By Leslie S. Fireworks popped outside the window as downtown Austin was still celebrating the Fourth of July. The tightening in my belly was strong. I kept my eyes closed and practiced deep breaths as the pressure peaked,… Read More

Sharing birth stories can be really therapeutic. Whether you’ve had a different experience than you expected and had to adapt your delivery plan or if labor felt empowering and magical, it often feels good to share with others…. Read More

If you’ve been in labor and given birth, you’ve probably discussed your experience(s) with friends and family multiple times. It’s only natural to talk about one of the most life-changing events you’ll ever experience. Earlier this year, we… Read More

Jennifer Pitkin, Ames, Iowa Editor’s Note: Over the years, many “classic” New Beginnings articles were available through both the La Leche League USA and La Leche League International websites. As these websites have been updated, the availability of… Read More

Gina B., Illinois It’s almost embarrassing to look back at my first birth experience and see how unprepared I was for what was the most important event in my life up to that point. Since then, I’ve heard… Read More

Recently, an expectant parent reached out to La Leche League USA about having a potentially complicated birth and whether the birth experience and potential separation immediately after birth could affect the start of breastfeeding. Kailyn asked, “I’ve had… Read More

Rebecca H. McCormick, Fairfax City, Virginia I hadn’t expected that my first time leaving the house with my new baby would be for all-you-can-eat Balkans cuisine on Christmas Eve, but there we were. From the time I first… Read More