What a fantastic Conference we had in 2015!

We are excited to have you and your family join us for our annual family conference.  This year, we will explore topics that bring families closer together and set the stage for successful breastfeeding and parenting relationships.  Through four sessions of conference topics on November 7, 2015, you, your partner, and your children can enjoy a fun day of family learning and growth -- exploring topics from toddler to teen discipline and lactation cookies to lactation counseling.

You may also download a PDF of the conference brochure.

We look forward to seeing you at Heart to Heart, our 2015 LLL of ME and NH Conference.

Sessions 1 & 2 (9am - 12PM)

Session 1  9:00-10:15 a.m.


Teas, Oils, Herbs and Cookies: There are an abundance of products being touted as helpful or even necessary for increasing milk supply. Come learn about how the new "Breastfeeding Grocery List" influences lactation. Traci Meiler, LLL Leader, IBCLC



Your Birth Story: Many of us feel compelled to tell or write our birth stories. Come ready to 
listen and share stories about those most memorable moments. Melanie Kollman



Life Your Way: The world can be distracting, demanding, and noisy at times.  Come and hear how to cultivate your inner world so you feel energized, connected, and confident in your own inner wisdom. These approaches to internal balance are likely to leave you feeling more fully alive. Amy Wood, PsyD



The Application: Become familiar with the Leader Applicant Resource Kit (LARK) and the resources available online for Leaders, Leader Applicants, and anyone interested in leadership. Allison Eddyblouin



Sweet Sleep: “How is your little one sleeping?” This quintessential question elicits many different responses. Explore how to make safe and sane sleep choices that will benefit the whole family. Jennifer Baker



Session 2  10:30-11:45 a.m.


Exploring the Gentle Cesarean: We will evaluate what it is and how is it different from standard practice.  We’ll review evidence of the benefits and any risks, and brainstorm barriers and solutions for change in our local communities. Abigail Masterman, DO



When You Really Want to Scream and Leave ! Toddlers aren't the only ones who feel tantrum energy! Most of us spend a lot of time trying to control or banish our anger and frustration. This session proposes to help you safely listen to, befriend - and maybe even fall in love - with yours. We'll discuss strategies for speaking for your anger rather than from it - and ways to repair when anger takes over. In doing so, you can help your children to appreciate their own angry parts, too. Julie Allen



Then and Now: Cultural views of breastfeeding have changed dramatically since the beginning of La Leche League in 1956. Learn about how what used to be thought of as LLL’s radical ideas have now become mainstream. Melanie Kollman



Separating the Wheat from the Chaff: Finding shoes, volunteering, packing for a family trip, and getting to a soccer game all on the same afternoon? Parenting, priorities, and some practical ideas on how to manage life without going crazy. Rosalie Ainsworth and Jodi Lucci




Sessions 3 & 4 (1:30 - 4:15 PM)

Session 3  1:30-2:45 p.m.


Nursing a Baby with Special Needs: A conversation hosted by mothers experienced in nursing children with cleft palate and Down Syndrome.  We’ll discuss the challenges mothers and babies face. Stacy Veevers-Carter and Mallory Adams



Millennial Meetings: Breastfeeding support is at the heart of LLL meetings. Come learn about some new ways to reach mothers with that support, including breastfeeding cafes and online meetings. We will also share creative ideas for Series Meetings. Kate Pennington



Parenting Your Adolescent-The Relationship You Want Through Loving Communication, Limit Setting, and Boundaries: Parenting through adolescence is hard work! Come receive support and explore options for developing the relationship you want with your teen; how to set limits and appropriate boundaries that work for your family. This session will focus on learning to listen to your teen and solve reoccurring issues you are having while maintaining a feeling of connection with your teen. Adrianne Sturtevant, LCSW, LICSW



Toddler Discipline in a Positive Framework: Our discussion will include fostering toddler brain development, creating an environment of freedom within a structure, and ways to fill the parents' cups so they can provide loving guidance. Keelin Kistner



Session 4  3:00-4:15 p.m.


How Milk is Produced and Maintained: A basic biological review of how milk is made by the human body followed by an interactive discussion of low, normal, and over abundant supply. Traci Meiler, LLL Leader, IBCLC



Helping Mothers One to One: There are more ways than ever to connect with a new generation of breastfeeding women. Tips for communicating through social media, texts, and e-mail. Kathy Drury



Growing Your Own Food: A discussion of square foot gardening and tips of the trade to provide your family with nourishing organic food from your own yard. Karen Veit



FOR PARTNERS:  What Does She Do at Meetings Anyway? Attend an LLL meeting just for you, the spouse or partner of a breastfeeding mother. Fun conversation starters to spur discussion of your shared experiences as supporters of the woman and child(ren) closest to you. Allison Eddyblouin