About La Leche League
Our Mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
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At La Leche League of Gainesville, Florida, we hope to provide a nurturing community for new families as they navigate the beautiful, challenging journey of breastfeeding their young babies. If you are pregnant or nursing, we would love to meet you.
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Ways to Connect
We are currently meeting in-person. This is a great opportunity to bring up any issues you're facing related to breastfeeding and to get to know other parents in the community. Children always welcome and meetings are always free!
We have a very active private Facebook group for you to post about any breastfeeding challenges to get peer-to-peer advice. There is a wealth of knowledge being shared daily!
If you are struggling with nursing your baby and need to speak with someone right away who has experience and knowledge related to the many facets of breastfeeding, call or text (352) 507-5530. This support is always free!
Meet The Gainesville LLL Leaders
La Leche League Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers, accredited by La Leche League International. They are familiar with research and current findings dealing with all aspects of nursing and are trained to answer questions or concerns you may have about breastfeeding. Leaders are volunteers who are available for free telephone or e-mail counseling every day.
Gainesville Leaders: Emily, Lindsey, Rachel, Justine, Tricia
Call or text: (352) 507-5530
Email: gainesvilleLLLeader@gmail.com
Emily
I'm a former teacher, current stay-at-home mom and small business owner who is passionate about uplifting other women, especially moms. I turned to La Leche League when my son Miles was little and we were struggling through tongue tie, food allergies and "colic." I got the help I needed but kept coming back for the community connection. I'm looking forward to making new connections and strengthening the network of moms supporting moms here in Gainesville.
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Lindsey
My husband and I have two incredible boys, Carson (4) and Harrison (2). I am a former special education teacher who became a stay at home mom when our first son was born. We moved to Gainesville at 37w pregnant for my husband’s medical residency training and have continued our journey here for his fellowship training. Breastfeeding is an aspect of motherhood I was very passionate about well before conceiving my first child. After both of my boys ended up being diagnosed with a condition called Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome, breastfeeding changed from a long term passion into a life saving gift of nutrition. Due to the severity of their condition, breastmilk was their only safe food option even into the toddler years. Besides providing them with the greatest nutrition, breastfeeding created a bond with each son that is deeper than I could have ever imagined. I am passionate about supporting others in their breastfeeding journeys and I contribute much of my own breastfeeding success to the Leaders who come before me. I am honored and excited to represent La Leche League International as a new Leader!
Rachel
I grew up in Jacksonville and moved to Gainesville to go to UF in 2002, then never left! I was an elementary school teacher for 10 years and now work for UF's College of Education. I'm married to my husband Ryan, and we have three little girls, Lucy age 8, Cora age 6, and Rose age 1. They provided me with quite a range of breastfeeding experiences as Lucy and Rose were born full term and had no serious issues, while Cora was born at 34 weeks and was in the NICU for a little while. I am very excited to be able to help other mothers along their breastfeeding journeys!
Tricia
I have been a LLL leader for 16 years, mom to 4 amazing kids/adults ages 22, 19, 17, and 15. Most recently moved from Boston MA, but grew up in southern Idaho. Married to my husband for 27 years. Started going to LLL when my oldest was 2 months and was hooked! Can’t wait to meet you all and bask in the LLL vibe!
Justine
My mom was an active member of her La Leche League Group in Miami back in the early 80s so I like to say I grew up in LLL. I attended my first LLL meeting as a mother myself, when my son was five weeks old and I fell in love. Two years later I became a Leader. My husband and I have two children - a nine year old son and six year old daughter. I am passionate about volunteering and helping others.
