11 | Imposter Syndrome: When You Think You’re a Terrible IBCLC | Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah Podcast

Using your website to reach your ideal client: 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 ab by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

40 min listen

Coffee, Social Media, Working with Referrals, and Handling Payments: Listener Questions!: 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 CLEARDESK by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

43 min listen

Goal Setting in a Lactation Consult: 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. -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 and guidance. -Great questions to ask when meeting in person with th by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

45 min listen

Productivity for Lactation Private Practice: 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 t by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

40 min listen

Growing Your Lactation Practice By Hiring Help: 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 m by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

49 min listen

What Actually Happens During a Home Visit with a Lactation Consultant?: 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! https://www. by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

53 min listen

Compassion fatigue and the IBCLC: 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 If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lactationbusinesscoaching You can email us questions and comments at hello@lactationbusin by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

44 min listen

Launching Your Lactation Business: 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 h by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

37 min listen

How to boost your skills as a solo private practice lactation consultant: 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 else can often be the be by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

43 min listen

What Do You Wish You Knew When You First Started Out?: 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 If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lactationbusinesscoaching You can email us questions and comments at hello@lactationbusinesscoaching.com. by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

39 min listen

Setting your fees: Charge what you’re worth, and make yourself worth it: 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 If y by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

45 min listen

Life Hacks for #IBCLCLIFE by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

42 min listen

How to set appropriate limits with your lactation clients without compromising follow-up: 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 by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

40 min listen

Charting Tips and Strategies for IBCLCs: 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 charti by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

42 min listen

The Delicate Balance: Personal and Professional Time: 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 ge by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

55 min listen

Pediatrician reports—why bother?: 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 Professi by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

43 min listen

Making Sense of Insurance Coverage for Lactation Care: 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 pediat by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

39 min listen

Why IBCLCs Need Therapy: Today's episode of Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah is called "Why IBCLCs Need Therapy." There are so many layers of challenges, from staying ahead at the clinical level to compassion fatigue to conflict with third parties, that self-care has become a primary concern. The good news is that there are many healthy coping mechanisms and strategies, such as leaning on a trusted support team to seeking therapy from mental health professionals. Getting the help we need improves our stress levels and, by default, makes us more effective in providing help to our clients too. "If you feel like you might want therapy, just get therapy. There's no harm in getting it. And even having the feeling that it might be helpful to you is probably a sign that it will be." In this episode, we will cover: -The various layers of challenges of an IBCLC -Coping strategies -Getting therapy and recommending it to families too -Annie’s Tech Tip: Use a camera not your ph by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

27 min listen

Our Favorite Books for Business, Entrepreneurship & Private Practice: Today's episode of Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah is called "Our Favorite Books for Business, Entrepreneurship & Private Practice". Annie and Leah uncover some of the top books they have been loving related to having a private practice, and other business and entrepreneurial style topics. They talk about which books they go back to time and time again, and which ones have been on their “to-read” list for a while. They also talk about the best and easiest ways to realistically bring more reading into our everyday lives and how to get the most out of them even when reading might be a challenge for us. Some of these titles are well-known lactation books, but a few of their picks might just surprise you! “So organize your books, they sit around too long, read them and then when you're done, pass them on and get those great messages out into the world.” In this episode, we will cover: -The book yo by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

28 min listen

Even Lactation Consultants Need a Vacation: 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 se by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

31 min listen

Imposter Syndrome: When You Think You’re a Terrible IBCLC: 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! https://www.sprucehealth.com/ If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lactationbusinesscoaching You can email us questions and comments at hell by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

36 min listen

Home Consult Bags, Office Visit Efficiency, and Feeling like a Know-Nothing Newbie: Listener Questions! by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

36 min listen

Too Busy, Too Slow: The Goldilocks Paradox of Lactation Consultants in Private Practice: 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 w by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

40 min listen

How Not to Panic When You Make a Mistake by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

37 min listen

Ep 41 | Combining Virtual Visits + In-Person Care: Few of us could have foreseen how the landscape of our practices would change so abruptly last spring. Many of us found ourselves scrambling to develop new protocols and explore the nuances of telehealth while also managing massive changes in our personal lives. It's been more than half a year, and we thought it was time for us to sit and reflect with all of you about how we can combine virtual tools with the tried and true in-person visits most of us love. We'll dig into time management, pricing, usage of each type of visit in the continuum of care, scheduling aspects, and much more. Annie and Leah talk in today’s episode about how the industry is shifting for IBCLC’s, and what it could look like to potentially offer a combination of both virtual visits and in-person care. There are so many things that go into deciding what is best for yourself and your client when shifting in your business. They cover why a combination might be hel by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

23 min listen

Coordinating and Planning a Virtual Event Online with Chanelle Andrews, CBS [BONUS: ASK THE EXPERT]: In this bonus episode of Ask the Expert, Annie & Leah interview Chanelle Andrews CBS about her experience working with a dream team of non-local lactation colleagues to sponsor a virtual screening of Death by Delivery as an advocacy event for Black Maternal Health Week. Spoiler alert: it was a big success. Chanelle Andrews owns and operates her own practice, Hey Mama Lactation and Perinatal Care, while also interning as a breastfeeding peer counselor at WIC. During her experience as a new mother, while struggling to figure out all the things including breastfeeding, Chanelle longed for a community of women who were dealing with the same things. Throughout her own journey, she realized she didn’t look like or share the same experiences as most of the other women around her. Chanelle is a strong advocate for bringing to light the black maternal mortality crisis in the US. While her pla by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

32 min listen

Working with Referral Sources by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

26 min listen

3 Ways to Collaborate with other IBCLCs: 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 h by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

30 min listen

10 Tips for Virtual Visits: Today's episode of Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah is called "10 Tips for Virtual Visits.” From prepping yourself to get into the right headspace to setting up your space and having the right tools ready to tech tips and best practices, Annie and Leah have ideas for every aspect of your consult workflow to best maximize every second for the benefit of the family on the other end. “You know, where you're adapting to a new situation, they're really hampered right now because of the conditions and maybe even what they've been through in the hospital and their own fears about being a new parent during this time.” In this episode, we will cover: -Shifting gears before online consults (02:45) -Handling payments for maximized consult time (07:07) -Setting up our space with resources (11:03) -Building in time buffers for virtual calls (18:02) -Creating a strong internet connection (22:46) If you like what you heard today, please check out our Lact by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

30 min listen

Supporting Exclusive Pumping and Relactating Families with Nichelle Clark, CBS [BONUS: ASK THE EXPERT]: In this bonus episode of Ask the Expert, Annie & Leah interview Nichelle Clark, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, about her amazing story of relactation during the pandemic. Nichelle offers valuable insights on how lactation consultants can support families who are providing their babies with expressed milk. As Nichelle puts it, “Pumping is breastfeeding” and Annie & Leah are here for it! Nichelle Clark, CBS is the owner of Sunshine and Rainbows Lactation Services. Nichelle’s journey is unique in that not only did she solely pump for 17 months, but she has started relactation during the pandemic. Nichelle focuses on normalizing exclusive pumping because it is not something that is usually talked about. Nichelle struggled a bit to find a place where she felt connected to the breastfeeding community. By sharing her store, she helps other families feel less alone and inspires other by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

26 min listen

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11 | Imposter Syndrome: When You Think You’re a Terrible IBCLC

11 | Imposter Syndrome: When You Think You’re a Terrible IBCLC

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