THE LLLI ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION
ContinuumVOL. 16, NO. 2 · 2003 Life too busy? It sure feels Find some negative space for positive renewal that way. And most every- one reports the same: o nothing, nothing, nothing more.” even makes it on the list—is “important, but “I’m overwhelmed.” “There’s This“D is a sign my colleague and I printed out not urgent.” In fact, with a never-ending list just too much to do.” “How and tacked up on our office wall at some point of things to do, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s can the days be flying by so last year. I stuck a copy on the first page of my important—really important—to me. When day planner too. Of course I bypass the wise I’m doing too much, time for reflection gets quickly?” “I never have any counsel more days than not. (Just today I agreed lost. I know I need to get back in balance— time to relax!” to teach a course—“just two and a half hours, and one good way is by doing nothing. Sound familiar? Chances just one night a week, just six weeks long, just It’s hard! How does life get so busy and another six for the advanced section...”) But I complicated? It just does. Mom, wife, daughter, are, you’ve made some of am beginning to make more conscious choices sibling, worker, volunteer, citizen—each role these comments yourself. to purposefully do less. requires an investment of time. So many It’s hard! My first empty-nest year just flew demands from the “outside,” yet the inside calls by. The year I thought there would be plenty of person Whatever the season, the too. The that I am—my primary role— time. Yet it always felt like there was also has need for nourishment. events ahead, the stages of no time. Looking back, there was Do nothing, nothing, nothing your children or grands, the sufficient time to pack in a thou- Do nothing. more. work you do, the joys or sand things. But how do you fit in It’s hard! What does “doing nothing? nothing” look like? I’m reminded challenges you face, STOP. It’s hard! So many things I Nothing. of my youngest daughter’s Take a deep breath. Close want to do pull and tug at me. responses to her friends’ tele- Nothing. your eyes. Count your (Even things I don’t want to do vie phone queries: “What are you for attention…) I want to spend my doing?” “Nothing,” she’d reply, blessings. Put your feet up. time with family and friends. I want Nothing more. even though from my perspec- Take a minute, an hour, a to get my body healthier, read good tive, she and I were just having a day, a week, a month, a books, de-junk my old house. I great conversation. My oldest— want to plant more flowers, travel, listen to good struggling to define her dissertation topic—has year. Relax, rejuvenate, music, learn how to sail. I want to save the world! her own take on doing nothing: “it’s highly restore, renew. I want to do nothing. productive and—if you’re doing it right—very On the whole, a rather self-centered list. time consuming…” One that gives me pause. Clearly, my “giving” For me, I’m learning that to do nothing cup is just about empty. When I mentioned this means no brain engagement. It doesn’t mean list to a friend, she reminded me of the impor- the escape of MaJong solitaire on the computer tance of the earth laying fallow a period of time or the complex “paint by numbers” puzzles that for restoration. Do nothing. Do nothing. have lately caught my fancy. It doesn’t mean It’s hard! Guilty “I shoulds” constantly reading a magazine or watching television. It’s creep in. My “to do” lists at home, at work, and simply—though not always so simple—letting for La Leche seem unending. I cross items off everything float away. and add twice as many more. I think about Until recently, doing nothing wasn’t even Steven Covey’s (The Seven Habits of Highly a consideration. It certainly never made its way Effective People) “important/urgent” grid and on to any of my “to do” lists. Now, it is at the know that too much that gets done from those very top. lists falls in the “urgent, but not important” quadrant; too much that gets left out—or never Sue Christensen, Indiana USA Continuum
Rejuvenation through sensual walking The gentle art of T’ai Chi brings lifelong benefits ome join me on my daily walk! ChangeC into comfortable clothes, get riginally, I was attracted to your sunglasses, and a billed cap. Lace The smell of the grass, MartialO Arts because I had observed the up your shoes, put on your sunscreen, poise and self confidence that some of and let’s go! Can you smell my neighbor songs of new birds, the practitioners exhibited. About four Shirley’s honeysuckle bush? Do you hear years ago, after a lot of research, I the robins and the mourning doves in and the gusting of the wind decided to take T’ai Chi lessons. Marty’s pine trees? Can you see the Modern T’ai Chi was developed in quail family with ten tiny striped chicks are sensual sirens for me the mid 1800s. It is, however, based on whirring across our cul-de-sac to dive Taoist principles which date from 500 into Denny’s hedge? B.C. The principal idea in Taoism and I’m an avid walker. I prefer an exercise takes on new wrinkles. Almost T’ai Chi is Yin and Yang (hot/cold, unencumbered style with no cell phone, every summer night I walk throughout man/woman, water/fire) and as a martial no watch, no ankle weights, and no our neighborhood with my husband. In art, the idea of yielding and softness. headphones. Sensual walking is what I other places I’ve lived, I’ve had regular T’ai Chi incorporates Taoist Chi Gung, need for true rejuvenation. walks with friends. These “walk and Nie Gung and martial arts, such as talk” exercises require a different Shaolin Kung Fu. On a solo walk, I often plan to think concentration but also provide a T’ai Chi abounds with stories of its about something. I might start my first different payoff in the