A local volunteer jetted off to Lima, Peru in South America this week to attend an international breastfeeding conference where she hopes to learn more from other volunteers from around the world on ways to better inform, educate and support breastfeeding mothers.
Gwynneth Jacobs, a mother of two young boys, is a volunteer for La Leche League South Africa, a non-profit organisation (NPO) based in Bothasig. The NPO provides breastfeeding education, information and support to breastfeeding mothers and is fully run by volunteer counsellors, referred to as leaders who receive accredited training and is affiliated with La Leche League International, a worldwide authority on breastfeeding.
Excited
This year’s 14th International La Leche League Congress for the International Area Network, as it is called, is hosted by their counterparts in Peru. The conference is an opportunity for leaders to gain valuable education and information from international breastfeeding experts, as well as to engage with other leaders and breastfeeding experts from all over the world.
Jacobs, who has been a volunteer for several years now, says she is excited about attending the conference as it presents an amazing opportunity to learn from other countries. “I am particularly interested in learning about different fundraising ideas and how we can apply it in South Africa, so our organisation can thrive,” she says.
The conference runs from Friday 7 November to Sunday 9 November.
“I will be attending seminars hosted by breastfeeding experts as well as leaders from other countries on various breastfeeding related topics that aim to educate and empower on the topic of breastfeeding.
“There will be workshops held on communication as well as seminars specifically focused on managing La Leche League as an organisation. I will be presenting on the topic of fundraising within La Leche League South Africa and sharing our experience here,” says Jacobs, who also helps run a support group for La Leche League in Parow.
Experience
Jacobs, who is originally from Mitchell’s Plain, has been a leader since 2017.
“I have been La Leche League volunteer for eight years. I provide breastfeeding support to mothers and host support meetings.
“I have held numerous positions during my time as a volunteer, including serving on the La Leche League South Africa council as area secretary and assistant, area coordinator of leaders, book depot manager and assisting with the social media platforms,” she says.
La Leche League also has offices in Durbanville, Milnerton, Sunningdale and Parklands.
