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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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/reflux Are 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...

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...

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/reflux Today 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...

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/reflux 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...

Sign up for Just One Drop: Supporting the Immune System with Human Milk: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/immune-system-human-milk In 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...

Charting GPS: Navigating And Documenting Private Practice Lactation Consults taught by Rebecca Costello MPH, IBCLC -- 8 CERPs https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/charting In our lactation businesses, we want to plan long-term while also remaining open to new challenges and opportunities. None 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...

Charting GPS: Navigating And Documenting Private Practice Lactation Consults taught by Rebecca Costello MPH, IBCLC -- 8 CERPs https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/charting In 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...

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

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

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...

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...

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...

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,...

Today, we are chatting about Leah’s charting struggle. Let me tell you, it's been a real headache! We are just dying to find a better, more efficient way to handle it all. We both have had our fair share of charting challenges and we are spilling the beans about it. In this episode, we dive into the nitty-gritty of finding the time and focus to get those charts done. “Good enough is good enough.” In this episode, we will cover: The constant pressure of caseloads and the challenge of finding...

In today’s episode, we are talking about something super important - connecting with babies and treating them like the little bosses they are.  We've got some awesome tips on how to make those genuine connections during exams, and how it’s all about consent and involving the baby in the conversation.  It's all about teamwork, baby! We also dive into the importance of understanding babies and helping parents bond with their precious bundles of joy so they can create those magical moments and...

Are you ready to stock up on all the office essentials for your lactation business?  Well, you're in luck because we are here to guide you through the must-haves for your workspace. In this episode, we are discussing everything from safety gear to nifty tools that will make your office life a breeze. Supporting breastfeeding families is crucial, so we are dishing out the essential tools and information to make that happen. “You can waste a whole lot of money buying all the gizmos and gadgets...

Today we are chatting about the wild world of breastfeeding advice on social media.  Let me tell you, it's a jungle out there!  We were getting pretty frustrated with all the bogus info floating around and how hard it is to set the record straight for our clients.  It's super important to seek out reliable sources of information and to be careful about how much you let social media influence your beliefs and decisions.  That's why in this episode, we are stressing the importance of critical...