Explore every episode of the podcast Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah
Dive into the complete episode list for Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
94 | Scheduling Tetris
14 Jan 2025
00:35:05
Today we are diving into the crazy world of scheduling. From juggling multiple locations to dealing with holiday madness, we are sharing our secrets and survival tactics.
Leah explains her scheduling system, which involves multiple providers and locations, and the crucial role that her administrative assistant, Amanda, plays in orchestrating the chaos (and why she should get a raise).
Annie explains how she navigates the nuances of handling interns and a recently expanded office schedule by implementing a more automated system to minimize the back-and-forth with her clients.
There isn’t a one-size-fits all solution to scheduling but we hope hearing how we handle scheduling will help you with recreating your own.
“When it feels crazy stressful and I'm like, we're never going to figure this out. I always just tell myself it always works out.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Managing complicated schedules (2:19)
The importance of having clear communication with your team (6:08)
Creating waitlists to help with meeting client needs (12:05)
Handling cancellations (25:17)
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
It’s the New year and with that comes making resolutions but this year we are not excited about it.
The idea of setting goals has become daunting. Plus we usually don’t keep them anyway. It’s time to take a more intentional approach and remember that good enough is good enough.
Listen in as we set a goal to not put so much pressure on ourselves and just realize that we are doing the best we can (just like everyone else).
”We don't want to bog ourselves down so much that we forget to enjoy what we're actually doing.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Setting intentions for the New Year (5:01)
Battling perfectionism in goal setting (13:02)
Navigating expectations (17:51)
Accepting that good enough is ok in 2025 (20:28)
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
Promo | Deeper Dive into Reflux with Cathy Watson Genna
22 Apr 2024
00:03:46
Each month, Annie and I take a deeper dive into topics and information with an expert to give us more insights on things that we might be incorporating in our clinical practice as well as entrepreneurs and business owners. We're bringing you this snippet today to give you a taste of what these deeper dives are all about.
This month, we got to chat with Cathy Watson Genna about reflux. She dives into what reflux is, the causes of reflux, and strategies for IBCLCs to support families when dealing with reflux.
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
25 | Educating Families, Healthcare Providers, and Communities about Lactation
27 Nov 2019
00:34:32
People don’t know what they don’t know about breastfeeding.
As a lactation consultant, you have the unique opportunity to educate families, other healthcare providers, and members of your community about the different feeding methods. By increasing awareness and understanding for breastfeeding, chestfeeding, formula feeding, and supplementation, you are making your job easier down the road when people feel more comfortable coming to you for help when they feel they need it.
“You’re building a community that values infant feeding and values continuing education about lactation…creating a connection that is fulfilling for everyone.”
In this episode, we will cover:
IBCLCs are the gold standard for lactation care because of the high expectations and great responsibilities that they have to their clients and communities, and part of this is being competent in educating.
You may find it helpful to offer classes such as Basics, Getting Started, Returning to Work, Starting Solids and Weaning, or other focused classes to the families in your community.
In online and in-person community groups, it is best to just stick to announcing your classes and not get sucked into responding to clinical questions or engaging in advocacy inside someone’s personal thread about their own experience
A great way to educate healthcare providers is to create informational resources that they can review and hand out to relevant patients.
Look into creating continuing education opportunities locally and at conferences to meet healthcare providers (and medical students) where they are.
Consider reaching out to local schools and groups to see if you could share with students about lactation consulting as a profession since many of them have never heard of it but might consider following that path in the future.
The more we talk about breastfeeding in the community, the more comfortable people will be breastfeeding and talking about breastfeeding, and the positive impacts on the community of a more healthy breastfeeding culture are too great to be measured.
This episode is sponsored by IntakeQ. Use IntakeQ to collect client information for the superbill, even if they are out of network. IntakeQ is offering Lactation Business Coaching podcast listeners a discount on their first 3 months using the service at this link.
24 | Creating Safe Spaces for You and Your Clients During Lactation Home Visits
12 Nov 2019
00:48:51
When a family reaches out to you for a home visit to help them with breastfeeding/chestfeeding or other lactation-related concerns, it’s natural to want to take some precautions to protect your own safety in an unfamiliar situation with someone you’ve never met before.
Our clients also need to feel safe with us because if they don’t trust us, we can’t help them. You are coming to them at a raw and vulnerable time and you want to come across as someone who is understanding and accepting of them without judgment. At the same time, you should communicate your expectations ahead of time about the visit and have a plan in place to alert someone if you ever feel unsafe.
“I felt from the very beginning that it was important for me to set some expectations for both sides.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Your intake process is a great way to set expectations from the start
Consider sharing your location with your spouse, partner, or other trusted friend so someone always knows where you are
Have procedures in place for physical safety and digital privacy
Know when and how to refer out if anyone in the family is unsafe
Do work ahead of time on your own biases
Be cautious in your use of social media
This episode is sponsored by IntakeQ. Use IntakeQ to collect client information for the superbill, even if they are out of network. IntakeQ is offering Lactation Business Coaching podcast listeners a discount on their first 3 months using the service at this link.
