Lactation Business Coaching With Annie And Leah

Today's episode of Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah is all about life hacks. For IBCLC's, being able to do things faster and with less stress translates to a better job done.As an IBCLC, there are several key aspects where life hacks shine—from taking care of your body to managing your business logistics to nurturing your emotional and spiritual needs, there are ways to get around the overwhelm and make sure you tick off everything from that list."What's the next right move that I can do? What's right here in front of me? What can I accomplish at this minute, not the 5,000 things that are on the list that you're never going to get to. You know, just stay really, really present. That helps so much with overwhelm."In this episode, we will cover: Packing some lunch and staying hydrated Bathroom breaks and rest - how to incorporate this in your day Exercise Logistics: Replying, scheduling & driving around Emotional and spiritual needs Annie’s Tech Tip: Using G-Suite for managing and scheduling

Today's episode of Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah features three interesting and practical questions that were asked by the podcast's listeners.From actionable tips to becoming an IBLC, to learning your audience for the best teaching strategies, to fixing processes when switching to a new EHR, this episode is dedicated to improving your experience as a current and future IBCLC."I am telling you, it is so hard to move from one (EHR) that you're already using to another one. That can be for many different reasons. Sometimes it's pricing, sometimes it's about features. And if you're happy with your platform, just stick with it because there is no perfect platform is the main thing that I've learned while doing this."In this episode, we will cover: Becoming an IBCLC: Finding a mentor & shadowing Teaching strategies Switching your EHR This podcast is sponsored by The Lactation Private Practice Toolkit. This toolkit provides resources, training, and tools for lactation consultants in private pr

As a lactation consultant, your role in goal-setting is to be a coach, cheering your clients on and pointing them in the direction of the path they want to take. While you have the advantage of experience that they don’t, it would be counterproductive for you to dictate how they should do things and what their goals should be. Be someone who your clients can rely on to provide objective guidance and problem-solving while empowering them to build the family relationship they want.“We are so dedicated to helping our families feel like they can trust and be honest with us and know that we are on their team.” In this episode, we will cover: Setting goals with your clients is a great opportunity for using your communication skills. Starting with how you present yourself online and extends to the intake process, actually meeting with the client, and following up. Even if you think you know the right answer or the right course of action, it is imperative for your client’s goals to be their idea based on your input a

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

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 fo

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 ins

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, Y

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 o

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.  This episode is sponsored by the Breastfeeding

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 co

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  Thi

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.  This episode is sponsored by the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit. Listen to the episode for a Special

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. Links and Resources Elizabeth Brooks - Step Away From The Mini Consult Subscribe to

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

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

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 contribut

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!  Links and Resources Spruce Charm Subscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/s

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! Links and Resources Spruce Marie Forleo Marie Forleo Imposter Syndrome Video Subscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-membership Have an idea for a podcast episode or a Deeper Dive? Let us know! https://learn.paperlessla

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  This episode is sponsored by the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit. Listen to the episode to find out how you can get a 10% discount. Subscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperl

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 everythin