give and take of benefits. T’ai Chi masters purportedly lap around Willow Creek Park thinking listening and talking, problem solving, live healthy, active long lives. T’ai Chi about La Leche League work. Then and reconnecting. masters are capable of immense displays perhaps start my second lap contemplat- I am now preparing for a family of power with seemingly little effort. ing family issues, but often by then I’ve backpack in Idaho’s Sawtooth Moun- Doctors send patients to our classes for moved on to whatever subjects I seem tains. The training walk requires help with arthritis, flexibility, strength to need to think about, then on to encumbrances like a loaded pack, more and balance. Personal benefits have reverie, the dream state. I often lose hills and steps, and extra workout time. been increased flexibility, strong legs, track of what lap I’m on. However, the basic components of balance, and better hand-eye coordina- I am not only in my mind when I walking rejuvenation are still there. I’m tion (my guitar playing improved). My walk. A copse of four gorgeous willow still in my head, my senses are all alert, friends have remarked about my poise trees at one end of the park gives me and I get to add the sensual sweetness of and balance. great pleasure as they change through- getting stronger. T’ai Chi in its most rudimentary out the seasons. I watch the progress on Rejuvenation activities are not idle form could be called “Moving medita- a neighbor’s garden project, the con- or lazy, and walking is certainly not tion.” As a beginner, the practitioner struction of a nearby Alzheimer’s care passive. It can involve planning, can experience rejuvenation after five unit, or the obedience work of some purpose, and sweat. But it is also what it minutes of T’ai Chi. It is a holistic frisky puppies. There are also tennis needs to be. There are many things to practice that can be learned at greater players, children at the playground, and keep me indoors: I enjoy reading, depths throughout one’s life. soccer players. I often pick up trash, handwritten and computer correspon- knowing my stewardship of the path- dence, sketching, baking, and hand Larry Kelly, Texas USA ways and grass of the park is an impor- sewing. But the smell of the grass, songs tant part of connecting with my neigh- of new birds, and the gusting of the Ed note—Larry is the husband of LLL borhood. Sometimes I detour to drop off wind are sensual sirens for me. Walking Leader and Texas ACL Edna Kelly. He items at the cleaners and or pick up one keeps me engaged with my inner life, graciously led T’ai Chi sessions as part of manageable sack of groceries at the opens up my senses, and keeps me the LLLI Alumnae Conference rejuvena- nearby market. young. tion activities this past summer. When you walk with others, the —Kathy Grossman, Utah USA
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Want to relax, rejuvenate? Here are some essentials
hat three things would you want Cross-stitch, a good movie, quiet time Yoga mat, relaxation cassette tape, and a toW have on hand in order to relax or with a book in a comfy place… quiet house… rejuvenate? That was the question posed —Kathie Zettervall, Virginia USA —Nina Robertson, Scotland to LLL Alums and other Leaders recently. Here is a collection of My husband to give me a foot massage, Massage oil and two strong hands… responses to inspire a wealth of kick- the TV with a good romantic movie, —Molly Emmons, California USA back-and-put-your-feet-up days! my special walking place… —Donna Ron, Israel Quiet (no grandchildren around time), open windows in my home, a cool Something to read, a beautiful view, a Ocean sounds, the fragrance of flowers breeze on a spring or fall day and I lie on cup of herbal tea… (especially roses), a warm and gentle the sofa and listen to the music… —Sharon Fairborn, California USA breeze caressing my skin… —Nan Vollette, Virginia USA —Betty L. Crase, Illinois USA Iced caramel coffee, anything spicy, A great pirate/high seas novel, my a trained massage therapist… Good music, a Bible and another good favorite pool float with an ice cold hard —Helene Scheff, Rhode Island USA book, and a roaring fireplace… lemonade and a bowl of fresh raspber- —Mary Strack, California USA ries, and 90 degree pool water… My overstuffed chair, a good book, air —Janice Horvath, Florida USA conditioning (especially in summertime A cold pack for my eyes, a pillow under in south Texas) my knees, the absence of other people… A cup of tea, my knitting, something —Nancy Franklin, Texas USA —Meredith Adami, Washington USA chocolate… —Colleen Kennedy, Saskatchewan, Canada A chair with footstool to prop my feet, a For relaxation: a journal/pen, a book, Readers’ Digest, an alarm clock (so I water to bathe; for rejuvination: an A fiddle to play, a great book to read, a could really rest in the time I had orange, a walk, water to drink… great movie to watch at home cozy in available, knowing I’d not be at it “too —Lisa Byron, Ohio USA my bed with my husband… long”)… —Edna Meeks, Texas USA —Kathy Kerr, Virginia USA A good book (try The Secret Life of Glass of iced tea, hammock, good Bees), a hammock by the lake on a A good book (preferably an autobiogra- book… —Linda Schmidt, Texas USA warm sunny day, a well-crafted phy/biography or thriller!), a crossword Marguerita… puzzle and pen (counts as one!), a A massage therapist, wickedly expensive —Alora Sinclair, Ontario, Canada telephone so I can talk with my scented candles, a large, hot, whirlpool! friends… —Meg Sondey, Ohio USA Water—as in a bottle of sparkling water —Anne Devereux, New Zealand to drink, sound of ocean waves, and A comfortable chair, a tape/CD player, warm water in a swimming pool or A beautiful summer or spring day (no flowers to look at… bath… mosquitoes!), my porch swing in our —Carol Meredith, Maryland USA —Margaret Kenda, Massachusetts USA gazebo which overlooks the woods behind our home, a good book… To relax, I like to read, sit, sleep (need a Music, candle, warm bath… —Pam Oselka, Michigan USA pillow, or, even better, my husband!)… —Elaine Crozier, New Zealand —Theresa Kinzly, Georgia USA A cup of tea, a scented candle, and a My family, my sewing projects and good book provide a peaceful escape for I’d want a good book, a glass of wine, machines, warm sandy Lake Michigan me… —Marie Nielsen, New Jersey USA and a piece of chocolate—or several beach with family and/or a woman pieces of chocolate… friend… Waves, wine, no computer… —Mary Jeanne Hickey, —Leslie Ann Ostyn, Michigan USA —Sue Christensen, Indiana USA Massachusetts USA
