to lay the foundation for psychological strength. So why don't more moms do it? An inadequate amount of information, according to the Bermuda chapter of La Leche League International. And the exact reason why their group was founded some 40 years ago.

"While a very natural process, breastfeeding is a skill that needs correct information for one to be skilled at,'' explained League leader Lori Tersigni.

"The League is a group for information and support. Years ago women grew up watching family members breastfeeding, today you don't often see that. So we are here to give that support and information.

"In fact, La Leche League was started by a group of women who got together to share because there was very little information available on the subject. What they found, was that in only a short time, women attending the meetings founded subsequent groups. Over the next few years, there was rapid growth and in 1964, they were officially given the name of La Leche League International.'' The local chapter was created nine years ago, she added, and has been holding regular meetings every six weeks for the past five years.

"We've found at the meetings, that there's a wide experience of mothers out there who can help others. It's true that one only has to position the baby at Milk changes as baby grows some inappropriate techniques. one of the things stressed is positioning; how the baby should be properly latched onto the nipple.'' Except in rare medical situations, every mother is able to breastfeed, said Mrs. Tersigni. And for that reason, every mother should have access to information which will allow them to make an educated decision on whether she will or will not breastfeed her infant.

"It's such a wonderful thing and a shame that not more people take advantage of it,'' she said.

Backing the efforts of their group, said Mrs. Tersigni, are a number of organisations and studies which support their belief that breastfeeding is beneficial to babies in any number of ways. One internationally recognised supporter is the World Health Organisation (WHO).

"We are the only species that has specific milk for our specific child,'' explained the leader. "If the child is pre-term, the milk contains an more increased fat content than if the child is full term. The milk also changes as the baby grows based on supply and demand, as suckling at the breast triggers the pituitary glands to secrete hormones to produce the milk.

"WHO recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their life and that this should carry on for at least two years. The global average is four-and-a-half years. It's just Western culture that doesn't socially adhere to that. I know also, that there are studies which have been done comparing artificially fed and breastfed babies. Results show a higher incidence of healthy, disease free breastfed babies due to a decreased incidence of allergies, gastro-intestinal disorders, ear infections, diabetes, certain types of cancers and many other benefits.'' Through seminars and contacts the group is privy to the most up-to-date information on breastfeeding, Mrs. Tersigni said, which they share with nurses at the local clinic and mothers who attend their meetings. Special father's meetings are held bi-annually. And just one visit might change a mother's entire outlook on breastfeeding, thereby increasing the chances for her child's wellbeing.

"It's something no one else can do. And to know that you're giving your baby something no one else can give them is very empowering for a mother. And, from the healthcare aspect, the longer that a baby is breastfed, certainly creates less healthcare cost, less trips to the doctor and less medical purchases. The benefits are innumerable.'' The next meeting is scheduled for September 21 at 3 p.m. at the Nurses Residence on Berry Hill. Meetings are held every six weeks and are open to all pregnant or breastfeeding women and their families.

Lori Tersigni with her son Benjamin HEALTH HTH