About Us

La Leche League of Massachusetts/Rhode Island/Vermont is part of La Leche League International, a worldwide educational, non–sectarian, not-for-profit, volunteer- based organization. We provide breastfeeding information and support to those who want to breastfeed.

La Leche League Leaders are volunteers who have breastfed their own children and have been trained and accredited by La Leche League International. They are familiar with research about all aspects of breastfeeding and educated to answer your questions and concerns. Leader volunteers are available via telephone and email for personalized help. 

La Leche League supports breastfeeding families in reaching their goals with support and information.

La Leche League Philosophy

The basic philosophy of La Leche League is summarized in the following statements:

• Mothering through breastfeeding is the most natural and effective way of understanding and satisfying the needs of the baby.

• Mother and baby need to be together early and often to establish a satisfying relationship and an adequate milk supply.

• In the early years the baby has an intense need to be with his mother which is as basic as his need for food.

• Human milk is the natural food for babies, uniquely meeting their changing needs.

• For the healthy, full-term baby, breast milk is the only food necessary until the baby shows signs of signs of readiness for complementary foods, about the middle of the first year after birth.

• Ideally the breastfeeding relationship will continue until the baby outgrows the need.

• Alert and active participation by the mother in childbirth is a help in getting breastfeeding off to a good start.

• Breastfeeding is enhanced by the loving support of the baby’s father, a co-parent, a partner, and/or close family members who value the breastfeeding relationship.

• Good nutrition means eating a well-balanced and varied diet of foods in as close to their natural state as possible.

• From infancy on, children need loving guidance which reflects acceptance of their capabilities and sensitivity to their feelings.

Diversity Statement

We at La Leche League International have all nursed our babies. If you want to do the same, whoever you are, whatever your story is, we’re here to help. LLLI is committed to serving everyone inclusive of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental ability, socio-economic status, political views, gender identity, sexual orientation, family structure, or other protected status.LLLI seeks the equitable accreditation of a diverse body of Leaders.

LLL of MA/RI/VT Leadership

Paula Manley, Area Coordinator of Leaders

Paula Manley serves as the Area Coordinator of Leaders (ACL) for LLL of MA/RI/VT. In this role, she is responsible for supporting a regional network of LLL Leaders and Groups in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Paula has been involved in La Leche League for 15 years, first as a member and then as an accredited LLL Leader. As a new parent, the encouragement and support she received from the Leaders and others in her local Group inspired Paula to become a Leader. Prior to her role as ACL she spent three years as Area Coordinator of Events. In addition to her role in the Area she leads with a local Group LLL of Silver Lake/Plymouth and serves as Continuing Education Department Administrator for LLL Alliance.

She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and daughter.

Kim Bradlee Area Database Administrator and Area Secretary

As the Area Data Administrator / Area Secretary for LLL of MA/RI/VT, Kim Bradlee keeps the database of Leaders up-to-date. This information is then used for the Area Directory, Sectional Directories, Yahoo groups, and conference mailings. She has been a Leader for more than 20 years, has three adult children, and lives in Bradford MA.

Krishyon Young, Area Professional Liaison

Krishyon Young serves as the Area Professional Liaison for LLL MA/RI/VT. She has been a member of LLL and Leader for many years and loves working with the Leaders.

She grew up in Nevada on a small farm/ranch where both her parents were school teachers. She and her husband Tony, have been married 35 years and have six grown children and six adorable grandchildren. They have lived on the South Shore of Massachusetts for over 25 years where they are very involved in church and community efforts.

Krishyon has a degree in Public Health with an emphasis in Public Health Education and is a certified Doula (DONA), Childbirth Educator (CAPPA), and candidate IBCLC. All of the former reflects her love for and dedication to families during the unique years surrounding everything involving babies and motherhood.

Serving as the APL she supports Leaders in the Area by offering easily accessible evidence-based information for them to use as they support all parents who reach out to them. Creating opportunities for dialog around Leaders’ needs and interests, growing Leaders’ skills, and enhancing the presence of LLL as a valuable resource in our communities are at the heart of her efforts as APL.