THE LLLI ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION 3 Continuum
The sounds of relaxation: different notes for different folks
he questions to Learders and Alumnae Cat Stevens’ “Tea For the Tillerman”… “Peaceful,” a CD by Andre Reis, a Tmembers was “When you want to relax, —Alora Sinclair, Ontario Canada young man from Brazil who played the what is the music that you turn to over and piano in our church when he was a over again?” From folk to country to Kenny G, instrumental pieces… university student… classical—happy listening. —Tina Pulice, California USA —Pam Oselka, Michigan USA
Enya… —Theresa Kinzly, Georgia USA Irish or Scottish folk music; Battlefield Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte, Miles —Carol Meredith, Maryland USA Band is one of my favorites. I also have Davis… —Donna Ron, Israel a CD called “Celtic Folk Music” that I Yo-Yo Ma and Bobby McFerrin’s version play over and over… of Bach’s “Air on G” from their CD —Nan Vollette, Virginia USA “Hush”… listen to Andrea Bocelli —Kathie Zettervall, Virginia USA My CD of old Scottish ballads… wheneverI I want/need to relax. —Margaret Kenda, Massachusetts USA George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in When Katie was 4 years old, she Blue”… —Linda Schmidt, Texas USA Louis Armstrong/Ella Fitzgerald… had a seizure that lasted 45 . —Nina Robertson, Scotland minutes and required us spending Chris Rice—just like his lyrics! —Meg Sondey, Ohio USA Bach Cello Suites… several days in a hospital while on —Sue Christensen, Indiana USA vacation. It was quite an ordeal I like classical music, John Denver, and I spent many nights sleeping Enya, and the old standbys—the Mamas Anything by Trace Adkins… and the Pappas… —Janice Horvath, Florida USA on her bedroom floor after that so —Sharon Fairborn, California USA I would be there if anything I turn to Enya’s music most of the time, happened again. Gratefully, The ballet “Swan Lake”… but I’ve recently discovered Nora —Helene Scheff, Rhode Island USA Jones… —Nancy Franklin, Texas USA nothing ever did. But a week after the seizure, one of Bobby’s aunts TrancePlanet, Volume 4… I’m listening to it right now! Windam mailed me Andrea Bocelli’s —Lisa Byron, Ohio USA Hill’s “25 Years of Guitar”… —Molly Emmons, California USA “Sogno” CD with a note saying Mozart Horn Concertos… that I should put in the music, put —Elaine Crozier, New Zealand Bonnie Raitt! —Kathy Kerr, Virginia USA up my feet, and give myself a few Joni Mitchell and Diana Krall are two minutes to stop worrying. Wow. that I listen to a lot, Holst the Planets is Gregorian Chant—soul-lifting music Not only was the gift a beautiful frequently heard… this is hard as I have which is timeless, soothing and appeals music going nearly all the time… to my sense of beauty. There is a special gesture but I found the voice that —Meredith Adami, Washington USA quality about male voices singing now triggers my relaxation plainchant… response. I have more of his CDs “Simple Gifts” CD —a guitar solo —Anne Devereux, New Zealand featuring hymns and works by Bach, than I care to count, but I’d most Haydn, and Mozart with Christopher Fantasys by Danny Wright. It is just recommend “Sogno” and Parkening as the soloist… piano and makes great background “Romanza.” Enjoy! —Mary Strack, California USA music. I also lean toward music that addresses my spiritual needs. One CD in —Stephanie Weishaar, Stan Rogers, “Home in Halifax”… particular that I play frequently is “You Maryland, USA —Colleen Kennedy, Saskatchewan, Are Mine” by David Haas… Canada —Marie Nielsen , New Jersey USA
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A belly dancing mom Try a little Feng Shui
hen not home schooling her two ave you ever wondered why you not that difficult, as much of this childrenW or working at Bay Area feelH so good when you enter certain ancient art is common sense and comes Hospital, former LLL member Debbie homes, rooms, or public spaces—and so naturally. We are all using it, con- DeLong enjoys the ancient art of Mid uncomfortable in others? Or why sciously or unconsciously, all the time, Eastern belly dancing. Six years ago, on certain areas of your life seemed to go so but it can be great fun and very reward- a trip to the public library, Debbie well when you lived in a particular ing to spend a little time learning to noticed a flyer for a belly dancing class house and not so well in another? How deliberately apply the basic Feng Shui at the local community center. about unexpected changes that occurred rules to a particular aspect of life. For Debbie, an operating room nurse by in your life after you rearranged the example, you might employ pairs of profession, minored in dance in college furniture, added something new or things and the colors of pink and red in and has always loved many different cleaned out the closets or garage? In the Relationships and Love area (right dance styles, including jazz, ballet and each of these cases, it may have some- rear corner of the bagua of your home or Haitian, but had never tried belly thing to do with how the chi, or vital bedroom—or both) if you are