23 | Making Sense of Insurance Coverage for Lactation Care
29 Oct 2019
00:38:03
Your goal as a lactation consultant is to provide the best care you can to the families you serve, but far too often, insurance companies make this easier said than done.
The Affordable Care Act did some good in stating that lactation services would be covered, but because of the vagueness of the phrasing, there is no clear consensus among insurance companies and providers about what this should look like in reality.
Annie and Leah provide some tips for listeners who want some help navigating this topic in order to focus on serving their families better.
“Everybody needs help.”
In this episode, we will cover:
The Affordable Care Act says that “lactation services are covered” but doesn’t specify who the providers should be, what the timing should be, or who should determine if the services are needed
Insurance companies only want to cover the lactation consulting services at the hospital immediately after birth and at the pediatrician’s office, so they are quick to deny coverage for anything outside of those instances
The National Women’s Law Center, however, provides scripts for families to use when talking with their insurance companies to ensure coverage of lactation consulting services
Typically, the consultant handles in-network insurance claims and agrees to the insurance company’s prices for their services and the consultant provides a superbill to clients who are out-of-network for the client to submit to their insurance company
The providers feel obligated to provide services to clients regardless of their insurance status because it is a right
Sometimes out-of-network insurance companies will call or write to argue with your billing amounts
It is unclear whether it is more successful for the provider or the client to submit the superbill to an out-of-network insurance company
Leah talks about the benefit of looking at your average payout versus your per-consult payout to assess how your business is working with insurance and self-paid clients
Annie recommends the diagnosis code of Z39.1 and the procedure code of either S9443 or S99404 because these are the most conservative and hardest for the companies to argue with
It is important to ethically bill your clients and seek information from a variety of sources
This episode is sponsored by Acuity Scheduling for forms and payments – They are providing LBC podcast listeners with a 45-day free trial at this link.
By diversifying – opening up multiple channels of income within – your lactation consulting business, you are building yourself a sturdy foundation to prepare for lean market times while connecting with more families. This could include accepting both insurance and self-pay clients, writing a course or book, creating a resource or piece of merchandise for others to purchase, or developing continuing education. The sky’s the limit!
“We can use our passions for more things.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Diversification in business essentially means opening up multiple channels of income
Having multiple income streams can help sustain your business during lean times because you will not be relying on any one thing and you will be competitive in the market
In the lactation consulting industry, one of the main forms of diversification is accepting insurance and self-pay clients
Annie and Leah also advise people to set up opportunities for passive income such as creating a continuing education course, handouts, YouTube content, and writing books that are all accessible through a paywall that you write once but continue to earn from as people access the content
Consider what other topics you are interested or talented in and start integrating those things into your lactation business. Ideas include QuickBooks, courses, engineering, research, writing, graphic design, merchandise, etc.
When venturing into the world of renting and selling pumps, try to remain as impartial towards all of the companies as possible by not accepting any “free gifts” they want to give you
There is often a fine ethical line when combining two of your business elements, so it is always best to disclose your status to the client ahead of time
Remember to stay up-to-date on the applicable laws and insurance regulations, particularly if you are doing business with people in countries outside the U.S.
Keep in mind the strategies about time management previously shared on this podcast and be smart about the ideas you decide to pursue
This episode is sponsored by Acuity Scheduling for forms and payments – They are providing LBC podcast listeners with a 45-day free trial at this link.
21 | Growing Your Lactation Practice By Hiring Help
01 Oct 2019
00:48:02
Many lactation consultants are used to working solo, and it can be hard to surrender certain aspects of your private practice to others. But if you feel like you’re spending too much time on tasks that take you away from the clinical work you love, it may be time to bring on people who can share the workload.
In this episode, Annie and Leah discuss when to recognize when you need help and where you can hire help in your business.
“When you’re pushing and trying to do everything yourself, there will be long-term health consequences that will cost you money down the road.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Realizing that time is just as finite as money helps you see that when you have more time for the things you want to do you might actually make more money
Writing down your weekly and monthly tasks outside of your IBCLC responsibilities and assess what tasks might be good to hire out
These tasks are likely things that someone else is more passionate about or proficient in
You can hire out work for your personal or business life: billing, scheduling, clinical assistance, taxes, cleaning, laundry, school pickups, childcare, elder care, etc.
It could be just as good for you to commit to brushing up on your proficiencies and then “hiring yourself” to do those extra tasks
Not being afraid to tweak things until everything is working the way you want it to
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
All contributions count; join at one of our starter levels here!
As a lactation consultant, you’re keeping track of so much. Client care, running a business, keeping up with social media, and staying current with your clinical training can become overwhelming, and sometimes important things slip through the cracks.
Leah and Annie share the techniques they use to get organized and increase productivity to align their personal and business priorities to free up mental space and enjoy work and life.
“I do think it’s important for us to think about the things that we do want to have balance in our lives in and put that into our productivity too.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Time blocking is a great way to focus on one task at a time while allowing yourself some mental rest within the structure.
Bullet journaling is a freeform way to keep up with tasks and can take whatever form or function works best for you.
Using productivity techniques helps you maintain a good work-life balance and prioritize the important over the urgent.
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
All contributions count; join at one of our starter levels here!
