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
La Leche League offers our accumulated breastfeeding experience and evidence-based resources to all across the world who want to breastfeed, chestfeed, and/or human milk feed. We welcome and support people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.
This commitment includes but is not limited to people of any race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, language, ancestry, age, marital status, neurotype, physical and/or mental ability, socio-economic status, political views, gender identity, sexual orientation, and family structure.
La Leche League International is committed to improving its organizational structure and policies so that no one faces barriers that prevent them from accessing our resources and mother-to-mother, peer-to-peer support. We are committed to creating an environment where all people feel respected and valued. LLLI seeks the equitable accreditation of a diverse body of volunteer Leaders to inform and empower all who contact us.
LLL of MA/RI/VT Leadership
Meagan Chadis, Area Coordinator of Leaders
Meagan Chadis serves as Area Coordinator of Leaders (ACL) for La Leche League 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.
Meagan has been involved with La Leche League as a member for the last four years, first as a member then as an accredited Leader. The desire to help parents meet their goals led to Meagan’s drive to join LLL and become a Leader to support her local community. Meagan is interested in helping to spread the philosophy of La Leche League and to reach more families to achieve their goals.
Meagan lives in Leominster, MA with her spouse, two girls, and two dogs.
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.
Coordinator of Leader Accreditation
This role is open.
Area Coordinator of Education
This role is open
Paula Manley, Area Finance Coordinator
Paula Manley serves as the Area Finance Coordinator (AFC) for LLL of MA/RI/VT. In this role, she is responsible for the Area’s finance and administrative functions.
Paula has been a La Leche League for 16 years. The encouragement and support she received from the Leaders and others in her local Group as a new mother inspired Paula to become a Leader. She enjoys helping mothers meet their breastfeeding goals, and supporting other Leaders in their volunteer roles. Paula is also an Associate Coordinator of Leader Accreditation for LLL of MA/RI/VT and Director of Continuing Education for LLL Alliance.
Paula is a Massachusetts native and lives on the South Shore.