interested dancing. She began classes just three energy, of the area in question is in being in a relationship—or rejuve- months after the birth of her son, circulating. Is it flowing easily and nating the one you are in (and be sure Anthony. Debbie noticed right away smoothly? Is it stagnant? Overactive? the pairs are of equal size or weight if that she lost some weight and her How would you know? What can you you want it to be an equal relation- stomach muscles were toned. Soon, she do about it? ship!). Or if your money seems to be could zip up her jeans! Belly dancing Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway) constantly going down the drain, see was a fun way for her to exercise and get is the ancient Chinese art of placement what happens after you begin keeping back into shape after pregnancy. designed to facilitate the optimal flow of all the toilet lids and drains closed in Debbie says, “I used to be self- chi. While there are many schools of the house when not in use and paying conscious about nursing in public and Feng Shui, there are basic principles close attention to the condition of the belly dancing helped me feel more that they share. These involve the left rear corner of the bagua, the comfortable about my body. Going to location of items within the space in Prosperity section—keeping it clean and bed in a tee shirt and smelling of milk question based on a grid of nine squares adding lots of purple. every night, I wasn’t feeling very pretty. within an overall octagon or bagua, as Making small changes like these Dressing up in costumes to perform well as specific colors, shapes, and the and other Feng Shui “cures” can have nurtured the feminine and womanly five elements of fire, wood, earth, water, dramatic results. I’ve been having lots of side of me.” Debbie shares her love of and metal. How these elements are fun playing with these ideas over the belly dancing with her daughter, nine- combined activates, redirects, or blocks past several years. A few of the many year-old Devin, who started classes at the chi, or energy, of various areas of books on the subject that I’ve used are: the age of three. Debbie began a one’s life that relate to the sections of Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life by mother-daughter dance troupe that has the bagua. Karen Rauch Carter (my favorite by far) performed all over the San Francisco The nine areas of life represented by Bay Area at street fairs, Mid Eastern the bagua are Career, Skills and Knowl- The Western Guide to Feng Shui and festivals, restaurants, and most recently edge, Family, Prosperity, Fame and Home Design with Feng Shui, both by in the San Francisco Carnival Parade. Reputation, Relationships and Love, Terah Kathryn Collins This summer, Debbie taught belly Creativity and Children, Helpful People Feng Shui –The Book of Cures by dancing as part of the LLLI Alumnae and Travel, and (in the center) Nancilee Wydra Conference rejuvenation activities. Health—pretty much everything (She did not bring her pet snake, important in life. Why not buy or check out one of Samantha, a six-foot Red Tail boa, who We can enhance or rejuvenate any these—or another—and try a little Feng she sometimes dances with!) or all of these areas by using the prin- Shui? ciples of Feng Shui. Some truly remark- Patty Jacobs, California USA able changes can occur –and it really is Susan Switzer, Georgia, USA
THE LLLI ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION 5 Continuum
Meet Lily Calderone: a true La Leche League treasure
n some countries, Japan for example, encouraging further discussion of needed aI special title is bestowed to people who birthing practices and to answer ques- are master craftpersons of their trade. tions! Lily remembers him saying, Their country believes they have perfected Lily keeps “Don’t let the doctors tell you they are special talents and gifts which are worth delivering your babies.... we doctors are honoring and keeping safe for future the new attendees only there to help you do that!” Those generations. These are people who have were exciting times, says Lily. usually lived many years practicing their spellbound In l973 Lily and Mary Ann were art. They are called “National Trea- both invited to attend a training sures.” when she shares conference for South American mid- In LLL we have many treasures and wives where Lily was one of the main I’d like to introduce our oldest and about her experiences translators. longest-practicing Leader to you….. In a Sept/Oct l976 article in “Building Blocks” (the LLL Area In 1923 a couple then living in Colo- culture at this time. publication for CO/WY/MT), Lily was rado, gave birth to a daughter, Lily. By 1960 Lily had successfully nursed honored as being one of the longest Spanish was spoken exclusively in their seven of her then 10 children. She was leading Leaders in her area at that time. home because they had come from very interested in LLL when she At LLL’s 25th Conference in Mexico with many others to find work. attended her first meeting, because she Chicago, Lily was among 10 outstanding Schools only acknowledged English at wanted to find out “what they had to Leaders from around the world who that time, so Lily and her siblings say about nursing.” The Leader, Mary were honored. In addition to being a learned to speak English equally as a Ann Kerwin, was pregnant with her Leader for 20 years, at that time she was second language. It was not until Lily fourth child at the time. one of the few bilingual Leaders in LLL. was a grandmother that she learned to Mary Ann remembers Lily as a When Lily sees a mother with a new read and write in Spanish! warm, experienced mother. Mary Ann baby today she “backtracks” to when she When Lily was a young woman, she believed Lily was someone who had her own babies and had their own worked making airplanes