Lactation consultants are especially prone to burnout because our work is so intense. It can be hard to disconnect from your clients and from your business, but it’s essential to recognize the importance of taking regular breaks.
In this episode of the Lactation Business Coaching Podcast, Leah and Annie offer practical steps to take when you’re prepping for your vacation.
“Burnout affects the families that we’re caring for.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Burnout is real. It’s just not physically or emotionally possible to work without taking regular breaks.
Our work is hard. We’re always thinking about our clients and it can be hard to turn that off.
Our clients’ problems can drain our energy. When situations are complex, or when we’re faced with the same kinds of issues over and over again, it can wear us out.
Scared that your business will die. Your private practice is not a shark, it doesn’t have to keep moving to live.
How to set your practice up for a break. From organizing your tech to managing your communications, learn specific steps to take the break you need.
This episode is sponsored by Acuity. Never ask “what time works for you?” again. Clients can quickly view your real-time availability and self-book their own appointments—and even pay online, reschedule with a click. You can even handle all of your forms and payments before your appointments so you can get right down to business. For a FREE 45 day trial, visit this LINK.
Links and Resources
Visit this link at Acuity for a 45 day free trial.
Whether you’re in solo private practice or feeling ready to expand into a group practice, making local connections with other IBCLCs and lactation helpers is good for you and good for the families you serve.
Why go it alone when community and collaboration can strengthen your skills and combat compassion fatigue?
In this episode of the Lactation Business Coaching podcast, Annie & Leah share three ways you can grow your local connections and create more opportunities for all of you. From informal to formal, there’s something in here for everyone.
“I want all of us to make a living. How can we do that for each other?”
In this episode, we will cover:
Show up and offer help. Volunteering with local lactation groups can
boost your visibility and offer much-needed help
Not available? Informal referral networks connect separate private
practice lactation consultants without any legal agreements.
Ready to make it official? Formal group practices have legal
agreements in place and can be profitable for everyone
This episode is sponsored by Acuity. Never ask “what time works for you?” again. Clients can quickly view your real-time availability and self-book their own appointments—and even pay online, reschedule with a click. You can even handle all of your forms and payments before your appointments so you can get right down to business. For a FREE 45 day trial, visit this LINK.
Links and Resources
Visit this link at Acuity for a 45 day free trial.
17 | Home Consult Bags, Office Visit Efficiency, and Feeling like a Know-Nothing Newbie: Listener Questions!
18 Jun 2019
00:34:28
Annie and Leah have more listener questions in this episode of the Lactation Business Coaching podcast.
From what’s in their home consult bags to running an office visit when you don’t have all the time in the world, they’ll share what works and what doesn’t in their own private practices. And if you’re a new IBCLC wondering if you’re ready to launch your practice, they’ve got some special words just for you.
“You can’t do this on your own, you need other people and other people need you”
In this episode, we will cover:
What’s in your bag? Leah and Annie literally unpack their consult
bags
Time’s up: In the office, families have less time, so Leah has to be
super-efficient to make the most of it.
New in town: Leaping into private practice can feel intimidating when
you feel like you know less than the other IBCLCs in your area.
Building a community is the best remedy for professional insecurity.
16 | Coffee, Social Media, Working with Referrals, and Handling Payments: Listener Questions!
04 Jun 2019
00:41:42
Do you bring your coffee inside? What do you do when someone tags you on social media? What happens when the doctor disagrees with you? And finally—when is the best moment in the visit to take payment?
Annie and Leah respond to some truly great listener questions about things that only lactation consultants will relate to.
“We don't diagnose, we say what we see and explain what we're seeing.”
In this episode, we will cover:
How not to be a jerk: Learn from Annie’s coffee mistakes
Toilet paper and soap bars: Bring your own?
Hashtag what do I do: Navigating social media fears
Assessment dismissed: Supporting your clients when disagreement
happens
Before or after: When is the best time to take payment?
This episode is sponsored by Practice Better. The all-in-one practice management platform that helps Health & Wellness Professionals automate and streamline their workflow. Use code CLEARDESK20 for 20% off your first 4 months.
15 | Care Plans Can Be the Heart and Soul of Your Lactation Private Practice
21 May 2019
00:43:10
When you leave a lactation consult, you have no idea what will happen next, because it’s entirely up to that individual family. But by providing your clients with a clear, detailed, and rich care plan, you can guide them towards meeting their infant feeding goals, whatever those may be. A good lactation care plan increases client self-efficacy and improves health outcomes for parents and babies, and learning how to maximize this powerful tool is critical to the success of your private practice.
From choosing your resources to the most effective delivery methods, Annie and Leah share how they create care plans that work for their clients.
“I’m just a cheerleader for a miracle worker. You’re the miracle worker doing the hard work, I’m just cheering you on and giving you the tools.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Carefully vetted resources can amplify your care plan by educating
your clients and reinforcing your instructions
Instructing your clients on when and how to follow up is a critical component
Know how to adapt a care plan to meet your client’s needs
Working together: The care plan isn’t handed down by you, it’s created with the family
Structuring the care plan: How Annie & Leah decide what to include and how to present it to the family
Paperless or paper? When the delivery system matters and when it doesn’t.
