Caring for Yourself While Pivoting Your Business with Brandie Mitchell, RN [BONUS: ASK THE EXPERT]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Care Plans Can Be the Heart and Soul of Your Lactation Private Practice: 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 by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

44 min listen

Finding Confidence, Not Putting Classes to Sleep, and Tech Challenges - Listener Questions by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

42 min listen

Diversifying Your Lactation Private Practice: 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 -Consider what other topics you are interested or talented i by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

43 min listen

Lactation in the Office: Pros and Cons by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

23 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

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

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

Educating Families, Healthcare Providers, and Communities about Lactation by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

36 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charting Tips and Strategies for IBCLCs [REBROADCAST]: We're all taking a second look at our charting and documentation strategies as we pivot to virtual to meet the needs of families at a time when home and office visits have to be limited. 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 by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

42 min listen

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

26 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

Financial Real Talk: When You’re An IBCLC And Business Owner: 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. http://milknotes.com/ If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lactationbusinessc by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

48 min listen

Caring for Yourself While Pivoting Your Business with Brandie Mitchell, RN [BONUS: ASK THE EXPERT]: You started out with one business model, but for one reason or another, you’ve had to make a shift. Maybe you’re adding a new service, or maybe you’re pivoting in an entirely different direction. Either way, transition is a challenge, and you need to make sure you’re giving yourself extra love to get it all done. In this bonus episode of Ask the Expert, Leah interviews Brandie Mitchell, RN about her experience of pursuing a career and field she never thought she would see herself in - nurse coaching. She talks about what it has been like with pivoting her business to support her clients better in a more of a coaching capacity, as what was once a majority of her business with massage therapy has been put on hold. She breaks down for us some of the simplest ways to get back to the basics with our self-care. We almost couldn’t even believe how accessible she makes it feel for all of us! by Lactation Business Coaching with Annie and Leah

26 min listen

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

37 min listen

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Caring for Yourself While Pivoting Your Business with Brandie Mitchell, RN [BONUS: ASK THE EXPERT]

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