during WWII. would easily connect with and support little faces to look at. She was so glad It was at that time she met and married other mothers and encouraged her to she could be a full-time mother at home. her husband. (This year they will become a Leader. When her children were grown, she was celebrate their 56th anniversary!) Her In 1961 Lily became a “certified” a para-professional in a bilingual first pregnancy produced twin girls. LLL Leader through written essay elementary school. When the twins were two weeks questions. Among her gifts were her Lily currently co-leads meetings old, she was advised to put them on ability to counsel and bring a level of with Dorolyn Griebenaw in Denver. cow’s milk. Four months later, one of ease to Spanish speaking mothers. Dorolyn said, “Lily keeps the new them died from “crib death”—known as During this time, LLL and Mary attendees spellbound when she shares SIDS today. Lily said she often thought Ann were working closely with Dr. about her experiences, how LLL has that if she had breastfed her twins Bradley (of The Bradley Method of influenced her life, working with Dr. longer, her daughter’s death might not Childbirth) to help change hospital Bradley, and how LLL made an impact have occurred because the incidence of policy to allow fathers to attend births on changing hospital policies at that crib death was found to be lower in and babies to be nursed on the delivery time in her area! She is very proud that breastfed children. table. While all of her babies had been all seven of her daughters nursed their Although both her mother and born naturally, Lily especially remem- children, that their daughters nursed all grandmother nursed their own children, bers how meaningful it was to have the of theirs also and her daughters-in-law they were not able to give much supportive atmosphere of LLL and Dr. nursed too!” concrete support or factual information Bradley and his staff who helped provide At meetings, Dorolyn notices how about breastfeeding that LLL later for the births of her next four children. Lily’s knowledge and warmth come provided. Breastfeeding wasn’t “stylish” During these years, Dr. Bradley through. She is involved with life and in both her own and the mainstream even invited local mothers to his home very knowledgeable about breastfeeding
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as well as the needs of babies and the benefits of good mothering and mothers. “They are all ears,” Dorolyn breastfeeding. Different community said. Lily says she has always preferred (cultural) groups don’t have the same Cada cabesa counseling mothers rather than doing a educational experience and therefore lot of “paperwork.” aren’t as easily exposed to breast- es un mundo: Lily has a way of putting others at feeding’s benefits.” ease. If there is a mother worried about Through LLL, Lily learned many Each person something or coming across too strongly things. For example, how important on an issue, she understands “they mean reading to little ones was, how to treat is different well” and tries to help them through. “It children with respect (i.e., telling works both ways.” them when you will return if you had Lily is not afraid to tell of struggles to leave, and taking time to listen too, so when a mom has challenges, she carefully to their thoughts. “The children living, 28 “grands,” and 8 will realize that these are normal as well. cobwebs can stay; we can’t turn back “greats?” “To know the right thing. “If something works, it shouldn’t be the clock. Children grow so fast.” God gave us our breasts to nurse our judged.” With 16 people in her home, children. He has a special purpose for Lily believes LLL today is “doing everyone slept near someone else. There each of us. He gave each of us a talent great.” It is unbelievable how accepting were many bunk beds and babies were we are to find and use.” Lily has stated and easier breastfeeding is for moms always near her, especially the younger many times she believes that “raising today, how much support there is now. ones. Lily is masterful at juggling needs children is more important than seeking “Modern appliances, comforts, freedom of a large and growing family, cooking, money for material things and keeping to nurse more in public” are things she washing, sewing, doing what we all your home immaculate.” Lily also and her generation did not always have. do—just in larger amounts. stresses the importance of a nap each When asked if issues and concerns have “Children are like a tapestry, all day. She napped when her children changed at LLL meetings since she woven together. They are gifts from were small and she still needs naps. began, she replied it is “pretty much the God. I always considered I was When she is not at an LLL meeting, same.” She feels moms today have more babysitting for God when I was taking Lily enjoys talking with friends, old and confidence to speak up for what they care of my children.” When her chil- new. She knits, crochets, and cooks. She need. She wishes she had the help with dren were growing, she would often tell is also an artist, like Grandma Moses, her first babies that is available today. them, “God doesn’t make junk.” who began painting in her later years Besides co-leading her Group, she If you were to ask Lily what others when she had more time. She enjoys has helped moms at Mi Casa, a national received from her, she would tell you using acrylics, oils, and watercolors. community group for Latinos, and visits how much she received from everyone Wouldn’t it be special indeed if the local hospital to see new mothers to else. “No man is an island,” she said. there was a Lily for every LLL Group? “give her two cents’ worth.” Education, She believes everyone’s life is unique Someone who saw the big picture in a she realizes, “Often makes it easier for because of the people we touch. calm, wise maternal way as she does… mothers to breastfeed because they can What is the philosophy of this wise one who knows how precious children read about research and learn about all woman who now has 11 of her 14 are and how fast they grow… one who doesn’t get ruffled when someone became impatient? Lily shared in Spanish: Cada cabesa es un mundo. Translated, it means “each Modern appliances, comforts, and freedom person is different.” Thank you Lily for all you have and continue to share. You to nurse more in public are things are indeed a Living Treasure!