This episode is sponsored by Practice Better. The all-in-one practice management platform that helps Health & Wellness Professionals automate and streamline their workflow. Use code CLEARDESK20 for 20% off your first 4 months.
14 | Financial Real Talk: When You’re An IBCLC And Business Owner
07 May 2019
00:46:27
Annie and Leah got into this business because they love caring for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. That skill doesn’t always coincide with business and financial savvy. If you can relate, they’ve got you covered.
In this episode, they share their advice, tips, and experiences for creating a successful business and staying on top of your finances. From business expenses to taxes, Annie and Leah are diving in deep for this Financial Real Talk.
“You CAN grow a sustainable business with sustainable income”
In this episode, we will cover:
Cost of Doing Business vs. Business Expenses
Pay Yourself, Pay Your Taxes
How do you get through the Ups and Downs
This episode is sponsored by MilkNotes. MilkNotes is an all-in-one lactation charting tool that helps you better manage your LC practice.
Like this episode? Want more?
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
All contributions count; join at one of our starter levels here!
If you’re interested in increasing access for aspiring IBCLCs of color, please check out:
13 | What Do You Wish You Knew When You First Started Out?
23 Apr 2019
00:37:36
Are you new to the independent IBCLC practice? This episode is for you!
Being an entrepreneur is tough work and it takes a brave soul. Go you for venturing out there! But how do you get things moving forward as a new business?
We’re here to share what we wish we’d known when we started in order to help you along in your own journey. We’re touching on three main areas that we feel are essential to building and growing your business.
“I would highly recommend to anyone who is starting out to go get in front of people face to face”
In this episode, we will cover:
How to get Organized
How to Market Yourself
How to Collaborate and Connect
Like this episode? Want more?
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
All contributions count; join at one of our starter levels here!
12 | What Actually Happens During a Home Visit with a Lactation Consultant?
09 Apr 2019
00:51:56
Leah and Annie take you through their individual routines for home visits. Home visits are personal and relational and it’s important to create a safe and comfortable environment for your clients.
If you’ve ever wondered how another lactation consultant runs a home visit, this is your chance to be a fly on the wall.
“Home visits have my heart”
In this episode, we will cover:
The difference between Home Visits vs Office Visits
An Insider’s Look at Home Visits in NYC - Annie takes you through her
routine sharing how she greets clients, assesses the situation,
charts on the spot, and creates a comfortable environment for her
clients
A Day in the Life of a Houston IBCLC - Leah shares her routine to
gather information, introduce her methods, and create a safe space
for her clients
This episode is sponsored by Spruce. Mention Lactation Business Coaching when signing up for Spruce and get a free month!
11 | Imposter Syndrome: When You Think You’re a Terrible IBCLC
26 Mar 2019
00:34:54
Have you ever wondered when everyone around you is going to realize that you’re the worst lactation consultant on the planet?
Well, we have! It’s called imposter syndrome, and we’re pretty sure this is going to be a terrible episode on the topic where you figure out we have no idea what we’re talking about.
“Reflecting on our wins in the past is way more helpful than trying to push yourself into an unknown future”
In this episode, we will cover:
What is imposter syndrome?
How does it affect your work? By sharing it, we can fix it.
Okay, what’s next? Annie and Leah share tricks and tips for how to
cope with it
This episode is sponsored by Spruce. Mention Lactation Business Coaching when signing up for Spruce and get a free month!
10 | The Delicate Balance: Personal and Professional Time
12 Mar 2019
00:53:40
When you have a private practice, it’s so easy for your work life to bleed into your home life. Finding a rhythm for your days can help prevent you from working all the time.
In today’s episode, Annie & Leah share their own schedules and give ideas for finding the right time for all the personal and professional things you need to do.
“Don’t forget about the power of a little bit of white space”
In this episode, we will cover:
A Day in the Life of Leah: An inside peek at how Leah organizes her schedule
Annie in the City: Annie Shares her daily schedule as a busy NYC IBCLC and homeschool mom
What works and what doesn’t: Review your schedule to see what is successful and what can be adjusted
Efficient Time management: These tips will help you manage your schedule more efficiently and keep your sanity
Documenting what happens at a lactation consult is super important for so many reasons, but figuring out just want to say and how to say it can be challenging.
In this episode, Annie and Leah will explain their approaches to charting and offer you tips and strategies for making this critical task less overwhelming. Whether you’re paperless or love your clipboard and folders, this episode will help you streamline your charting workflow and feel confident in your documentation.
“It didn’t happen unless you write it down”
In this episode, we will cover:
What is lactation charting? Get a clear, concise idea of what charting should be
Why do we have to chart our lactation consults? There are important medical and legal reasons for charting
What are the biggest challenges and time sucks when it comes to charting?
Charting can get in the way of life outside of your practice
So, how can we do it better? There are some strategies for making charting more efficient
What to include and what to leave out? Not everything needs to go into your reports - Learn what should and shouldn’t be represented
Overwork, compassion fatigue, burnout. It’s a common cycle for anyone in a helping profession, and it feels especially intense for lactation consultants because the stakes are so high—I mean, we’re working with babies who can’t eat!
