About Us
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​La Leche League of Portland, Maine is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support and encouragement to those interested in feeding their babies human milk.  Whether you are breastfeeding, chestfeeding, feeding donor milk, or anywhere in between, we are here to support you. La Leche League of Portland, Maine is committed to diversity and inclusion. We support all breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and human milk feeding families, inclusive of their race, ethnicity, immigration status, national origin, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, primary language, ability, or socio-economic status. 

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Our Leaders

Our leaders are accredited through La Leche League International. They are all committed to supporting families in the Portland area with their breastfeeding/chestfeeding/human milk feeding journeys. Click here to contact to one of our leaders.

Elin Shartar

Elin has lived in Portland since the fall of 2015. She and her husband Brook have two children, Salinger (‘14), Juniper (‘17), and a rescue dog named Ruby. Elin became interested in breastfeeding advocacy when her older sister had her first baby and received critical support from a La Leche League leader, which truly saved her breastfeeding relationship. Elin loves to spend time with her family, especially at the beach, walk with Ruby in the woods, cook and eat good food, and knit sweaters.

Mary Bloch

Mary and her husband, Paul, moved to Maine in 2000 and are so delighted to be raising their two children, EJ ('01) and Ellen ('09) in South Portland. When she was pregnant with EJ, Mary’s doula encouraged her to attend the Portland La Leche League meeting. She is frequently heard saying that La Leche League saved her breastfeeding relationship! Experiencing mother-to-mother support first hand at the monthly meetings, she knew that she wanted to give back and became a Leader in 2005. She credits La Leche League for helping her become the mother that her children needed. Mary and her family have 8 bikes and are avid bicyclists. They are beginning to plan their Maine to Florida bike ride!  If you can’t find her on her bike, you might find her swimming in the ocean (even in the winter months – ok so it’s a bi-monthly dip and not a swim!), Kezar Lake, or Wild River. Mary also enjoys yoga, being in nature, and creating deep connection with family, friends, and her community. ​

Jen Rosenthal

Jen and her family moved to Portland Maine in 2018. She and her husband Casey have three children, Walden ('13), Ellington ('15), and Cardelle ('18). Jen has a passion for supporting other parents and families through their breastfeeding journeys and it led her to becoming a La Leche League leader in 2018. She and her family enjoy the outdoors and are often hiking, biking, and exploring the Southern Maine landscape. Jen loves cooking, curling up with a good book, and arts & crafts. She is happy to be part of such a strong and caring LLL community here in Portland.

Jenn Black retired January 2020

Jenn lives in Portland, ME and is mom to Sylvan ('09) and Ember ('12.) She became a La Leche League leader in 2010 in Queens, NY and loves supporting breastfeeding families! Since moving to Portland in 2016 she has been thrilled to be part of such an incredible group of LLL leaders. When not talking about breastfeeding, Jenn enjoys cooking, dancing, singing along to Moana in the car with her girls and snuggling with her family.

Jenna Smith

Jenna grew up in Maine and then returned in 2014 to raise her family here. She and her husband Derek have two children, Ananda ('13) and Phoebe ('15). Jenna became a La Leche League leader in 2018 so that she could provide the same invaluable support she received throughout her breastfeeding journey to other parents in the community. In Jenna's nonexistent spare time, she enjoys playing piano, biking, home-canning, and reading graphic novels. If you are looking for Jenna outside of a meeting, you'll most likely find her at the ocean! ​

Catherine Whittemore

Coming soon.

La Leche League History

Coming soon.