Lily and her generation did not always have Louise Cox, Connecticut USA, with special thanks to Mary Ann Kerwin and Dorolyn Griebenaw
THE LLLI ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION 7 Continuum
LLL to be profiled in Public Television documentary Shop and give
ocumentary filmmaker, Marcia about the human costs of war; Born in ver want to make a donation to DJarmel, producer of Born in the USA, a the USA, a critical look at the culture of Eyour favorite non-profit, La Leche public television documentary about the childbirth in the U.S; The Return of League International, but didn’t know culture of birth in the U.S., has set her Sarah’s Daughters, a critique of main- how? Short on cash, but you still want sights on a new subject. The project, stream American culture through the to support the world’s foremost experts tentatively called The League, will trace stories of secular women turning to on mother-to-mother breastfeeding La Leche’s history as a way of looking at Orthodox Judaism; and The F Word: A support? Well now you can support LLLI changing ideas about motherhood in short video about feminism, a humorous every time you shop on-line. the tumultuous latter part of the 20th look at the divisive word. The igive.com website makes it century. While the project is just in the The League is a project of the non- possible to donate to LLLI every time development phase, Jarmel and her profit Center for Independent Docu- you shop on-line. To register or learn crew did get started this summer in San mentary. If you have stories to share, more, go to
8 THE LLLI ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION Continuum
At last! A national breastfeeding awareness ad campaign for USA
or decades, Leaders have only been first time parents who would not implement the media aspects of the Fable to imagine what might happen if normally breastfeed. Since breastfeeding campaign, and track breastfeeding rates in an intensive media campaign for rates are lowest in the African Ameri- their communities. LLL Leaders are breastfeeding was launched to rival the can community, the campaign will have involved in many of the CDP projects. advertising of infant formula manufac- a special focus on African American Specifically, the projects will: turers. This fall, that dream will become women, but will also focus on the ■ Ensure that breastfeeding mothers reality as the National Breastfeeding general market audience. have access to comprehensive, up-to- Campaign in the US kicks off a compre- date, and culturally tailored lactation hensive three-year media campaign. LLL partnership services provided by trained physicians, The campaign will be marketed in nurses, lactation consultants, and Some background partnership with strategically selected nutritionists/dieticians; The US Department of Health and organizations—importantly the La ■ Develop breastfeeding education for Human Services Office on Womenís Leche League—and will employ state- women, their partners, and other Health (OWH) has been funded to of-the-art communication techniques significant family members during the carry out the recommendations of the through a variety of strategies such as prenatal and postnatal periods; HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding public service announcements (televi- ■ Establish family and community pro- (2000) into a National Breastfeeding sion and radio), bus stop posters, bill- grams that enable breastfeeding Awareness Campaign to promote boards, educational pamphlets and continuation when women return to breastfeeding among first-time parents articles in community newspapers, work in all possible settings; (mothers and fathers) who would not parenting, and women’s magazines and ■ Develop social support and informa- normally breastfeed their baby. websites. Thirteen La Leche League tion resources for breastfeeding women The overall goal of the campaign is pamphlets—including a basic breast- such as hotlines, peer counseling, and to increase the proportion of mothers feeding booklet co-authored by LLL mother-to-mother support groups; who breastfeed their babies in the early Publications Director Judy Torgus—are ■ Encourage fathers and other family postpartum period to 75% and those being disseminated through a special members to be actively involved within 6 months postpartum to 50% by breastfeeding helpline funded by OWH. throughout the breastfeeding experience. the year 2010 (Healthy People 2010). Calls are being answered by La Leche The following cities will participate: The campaign aims to empower League-trained Breastfeeding Informa- Atlanta, Georgia women to commit to breastfeeding and tion Specialists who use the LLL Birmingham, Alabama to clearly illustrate the consequences of BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK and other Boston, Massachusetts not breastfeeding such as a higher resource materials when answering calls Camden, New Jersey likelihood of diabetes, obesity, some and refer callers to LLL contacts if the Chicago, Illinois childhood cancers, and other illnesses caller needs additional assistance of a Kansas City, Missouri and conditions. Besides trying to raise peer counselor or LLL Leader. Knoxville, Tennessee initiation rates, the campaign will