Compassion fatigue is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be the end of you.
"If you don’t take care of yourself there won’t be anyone to take care of the families that need you"
In this episode, we will cover:
What to do when you are tired: We all have limits, and we’re all going to reach them
Hitting the wall: What it looks like when the compassion runs out
Powering through: Getting through the other side
Strategies for prevention: You can help yourself so you can help
others
Recharge and overcome: Put your compassion in the right place
7 | Setting your fees: Charge what you’re worth, and make yourself worth it
29 Jan 2019
00:43:44
In this episode, Annie and Leah talk about the tough topic of setting your fees for your private lactation practice.
It’s so important to know your worth as a business owner and to represent that fairly within your specific market. Once you’ve set your rate, you can begin working towards long-term goals for your business as a whole.
"You are literally changing the world! If you can’t own your worth, no one will"
In this episode, we will cover:
How do you come up with your fees? And what your fees say about your business
How low is too low? Nobody wants to be in a race to the bottom—including our clients
Discounts and sliding scales: The ethical, professional way to offer lower rates
Where do I begin? How to figure out your number
Communicating your value: How to market your worth
The big picture: Growing your business and your long term goals
Be your own motivation: Always improving, never settling
Like this episode? Want more?
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
All contributions count; join at one of our starter levels here!
As a private practice IBCLC your website is usually the first contact your prospective clients will have with you and your business. Making your website easy to navigate and quickly get the necessary information is essential for a new and tired parent. In this episode, Leah and Annie share their resources for online scheduling, HIPAA compliance, website design, and more.
“You never want people leaving your website while they’re still deciding if they want to work with you”
In this episode, we will cover:
How to make an impression - Your website is the first source of contact with
your clients.
The importance of mobile compatibility - New moms are tired! Help
them by making your website navigable during 3AM feedings.
What do I include on my website? Annie and Leah share tips on what
you should and shouldn’t include on your website.
The Final Step - Contact & Booking are the most important parts of
your website. Annie and Leah talk about how to make this step easy
and efficient, as well as share resources to get this set up.
Not sure about the design? - Annie and Leah let you in on some helpful
design tips, as well as give advice on how to get meaningful photos
Promo | Deeper Dive into Allergies with Hope Lima, PhD, RDN, IBCLC
01 Apr 2024
00:03:27
Each month, we host a Deeper Dive, which is a live Q& A with an expert in the field of lactation, business, or personal development. The following snippet is from our most recent Deeper Dive.
This month, we got to meet with Hope Lima and we talked about all things allergies. Hope helped us understand what an IBCLC needs to know about allergies, the difference between intolerance and allergies, and symptoms to look for in infants. We hope you enjoy!
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
It's so important for IBCLCs to be seen as part of the care team for the breastfeeding families we serve. One way we can impact our presence in the care team is to communicate with the other providers working with the breastfeeding family.
Today we will discuss what we need to send to the other providers on the care team as well as strategies to make this process effective and efficient. So if you struggle with motivating yourself to write and send pediatrician reports, or if you’re wondering if anyone even reads them, you are not alone. Leah and Annie have both been there and been frustrated by that, and they’ve got some ideas for you on how to get them done and get them read. We’re talking about what to write, how to send, and why they’re so important.
“We need to be the bridge to make sure our exact message is portrayed correctly”
In this episode, we will cover:
Why we’re supposed to be sending pediatrician reports (hint: IBLCE
Code of Professional Conduct)
What if those pediatrician reports are sitting in that fax tray, never to be read? Why you should send them anyway
4 | How to boost your skills as a solo private practice lactation consultant
18 Dec 2018
00:42:12
The world of lactation is constantly changing and evolving which means it’s critical to be up to date on current practices as well as always working to hone and improve your skills. Continuing education is critical not just for improving your clinical skills, but for the networking opportunities gained from connecting with other lactation consultants.
In this episode, Annie and Leah share strategies for reaching out, getting support, and finding community.
“You’re never too far in your career that you can’t learn from someone else”
In this episode, we will cover:
The loneliness of the lactation consultant
When and how to reach out for advice and support
Finding continuing education that fits your needs, budget, and time
constraints
How if you are not able to get to an in-person conference, it’s not a problem
Why sharing is caring—not just for kindergarten! Because helping someone
3 | Too Busy, Too Slow: The Goldilocks Paradox of Lactation Consultants in Private Practice
04 Dec 2018
00:38:47
In this episode, Leah and Annie are talking about the ever-present swinging pendulum of busy-ness as the owner of your private practice. They open up about the emotional and financial implications of both the busy and the lean times and how important it is to know that you’re not alone in this struggle.
Leah and Annie both share their own perspectives and unique ways of tackling this trend and how to make the most of your downtime so you are continuing to grow your business.
“You’re not experiencing anything that any other business owner hasn’t”
In this episode, we will cover:
During busy times, make sure to have awareness of your personal
limits. Incorporating flex time into your regular schedule can make
sure you don’t exceed them.
