Kathleen, Queen of the Desert

Originally published in LLL of Western Pennsylvania’s PennsyLLL Points West, Summer 1999

Perhaps it’s been quite a while since you’ve been to your first La Leche League meeting. I attended my first Series Meeting over 16 years ago. As a recent transplant into the Pittsburgh area, however, I’ve had the chance to relive being a new comer at local LLL get-togethers and meetings of other organizations. In general, a newcomer needs and appreciates:

• Clear directions. Give basic verbal directions (avoiding localisms like “by the old Sears store” which she won’t know about) and perhaps a map if there’s time to send one. Point out the best place to park.

• Good signs with large print. A newcomer will be going on visual cues. Help her know she’s in the right place.

• A greeter. Welcome a newcomer with a smile, help her with her diaper bag and baby carrier, and see her to a chair.

• A nametag. Print her first name in large letters.

• A sign-in sheet. Encourage a newcomer to identify herself on paper for future mailings and follow-up phone calls for activities.

• An orientation to the house or building. Show her where the bathrooms, kitchen, bins for disposable diapers, drinking fountains, etc., are located.

• An ending time. Some newcomers are dropped off by their partners for a first meeting and need to know a pick-up time. Some attendees may just want to know what to expect.

• A mix of communication and learning styles. Some attendees may be visually oriented, learning from posters and the printed word. Others may rely more on gaining information from what they hear.

• Written information. A newcomer needs to see and hear about THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING and other LLL materials. A new attendee may not immediately check out a book from the Group Library or buy an Information Sheet, but she will see that there are publications and research to back up what we say at meetings.

• An information packet to take home. A newcomer may be overwhelmed by mothers and babies, breastfeeding information, and her own questions and concerns at that fist meeting. A packet of materials to read at her leisure at home may help her assimilate what she heard and saw at the meeting. See the LEADER’S HANDBOOK for some example of what to include in an information packet.

• A simple introduction to the Group. A basic introduction to LLL’s resources and Leaders at the meeting is a strong beginning. Avoid overloading a newcomer with information. The World Walk for Breastfeeding, Toddler Meeting, upcoming fundraisers, or other extra activities can be explained in the newsletter or at later meetings.

• A chance to share. Even a shy mother will appreciate a chance to say her name and introduce her baby (or due date).

• An introduction to membership. A Leader can briefly explain that a membership helps keep the Group available to mothers. Including a copy of NEW BEGINNINGS with her information packet is one way of selling LLL to a future member.

• Encouragement to come back. Leave a newcomer with a good impression. Help her with the carrier and diaper bag, accompany her to the car, and express a warm goodbye.

• Follow-up. Mail a card or short note several days after the meeting with an appropriate information sheet or the Group newsletter. Make a meeting reminder phone call later in the month.

The next time you attend another Group’s meeting, or a first meeting in another area of interest to you, be sensitive to the feelings of being new again. It will help you be a more welcoming Leader to newcomers at your next meeting.