also Los Angeles, California stress the importance of exclusive Demonstration projects in 18 cities New Orleans, Louisiana breastfeeding for at least six months. Eighteen community-based demonstra- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania tion projects (CDPs) throughout the Portland, Oregon Advertising Council assistance US will work in coordination with Providence, Rhode Island The Advertising Council has selected OWH and the Advertising Council to Pueblo, Colorado the National Breastfeeding Awareness implement the National Breastfeeding Rosebud, South Dakota Campaign for official sponsorship. Awareness Campaign at the local level. San Francisco, California OWH will work in close coordination The CDPs, which include breastfeeding San Juan, Puerto Rico with the Ad Council to implement the coalitions, hospitals, universities, and St. Paul, Minnesota campaign, which will be based on the other organizations, have been funded Washington, D.C. goals, objectives, and recommendations to offer breastfeeding services, provide of the HHS Blueprint for Action on outreach to their communities, train For more information, visit
THE LLLI ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION 9 Continuum
Notes from the Web In remembrance…
lmost daily, retired Leaders touch base La Leche League International Awith LLL through its website (http://la was saddened to hear about the lecheleague.org). The following note was I could have told this exact death of Dr. Gregory White, husband of recently received. Founder Mary White, on June 16, 2003 story twenty-two years ago from complications due to leukemia. He I just got thrust headlong back into the was one of the original Medical Advi- birth and lactation world when my and was truly (naively) sors for La Leche League International niece (a 27-year-old first-time mother) and served on their Professional Advi- asked me to be her doula. I’ve been stunned that things like this sory Board for forty-six years. His substitute teaching at a Friends early encouragement and advice were school (three- to five-year-olds), so have invaluable to the organization. stayed in touch with parents of young are still happening Dr. White, a prominent Chicago children. However, I was unprepared for area physician, was trained in family the utter lack of progress in professional practice and obstetrics and had an office advice and practice when it comes to could have done this for me, because I in Franklin Park from 1949 until his birth and nursing. know how much it helped. retirement in June of 2000. Saturday morning, following the By baby’s Monday trip to his regular He was a leading pioneer in the birth of my great-nephew Thursday pediatrician (after a day of copious wet return to breastfeeding, home births night, I called a local Leader for a and messy diapers), he’d gained two and natural childbirth. He was also an breastfeeding refresher in case anything ounces over birthweight (6 ozs early advocate for fathers’ rights in the had changed in 16 years. Nothing really altogether), had his pku test on the first delivery room. had, of course. try with no torture, and the family was Dr. White attended the births of Then I related the tale of interfer- doing so well that the doctor didn’t approximately three thousand women ence with the birth and bonding period, want to see them for two weeks. Mom and helped them deliver naturally the struggle to take baby home before thanked me for sticking to my guns and whether in the hospital or at home. He he’d been in the hospital 24 hours (they cheerleading them away from supple- was a sought after speaker for seminars were “allowed” to only by agreeing to menting. and conferences on childbirth, breast- see a pediatrician who was not their I relate this not to toot my own horn, feeding, and home birth. chosen practitioner at 8:00 a.m. the but to say that I finally “got” that the In 1957, Dr. White wrote the book following day), several unsuccessful and problems I had with my own babies plus Emergency Childbirth which was used in upsetting attempts at the pediatrician’s lots of Leader training set the stage for training firemen and policemen. He was office for a pku test, and finally, the this opportunity to help my niece. It all a member of the American Academy of doctor’s conclusion that baby was “not came back, just like riding a bicycle. Family Physicians, belonged to the getting enough” (he gave him an ounce I don’t think a day goes by when I Illinois Academy of Family Practice and of formula right there and told mom to don’t use something I learned from the National Federation of Catholic nurse every two hours and supplement LLL—parenting, patience, teaching, Physicians Guilds. He was past Presi- with a “sippy cup”). One unfortunate speaking to groups, interpersonal dent of the Chicago Catholic Physicians result, I told the Leader, was frantic, skills, advocacy, nutrition, marriage, Guild and the American College of exhausted, and guilt-ridden parents. eldercare (love is love at whatever Home Obstetrics. I could have told this exact story 22 age, right? My mom learned a lot from Dr. White was born in Chicago on years ago and was truly (naively) my League knowledge, too.) I can’t February 11, 1921 and grew up in Oak stunned that things like this are still thank all of you enough, but I wanted Park, Illinois. He was the father of happening. The Leader was, of course, you to know of the “ripple effect” of eleven, grandfather of fifty-four, and wonderful, and bolstered me up so I LLLLove. great-grandfather of seventeen. This could go to the new parents with summer, almost all of his family gath- confidence. All I can say is, I wish I’d Mary McMorris, North Carolina USA ered at their summer home in Michigan had a close-by family member who to remember this wonderful father and friend to countless mothers and families.