How to make a plan for how to handle the lean times both financially and for your business as a whole
The importance of taking note of how the year trends as a whole. Knowing when the lean and busy times are is helpful for planning and perspective.
How to plan consistency in your social media content
How to approach downtime to make it useful, not wasted.
2 | How to set appropriate limits with your lactation clients without compromising follow-up
23 Nov 2018
00:38:58
In this episode, Annie and Leah discuss the importance of setting clear follow-up policies to protect and guard your private practice and your personal life, as well as help your clients reach self-efficacy and get the care they truly need.
It can be difficult to say no or to step back when a client is having difficulty, but most times, it’s what you both need to achieve your client’s goals. Catering to a client’s anxiety can lead to even more panic or prevent your client from seeking the care they need from a medical professional.
“Policies allow you to make a clear distinction of what you CAN do versus what you DON’T do.”
In this episode, we will cover:
How to set policies that work for you and your clients
The importance of knowing your scope
How your policies can be consistent and kind if you approach them the right way
How to engage with your audience in a more personal way
What to do when your client needs way more than just encouragement
Links and Resources
Leah and Annie both use Spruce--mention either of them and both of you will get a free month.
In this episode of Lactation Business Coaching, hosts Annie Frisbie IBCLC and Leah Jolly IBCLC talk about the unique challenges of starting a business as a private practice lactation consultant.
They go into how hard it is to charge money for something you’d do for free and how to make peace with the inevitable expenses involved in starting a business. Leah and Annie know how much you want to be both compassionate and financially viable because they face this tension in their own private practices.
“No one is going to take you as seriously in your business as you take yourself”
In this episode, we will cover:
How starting a business has challenges, especially when you’re coming from a volunteer background, but they’re nothing you can’t handle, with the right guidance and resources.
The importance of investing the time and the money now to create a solid foundation because that’s what’s going to bring you financial viability and joy.
How you can have it all: a business that works and the deep satisfaction that comes from helping families meet their breastfeeding goals.
How to turn downtime into marketing time
Why you shouldn’t just put yourself out there and hope for the best. Your future self will be much happier if you take the time now to lay a firm foundation.
In today’s episode, we're tackling a subject that can make hearts pound and palms sweat: raising your rates in your business.
We open up about the challenges of pricing our services, sharing personal experiences and insights into the uncomfortable yet necessary discussions about when and how to raise rates.
Listen in as we unravel the complexities of money mindset, emphasizing the significance of charging what you're worth to avoid burnout and maintain the financial health of your business.
“So much of it really comes down to our mindset around money and how we view money. How we feel comfortable or not comfortable with the idea of talking about money and knowing that we deserve money.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Having the uncomfortable money talks (1:48)
Valuing your services and what you provide to your clients (3:28)
Finding the middle ground in pricing your services (6:33)
How to raise your insurance rates (18:53)
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
In our lactation businesses, we want to plan long-term while also remaining open to new challenges and opportunities.
None of us can predict the future, but having a plan in place is a great way to know what you want your business to look like as it grows.
In this episode, we are diving headfirst into the wild ride that is running your own lactation private practice and letting you in on the things we wished we knew when starting out.
"Even if you put down your best plans, just know they might not always go as planned."
In this episode, we will cover:
Planning and the importance of aligning values with vision for private practice (1:41)
The challenges of creating an ideal client avatar and marketing strategies that may not align with lactation work (6:58)
Why flexibility and adaptability are important for your business (14:30)
Considerations and reflections on expanding the practice (17:51)
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
In this bonus episode of one of our very first Deeper Dives, we're talking about our charting adventures and spilling the tea on all the electronic charting platforms we've tried.
Plus we share our top-secret strategies for nailing that documentation, and let me tell you, customizing those charting templates is a game-changer. And checkboxes for intake? Total lifesavers!
This episode is all about mixing things up with our charting methods to make sure they fit just right in different settings.
"One way to think about charting is to come back to what's the story that you're trying to tell."
In this episode, we will cover:
Identifying your platform preferences and challenges (01:36)
Making investments in the business, including marketing and charting platforms (08:45)
The storytelling approach to charting (24:33)
Charting practices in different settings, including the challenges and benefits (53:40)
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
In this bonus episode of one of our first Deeper Dives, we are diving into the exciting world of setting up your own private practice.
We'll be chatting about all the juicy stuff like deciding what kind of practice to have, how to handle follow-up services like a boss, and setting those all-important boundaries with clients.
Oh, and let's not forget about actually making money!
We'll be dishing out some killer tips on managing the financial side of running a practice, like offering payment plans and discounts for follow-ups.
"You need yourself more than those people need you."
In this episode, we will cover:
Deciding on what type of private practice you want (3:47)
The struggle with follow-ups (10:57)
Setting boundaries (22:57)
What you would change in your business if you had a magic wand (35:36)
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
In this bonus episode, we dive deep into the topic of imposter syndrome and share our own fears and anxieties surrounding it.
Oh boy, do we know how tough it can be for lactation consultants!
The expectations and pressures can be sky-high. And let's not forget about the impact imposter syndrome can have on our professional growth and confidence. It's a real bummer, but don't worry, we've got some great advice coming your way.
