Lactation Business Coaching With Annie And Leah

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:

We’re back! Did you miss us?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!Links and ResourcesSubscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscr

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 talked with Allison Alexander, LPN IBCLC about  the contentious debate surrounding tongue tie.  We explore the recent uproar ignited by a clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which has set the lactation community abuzz. Concerned about the implications of these headlines on patient care, Allison and her partner decided to respond proactively. They crafted a letter addressed to local pediatricians, aiming to clarify their stance on the role of lactation consultants in the holistic care of breastfeeding families. The letter encapsulates their commitment to collaboration and outlines their approach to managing oral restrictions.Each month we host a live De

Have you always dreamed of helping families with breastfeeding? In today’s episode of Lactation Business Coaching with Annie & Leah, we talk about how we became International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, also known as IBCLCs. We discuss the different pathways to becoming eligible to sit for the board exam and break down the biggest things we have learned in the years since we first certified.Annie and Leah break down what it looks like logistically to become certified and bust some myths on what some people might think it takes to become an IBCLC. They share with us their biggest takeaways now that they have both been certified for many years and some eye-opening experiences they’ve had. We get a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to become an IBCLC and who this might be a great path for."The piece of advice that I got and so grateful for was kind of like, Hey, heads up, you're going to have to always be learning.”In this episode, we will cover:Defining what IBCLC even stands for (02

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

Registration is open for Understanding Infant Reflux and Related Conditions in Lactation Practice  (8 L-CERPs) taught by Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC. Early bird pricing through 5/15! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/refluxIt'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 bri

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 Tenise N. Hordge MBA, IBCLC about planning. She dives into time blocking, setting priorities, learning to say no, and delegating.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!Links and ResourcesSubscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-membershipHave an idea for a podcast episode or a Deeper Dive? Let us know! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborateSubmit your listener questions here: https://forms.gle/NsmGysHMAULW9o1z5If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.A

Registration is open for Understanding Infant Reflux and Related Conditions in Lactation Practice  (8 L-CERPs) taught by Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC. Early bird pricing through 5/15! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/refluxAre you a risk taker or do you tend to overthink before taking action?In this episode, we dive into the nuanced world of risk-taking, particularly in the context of growing a private practice.Leah shares her tendency to be risk-averse and the overthinking spiral that can result from facing risky decisions. Annie, on the other hand, describes herself as someone who jumps into ideas quickly, often figuring things out as she goes. We explore the idea that both cautious planning and spontaneous action require their own forms of bravery and confidence.“It’s worth it to take risks in your business sometimes.”In this episode, we will cover:Learning from different approaches to risk (5:23)The importance of balance in risk-taking (7:03)Saying No to Protect Time and Energy (11:39)The R

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!Links and ResourcesSubscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-membershipHave an idea for a podcast episode or a Deeper Dive? Let us know! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborateSubmit your listener questions here: https://forms.gle/NsmGysHMAULW9o1z5If you like what you heard today, please follow us

Sign up for Just One Drop: Supporting the Immune System with Human Milk: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/immune-system-human-milkToday we are discussing how hard it can be to keep up to date with all the new information that is thrown at us.Not to mention all the misinformation that is out there!Deciding what to implement in your lactation business and what you shouldn’t can cause such a headache.Listen in as we go down memory lane, reminiscing about our own learning adventures and the ever-present quest to fill our brains with more knowledge.“There’s so much out there to be learned and also to be discovered”In this episode, we will cover:The importance of ongoing learning (2:39)Recognizing that there are gaps in understanding (8:54)Misinformation and the stress it causes for our patients (21:45)The business aspects of running a lactation business (24:28)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!Links

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!Links and ResourcesSubscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-membershipHave an idea for a podcast episode or a Deeper Dive? Let us know! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborateSubmit your listener questions here: https://forms.gle/NsmGysHMAULW9o1z5If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.About UsLeah Jolly is a pr

Charting GPS: Navigating And Documenting Private Practice Lactation Consults taught by Rebecca Costello MPH, IBCLC -- 8 CERPshttps://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/chartingIn 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 mi

Charting GPS: Navigating And Documenting Private Practice Lactation Consults taught by Rebecca Costello MPH, IBCLC -- 8 CERPs -- Early Bird Pricing through 2/15/24https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/chartingIn our lactation businesses, we want to plan long-term while also remaining open to new challenges and opportunities.Now 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

Charting GPS: Navigating And Documenting Private Practice Lactation Consults taught by Rebecca Costello MPH, IBCLC -- 8 CERPs -- Early Bird Pricing through 2/15/24https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/chartingIn 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 (

You have questions, we have answers!In today’s episode, we are answering listener questions. Everything from burnout, internships, and patient privacy.We also talk about financial strategies for your private practice, because we know that money matters.The most important thing is to stay focused on your own journey and remember we're here to cheer you on every step of the way.“I got a lot of friends out there going through the same things that I am and figuring this out too."In this episode, we will cover:Handling requests for internships (4:13)Feeling burned out on lactation (11:08)Advice on how to encourage and support the growth of future IBCLCs (24:25)Scaling your private practice (36:40)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!Links and ResourcesJoin our Deeper Dive into Values with Joy MacTavish, MA, IBCLC, RLC on January 22, 2024: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/deeper-dive-valuesRead about th

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!Links and Resources Subscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.pap

We're taking a trip down memory lane and sharing some hilarious moments from our podcasting journey. Let's just say, it's not always glamorous dealing with breastfeeding challenges!So grab your headphones and get ready for some laughs and insights as we celebrate 5 years of the podcast!“Does it feel good for your clients to pay what they're paying but also does it feel good to work for what we're charging?"In this episode, we will cover: The emotional side of pricing (1:49) The debate of if you should bring coffee to home visits (10:12) Hilarious poop stories (15:31) Annie’s seltzer life hack (19:11) 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!Links and Resources Join our next Deeper Dive on Pricing with Maggie Patterson on December 18, 2023: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/deeper-dive-pricing Subscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-members

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!Links and Resources Subscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.c

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!Links and Resources Sign up for our next Deeper Dive on November 30, 2023 with Desiree Israel about Screening for PMADs: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/deeper-dive-pmads Subscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https

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 (2:0