Lactation Business Coaching With Annie And Leah

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

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  Links and Resources Keep the fires burning: Conquering stress and burnout as a Mother-Baby Professional Subscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-membership Have an idea for a podc

In this episode, Annie and Leah talk about the tough topic of setting your fees for your private lactation practice.It’s so important to know your worth as a business owner and to represent that fairly within your specific market. Once you’ve set your rate, you can begin working towards long-term goals for your business as a whole."You are literally changing the world! If you can’t own your worth, no one will" In this episode, we will cover: How do you come up with your fees? And what your fees say about your business How low is too low? Nobody wants to be in a race to the bottom—including our clients Discounts and sliding scales: The ethical, professional way to offer lower rates Where do I begin? How to figure out your number Communicating your value: How to market your worth The big picture: Growing your business and your long term goals Be your own motivation: Always improving, never settling  Like this episode? Want more?The LBC podcast is ALWAYS free, thanks to contributions from supporters. Ever

As a private practice IBCLC your website is usually the first contact your prospective clients will have with you and your business. Making your website easy to navigate and quickly get the necessary information is essential for a new and tired parent. In this episode, Leah and Annie share their resources for online scheduling, HIPAA compliance, website design, and more.“You never want people leaving your website while they’re still deciding if they want to work with you” In this episode, we will cover: How to make an impression - Your website is the first source of contact with your clients. The importance of mobile compatibility - New moms are tired! Help them by making your website navigable during 3AM feedings. What do I include on my website? Annie and Leah share tips on what you should and shouldn’t include on your website. The Final Step - Contact & Booking are the most important parts of your website. Annie and Leah talk about how to make this step easy and efficient, as well as share resource

It's so important for IBCLCs to be seen as part of the care team for the breastfeeding families we serve. One way we can impact our presence in the care team is to communicate with the other providers working with the breastfeeding family. Today we will discuss what we need to send to the other providers on the care team as well as strategies to make this process effective and efficient. So if you struggle with motivating yourself to write and send pediatrician reports, or if you’re wondering if anyone even reads them, you are not alone. Leah and Annie have both been there and been frustrated by that, and they’ve got some ideas for you on how to get them done and get them read. We’re talking about what to write, how to send, and why they’re so important.“We need to be the bridge to make sure our exact message is portrayed correctly” In this episode, we will cover: Why we’re supposed to be sending pediatrician reports (hint: IBLCE Code of Professional Conduct) What if those pediatrician reports are sitting in

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 best way to help yourself   Links and Resources Small Business Administration LCinPP IBCLC Masterclass ICAP Co

In this episode, Leah and Annie are talking about the ever-present swinging pendulum of busy-ness as the owner of your private practice. They open up about the emotional and financial implications of both the busy and the lean times and how important it is to know that you’re not alone in this struggle. Leah and Annie both share their own perspectives and unique ways of tackling this trend and how to make the most of your downtime so you are continuing to grow your business.“You’re not experiencing anything that any other business owner hasn’t” In this episode, we will cover: During busy times, make sure to have awareness of your personal limits. Incorporating flex time into your regular schedule can make sure you don’t exceed them. How to make a plan for how to handle the lean times both financially and for your business as a whole The importance of taking note of how the year trends as a whole. Knowing when the lean and busy times are is helpful for planning and perspective. How to plan consistency in your

In this episode, Annie and Leah discuss the importance of setting clear follow-up policies to protect and guard your private practice and your personal life, as well as help your clients reach self-efficacy and get the care they truly need. It can be difficult to say no or to step back when a client is having difficulty, but most times, it’s what you both need to achieve your client’s goals. Catering to a client’s anxiety can lead to even more panic or prevent your client from seeking the care they need from a medical professional.“Policies allow you to make a clear distinction of what you CAN do versus what you DON’T do.” In this episode, we will cover: How to set policies that work for you and your clients The importance of knowing your scope How your policies can be consistent and kind if you approach them the right way How to engage with your audience in a more personal way What to do when your client needs way more than just encouragement  Links and Resources Leah and Annie both use Spruce--mention eithe

In this episode of Lactation Business Coaching, hosts Annie Frisbie IBCLC and Leah Jolly IBCLC talk about the unique challenges of starting a business as a private practice lactation consultant. They go into how hard it is to charge money for something you’d do for free and how to make peace with the inevitable expenses involved in starting a business. Leah and Annie know how much you want to be both compassionate and financially viable because they face this tension in their own private practices.“No one is going to take you as seriously in your business as you take yourself” In this episode, we will cover: How starting a business has challenges, especially when you’re coming from a volunteer background, but they’re nothing you can’t handle, with the right guidance and resources. The importance of investing the time and the money now to create a solid foundation because that’s what’s going to bring you financial viability and joy. How you can have it all: a business that works and the deep satisfaction that