“When you're connected and things are flowing out of you, that is your true self, that is you showing up as who you authentically are.”
In this episode, we will cover:
What exactly is imposter syndrome (2:55)
How your gender and race also impact imposter syndrome (7:45)
The high expectations we put on ourselves (20:33)
The pressure to prove your value (25:37)
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
Bring some tissues to this episode because we are talking about not only us getting older but also our kids.
We candidly share our experiences of growing older while still relating to a client base primarily entrenched in the childbearing years. We reflect on how our experiences differ profoundly from those of our clients and how that fosters a need for empathy, understanding, and adaptation in our approach.
We also dive into the nostalgia of reflecting on previous parenting stages and discuss the sentimental emotions that arise as our children transition into adulthood. Our goal is for you to embrace the joys and challenges of parenting at every stage.
“Even though we're getting older, there are still so many amazing pieces of being a lactation consultant, and it helps us stay connected to our little ones when they were little. It really is the weirdest job, like find me a job that's weirder.”
In this episode, we will cover:
The joy of working with babies and how it reminds us of when our children were little (6:43)
Learning from your experiences to help your clients (10:08)
The importance of empathy (16:42)
Balancing nostalgia and reality (19:22)
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
Today we are celebrating our five year podcast anniversary.
So, we're taking a trip down memory lane and reminiscing about how we first met and started this incredible podcast.
It's been quite the journey!
We can't thank our listeners enough for sticking with us throughout the years. You make this podcast so much fun and we couldn't do it without you. You guys rock!
“We always need to keep learning but it always feels like it's never enough”
In this episode, we will cover:
How we got the idea to start a podcast (1:10)
The importance of listener feedback (7:53)
The impact of the pandemic on the podcast (12:59)
Why we started the Deeper Dives (15:36)
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
Today we are sharing one of our very first Deep Dives. We are going to dive into what makes a care plan truly amazing. We're all about keeping things flexible and personalized, but we'll also give you some handy guidelines to follow.
One thing we can't stress enough is the importance of involving the family in creating the care plan. We want to make sure everyone is on the same page, so using language that makes sense to them is key. We'll also chat about how to transmit those care plans, whether it's through fancy technology or good old-fashioned physical brochures.
In this episode, we'll spill the beans on our workflow and how we manage those care plans like pros. Templates and standardized protocols are our secret weapons, but we'll also touch on the power of personalized messages and getting the family involved in the process.
“Care plans are not one size fits all.”
In this episode, we will cover:
The importance of a general and adaptable care plan (00:41)
Differentiating between care plans and protocols (2:00)
The various methods of follow-up policies (16:01)
Creating personalized messages in your care plan (30:57)
Like this episode? Want more?
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
Today, we are chatting about Leah’s charting struggle. Let me tell you, it's been a real headache! We are just dying to find a better, more efficient way to handle it all.
We both have had our fair share of charting challenges and we are spilling the beans about it.
In this episode, we dive into the nitty-gritty of finding the time and focus to get those charts done.
“Good enough is good enough.”
In this episode, we will cover:
The constant pressure of caseloads and the challenge of finding time to complete charting (1:37)
Challenges of saving your charting for the end of the day (5:39)
Strategies for simplifying charting (10:09)
Using AI for charting (13:07)
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
In today’s episode, we are talking about something super important - connecting with babies and treating them like the little bosses they are.
We've got some awesome tips on how to make those genuine connections during exams, and how it’s all about consent and involving the baby in the conversation.
It's all about teamwork, baby!
We also dive into the importance of understanding babies and helping parents bond with their precious bundles of joy so they can create those magical moments and build that unbreakable bond.
“Recognizing that this baby is another human in front of you and we need to honor them just like we would our neighbor or our best friend. That they have their own autonomy and needs and personality.”
In this episode, we will cover:
How to make that first connection with a baby (4:23)
Our approach to obtaining consent from a baby (7:49)
The role of healthcare professionals in helping parents build a deeper connection with their baby (15:19)
The magic baby hold that helps them relax (18:55)
Like this episode? Want more?
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
Are you ready to stock up on all the office essentials for your lactation business?
Well, you're in luck because we are here to guide you through the must-haves for your workspace. In this episode, we are discussing everything from safety gear to nifty tools that will make your office life a breeze.
Supporting breastfeeding families is crucial, so we are dishing out the essential tools and information to make that happen.
“You can waste a whole lot of money buying all the gizmos and gadgets and props and things that people talk about.”
In this episode, we will cover:
The bare minimum items that your lactation office needs (2:02)
The importance of considering individual preferences and practices when choosing tools for the office (4:36)
Keeping alternative feeding tools, such as syringes and finger feeding supplies, for cases of immediate supplementation needs (17:42)
Ethical Considerations of Accepting Free Products (20:08)
Like this episode? Want more?
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
Today we are chatting about the wild world of breastfeeding advice on social media.
Let me tell you, it's a jungle out there!
We were getting pretty frustrated with all the bogus info floating around and how hard it is to set the record straight for our clients.
It's super important to seek out reliable sources of information and to be careful about how much you let social media influence your beliefs and decisions.
