reviewed more than 100,000 interviews of parents and guardians of children between the ages of 10 months and 18 years who participated in the National Survey of Children's Health. Parents were asked about breast-feeding and about their child's behavior and mental health.

Examples of questions included: Are you currently concerned a lot, a little or not at all about how your child behaves? How he/she is learning pre-school or school skills? Has a doctor or health professional ever told you that your child has behavioral or conduct problems?

Parents of children who were breast-fed were 15 percent less likely to be concerned about their child's behavior, compared to formula-fed infants. And the breast-fed children were 37 percent less likely to have a medically diagnosed behavioral or conduct problem, according to the study.

And, Knutson said, the effect of breast-feeding appeared to be cumulative, with those who were breast-fed for a longer duration even less likely to have behavior problems.

She also said the study found "a correlation between breast-feeding and cognitive development."

"These findings are certainly intriguing," said Dr. Debra Bogen, a pediatrician in the division of general academic pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

The study adds to the "overwhelming evidence that women should, if they can, offer breast milk to their babies," she added.

Both Bogen and Knutson said the nutritional composition of breast milk might have an effect on the way a baby's brain develops, and that better nutrition could explain the behavioral differences. But both experts felt it was too soon to know for sure the exact cause of the potentially protective effect.

SOURCES: Katherine Hobbs Knutson, M.D., resident, department of psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Debra Bogen, M.D., pediatrician, division of general academic pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; Oct. 29, 2008, presentation, American Public Health Association annual meeting, San Diego

La Leche League International co-Founder Passes Away

2008-10-30T22:07:00.000-04:00

La Leche League International Co-Founder Betty Wagner Spandikow Passes Away

Betty Wagner Spandikow, co-founder of La Leche League International,
and resident of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, USA, died Sunday October 26th
at the age of 85.

Betty was known internationally as one of the founders of the La
Leche League International (LLLI) and also a co-author of the popular
book "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" which has sold over 2 million
copies and has been translated into eight languages and Braille. In
1956, Betty Wagner and six other women met in Franklin Park, Illinois
to share information on how to successfully breastfeed their
babies. From these roots, La Leche League developed into an
international organization with breastfeeding support groups in every
state and 68 different countries.

Betty not only attended the first LLLI meeting, but she also became
the group's first treasurer and business manager, positions she held
until 1975. She was also a member of the LLI Board of Directors and
was their Chief Executive Officer for 19 years from 1972 until 1991
when she retired. As CEO, Betty initiated flex hours and a
family-friendly workplace in the '60s, long before they became the
popular perks they are today. Business hours at the La Leche League
International office were set to allow parents to be home with their
children after school. Betty's ideas about work teams and home
offices were also far ahead of their time. It was these types of
innovations that played a role in enabling the organization, made up
mainly of mothers, to grow and be effective in a highly structured
business world. After she retired as CEO, she remained a member of
the LLLI Founders Advisory Council until her death.

Betty was a sought-after speaker who discussed breastfeeding and
parenting at conferences throughout the U.S. and in countries such as
Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, Zimbabwe, New
Zealand, Canada and El Salvador. She also spoke at the United Nations.

Betty had seven children. She is survived by children - Robert
Wagner (Pam) Marco Island FL; Peggy Dowd Henderson (Ric) Marietta GA;
Dorothy Rasmussen, Portage, MI and Helen Huntley (Brian Bleess)
Wheaton, IL. Betty is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 22
great-grandchildren. Her second husband, Paul Spandikow resides in Paris, TN.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Wagner, and
children Gail Gratzianna, Wayne Wagner, Mary Wright and grandson
Andrew Wright.

Details for a "celebration of life" are pending and more information
will be available at www.llli.org. In support
of the organization that Betty helped found, the family requests
donations be made, in lieu of flowers, to La Leche League
International, 957 N. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg, IL, USA 60173 or
online at www.llli.org