New La Leche leader keen from the outset

Nathan Crombie | 30th June 2009

Toni Braun, the newest Masterton branch La Leche League leader, was keen to continue with the organisation before arriving in New Zealand in December.

Ms Braun, who with her husband, Dr Sarmad Ashfaq, shares two children - Emaan, 2, and Noor, 5 months - said that in December the family shifted to Masterton from Pittsburgh, where she first became involved with the international organisation.

La Leche League has branches throughout New Zealand and the world, and is an organisation that provides peer-to-peer support and education for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

"I had heard La Leche was strong in New Zealand and so I was keen to join to be involved here as well.

"We arrived on a Saturday and I went to my first meeting in Masterton on the Tuesday."

Ms Braun said the Masterton branch has three leaders and a core group of members and the organisation meets at 10am on the third Tuesday of every month at a private residence in the town.

She said the branch is set to hold two special meetings at 7pm at the Horseshoe Cafe titled Breastfeeding 101 with the first on July 30 and the second on August 7.

"Our meetings are very informal and anybody with issues is welcome; whether they're pregnant, or have a newborn, a toddler or twins - any situation."

For more information please phone Toni Braun, 377-2917.