That's why in this episode, we are stressing the importance of critical thinking and skepticism when we're bombarded with too much info.
“Just follow the money and you will find where all this information, quote-unquote, is coming from.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Why social media influencers hold so much power on the decision your clients make (4:18)
The importance of evidence-based information (12:29)
Challenges of finding current updated information on Google (15:09)
Understanding the level of evidence behind recommendations (17:31)
Like this episode? Want more?
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
79 | What makes Lactation Consultants Different from Other Perinatal Providers
16 May 2023
00:33:56
As more and more parents seek lactation support, it is important to understand the unique role that lactation consultants play in providing care to families.
We know that lactation consultants are different from other healthcare professionals in many ways but how do you convey what we do to others?
In this episode, we are discussing how our relationships with patients are very different from other providers and how we can provide a unique perspective to the care of families.
“I think that our role is so powerful and has such a huge value for the healthcare team that I think it's worth it.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Why lactation consults are multifaceted clinicians (4:58)
Ways that lactation consultant view the whole picture (6:40)
How trust builds confidence (20:03)
The importance of investing in relationships to create impact (26:04)
Like this episode? Want more?
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
As a lactation consultant, it is important to set boundaries in order to prevent burnout.
Burnout can creep up on you as we found out and it’s not fun!
When it comes to boundaries, it is important to set clear limits for yourself. This means being mindful of how much time you are spending on work-related tasks, and how much time you are dedicating to yourself, your family, and your other interests.
In this episode, we discuss some ways to set boundaries in your private practice and ways to avoid burning yourself out.
“When you don't have boundaries, everything feels really chaotic.”
In this episode, we will cover:
How we experienced burnout (2:56)
Managing burnout by setting boundaries(7:46)
The first step to recovering from burnout (11:04)
Why your clients benefit from you setting boundaries (12:53)
Like this episode? Want more?
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
Links and Resources
If you like what you heard today, please check out our Lactation Business Coaching Deeper Dive Memberships:
Do you feel that as the CEO of your lactation business, you are wearing way too many hats?
As a private practice owner, you have to manage everything from administrative tasks to the marketing of your business. It can be difficult to balance all of these tasks.
In today’s episode, we dive into how we juggle the many roles we have to take on in our private practices and how we are managing some better than others.
“I get to show up to lactation work as my authentic self working in the way that I feel gives me the chance to give the best service that I can give.”
In this episode, we will cover:
The many roles that CEOs have to fill in their businesses (3:31)
Trying to implement systems into your business (8:08)
Keeping up with social media and new trends (15:13)
The power of learning from experts to grow (26:37)
Like this episode? Want more?
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
Links and Resources
If you like what you heard today, please check out our Lactation Business Coaching Deeper Dive Memberships:
Have you ever felt guilty or like a bad lactation consultant when your patients don’t get the outcome you desired?
We have been there and it’s a horrible feeling.
In this episode, we discussed how to manage our own expectations when we can't control the outcome and how to provide validation to parents that they have done everything they can.
Lastly, we discussed the power of messaging and how it can help to bring in the right clients and help to communicate our commitment to the journey and not just the outcome.
“Our clients are the ones who are gonna determine the path that we're taking, not us.”
In this episode, we will cover:
How to let go of the outcome when providing guidance to clients (3:26)
Reasons the outcome didn’t happen as you wanted it to (6:03)
Parenting as a metaphor for letting go of the outcome (10:45)
The power of messaging in attracting the right clients (15:06)
Like this episode? Want more?
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!
Links and Resources
If you like what you heard today, please check out our Lactation Business Coaching Deeper Dive Memberships:
We are reconnecting after a summer break where Leah was recovering from major back surgery, a significant event that shifted not just her physical circumstances but profoundly affected her approach to both life and business.
Also, Annie reveals her previous mindset regarding health issues and the unrealistic standards she sets for herself, which led to detrimental consequences. The painful truth is that, too often, we delay seeking medical attention until our conditions require urgent action.
“It’s so hard taking care of ourselves.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Reflections on recovery (2:24)
Speaking up for yourself in healthcare situations (5:40)
Taking time off as a business owner (12:29)
What’s coming up for Lactation Business Coaching (16:07)
Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!
Are you striving to find a balance between setting goals and avoiding New Year's resolutions?
Setting goals doesn't have to be a stressful experience!
In this episode, we discussed how taking the time to slow down instead of hastily cutting corners can help save time in the long run and the importance of setting aside time to plan.
It’s time to rebel against New Year's resolutions pressures and find balance in setting goals for your private practice!
“ There isn’t one way to plan or set a goal.”
In this episode, we will cover:
Why a “More of/Less of” list can help you prioritize what is important (3:17)
The importance of taking the time to set intentions, plan, and prioritize your day-to-day activities with more intention (6:04)
How slowing down can help you do more (7:11)
Using other skillsets to help in your lactation business (11:44)
Like this episode? Want more?
The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters.
Every contributed dollar counts and so do our contributors — as a thank-you gift to our top-tier members, we offer monthly LIVE Deeper Dive sessions with experts and access to all previous Deeper Dive sessions — check out our upcoming Deeper Dives and become a member!