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
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.
Kristen Carlson Coordinator of Leader Accreditation
Kristen Carlson is the Coordinator of Leader Accreditation (CLA) for LLL of MA/RI/VT. Kristen became a Leader in Louisiana in 2006, moved to Massachusetts in 2007, and now lives in Maine. She has been an ACLA in the Leader Accreditation Department since 2013.
Kristen is interested in making progress in the integration of the foundational principles of LLL with the expansion of the community we welcome, serve, and learn from at our meetings and events. She hopes we can provide resources to anyone who seeks breastfeeding help, inclusive of all genders, religions, races, ethnicities, and family structures. With this hope in mind, she welcomes communication from any Leader who has ideas, concerns, or questions, and is particularly interested in increasing the diversity of Leaders, Leader Applicants, and meeting attendants.
Apart from LLL, she spends her time driving her kids all over the place, working part-time as a CNA, volunteering with a hospice organization, and spending as much time as possible exploring the natural surroundings of Maine.
Molly Gallagher Area Coordinator of Education
Molly Gallagher acts as Area Coordinator of Education (ACE) for LLL of MA/RI/VT and has been a La Leche League Leader since 2018. She acts as head of the Continuing Education Department and is responsible for organizing conferences and webinars in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Molly lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two young children where she works as an IBCLC and is studying Public Health.
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 15 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 lives in Massachusetts with her husband and daughter.