10 THE LLLI ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION Continuum
La Leche League: what’s it worth to you?
ecently, the fundraising role of the profit sector is facing especially chal- experiences of my entire life. It enriched RAlumnae Association was questioned by lenging times and La Leche League is no my life beyond measure. the Board of Directors. What are we exception. Now, more than ever, your —Mary E. McCarty, Nebraska USA doing to help LLLI financially? Where, financial support is needed to help keep ♥ I remained a Leader through every they asked, are the Alumnae donations? alive the valuable programs and services move our family made for almost 10 We think that Alums make up a big of LLLI. years. Needless to say, the friendships portion of LLL’s donor base and account If it’s been a while since you have have lasted as our nursing babies for the vast majority of giving to the sent a donation (or even if it hasn’t), do grew, married and soon will have babies organization. But with no support staff, the Alums a favor—clip the giving form of their own. My volunteering time with numbers weren’t available to demon- below and include it with your check. LLL gave me the confidence to pursue a strate Alumnae viability. As a result, the That way, you’ll not only be supporting college degree and teaching career at small Alum budget was drastically cut. this organization that we hold so dear, age 41. Communication skills, dealing Other departments and programs you’ll be making a statement that with so many different and wonderful have seen their funding shrink as well. Alumnae donors are indeed alive and people… LLL gave that all to me. With the whole USA economy strug- well, still benefiting from skills they —Marilyn Breiling, California USA gling, it’s not surprising that the non- learned as Leaders, and committed to the future of LLL. ♥ LLL has been the most rewarding Here are some touching excerpts and life changing organization of my from recent LLLI Web sign-ins— life. I have observed the goodness it reminders of the lifelong connection brought in my life and those around me. the Alumnae! that La Leche League brings. My daughter is now an LLL member in Join Connecticut. YES, I want to keep in touch and support ♥ LLLI. My Alumnae membership category Being affiliated with LLLI was one of —Dodie Eisenhauer. Missouri USA is checked below. Enclosed is: the most beneficial and rewarding
$8 for CONTINUUM (I am currently an LLL Leader or member) $25 for a retired Leader/member count me as an Alum who’s proud to support LLL! LLLI Alumnae Membership Yes, (includes CONTINUUM) Here is $25 $50 $100 $250 $500 $1,000 $ $44 for CONTINUUM and an LLLI Individual Membership (includes to continue the La Leche League flow of breastfeeding information and support NEW BEGINNINGS) to new mothers worldwide. $60 for a 3-year LLLI Alumnae Membership (includes CONTINUUM) Enclosed is a check made payable to La Leche League International $100 for a 5-year LLLI Alumnae Please charge my credit card: VISA MasterCard Membership (includes CONTINUUM) Card number: Expiration Date: Name: Address: Name: State/Province: Address: . State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Country: Current LLL status: Current LLL status: e-mail: e-mail: Send to: LLL International, P.O. Box 4079 Schaumburg IL 60168-4079 USA Send to: LLL International, P.O. Box 4079, Schaumburg IL 60168-4079 USA
THE LLLI ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION 11 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION Continuum U.S. POSTAGE PAID La Leche League International La Leche League P. O. Box 4079 International Schaumburg IL 60168-4079 USA
The LLLI Alumnae Association Council
Coordinator: Pam Oselka 9701 Kruger Rd., Union Pier MI 49129 · 269-469-2706 fax: 269-469-0988
Publications/Web Site: Sue Christensen 1304 Leeper, South Bend IN 46617 · 574-288-7151 fax: 574-237-1071
Resource Development: Sharon Fairborn ➥ 1021 E. Balboa Blvd., Balboa LLLI Executive Director search underway: CA 92661
Public Relations/Web Site: Janet Jendron LLLI Funding Development under new leadership 112 Park Springs Road Columbia SC 29223 he LLLI Funding Development Department Stephanie and Pam have worked together in 803-736-1585 T fax: 803-935-5342 has recently undergone some exciting changes. the past and should make a very effective
12 THE LLLI ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION