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 have legal
• agreements in place and can be profitable for everyone

This episode is sponsored by Acuity. Never ask “what time works for you?” again. Clients can quickly view your real-time availability and self-book their own appointments—and even pay online, reschedule with a click. You can even handle all of your forms and payments before your appointments so you can get right down to business. For a FREE 45 day trial, visit this LINK.

Links and Resources

• Visit this link at Acuity for a 45 day free trial.
• Private Practice Subcontractor Workflow
• USLCA
• ILCA
• 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.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate

If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and leave us a review on iTunes. 

About Us

Leah Jolly is a private practice IBCLC with Bay Area Breastfeeding in Houston, Texas.

Annie Frisbie is a private practice IBCLC serving Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and the creator of the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit.

Annie and Leah have more listener questions in this episode of the Lactation Business Coaching podcast. 

From what’s in their home consult bags to running an office visit when you don’t have all the time in the world, they’ll share what works and what doesn’t in their own private practices. And if you’re a new IBCLC wondering if you’re ready to launch your practice, they’ve got some special words just for you.

“You can’t do this on your own, you need other people and other people need you”

In this episode, we will cover:

• What’s in your bag? Leah and Annie literally unpack their consult
• bags
• Time’s up: In the office, families have less time, so Leah has to be
• super-efficient to make the most of it.
• New in town: Leaping into private practice can feel intimidating when
• you feel like you know less than the other IBCLCs in your area.
• Building a community is the best remedy for professional insecurity.

This episode is sponsored by the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit. Listen to the episode for a Special 10% Off Discount Code.

Links and Resources

• Impostor Syndrome episode
• Bottle Pacing for the Breastfed Baby handouts
• 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.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate

If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and leave us a review on iTunes. 

About Us

Leah Jolly is a private practice IBCLC with Bay Area Breastfeeding in Houston, Texas.

Annie Frisbie is a private practice IBCLC serving Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and the creator of the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit.

Many thanks to Stephanie Granade for her production assistance, and to Silas Wade for creating our theme music.

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 CLEARDESK20 for 20% off your first 4 months.

Links and Resources

• Elizabeth Brooks - Step Away From The Mini Consult
• 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.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate

If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and leave us a review on iTunes. 

About Us

Leah Jolly is a private practice IBCLC with Bay Area Breastfeeding in Houston, Texas.

Annie Frisbie is a private practice IBCLC serving Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and the creator of the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit.

Many thanks to Stephanie Granade for her production assistance, and to Silas Wade for creating our theme music.

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 adapt a care plan to meet your client’s needs
• Working together: The care plan isn’t handed down by you, it’s created with the family
• Structuring the care plan: How Annie & Leah decide what to include and how to present it to the family
• Paperless or paper? When the delivery system matters and when it doesn’t.

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 CLEARDESK20 for 20% off your first 4 months.

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.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate

If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and leave us a review on iTunes. 

About Us

Leah Jolly is a private practice IBCLC with Bay Area Breastfeeding in Houston, Texas.

Annie Frisbie is a private practice IBCLC serving Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and the creator of the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit.

Many thanks to Stephanie Granade for her production assistance, and to Silas Wade for creating our theme music.

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 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 contributions count; join at one of our starter levels here!

If you’re interested in increasing access for aspiring IBCLCs of color, please check out:

• Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere
• Nikki & Nikki Lactation Career Consultants YouTube Channel is full
• of training, affirmations, and other gems for aspiring IBCLCs.
• 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.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate

If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and leave us a review on iTunes. You can email us questions and comments at [email protected].

About Us

Leah Jolly is a private practice IBCLC with Bay Area Breastfeeding in Houston, Texas.

Annie Frisbie is a private practice IBCLC serving Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and the creator of the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit.

Many thanks to Stephanie Granade for her production assistance, and to Silas Wade for creating our theme music.

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 contributions count; join at one of our starter levels here!

Links and Resources

• Acuity
• Have an idea for a podcast episode or a Deeper Dive? Let us know! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate
• Subscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-membership

If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and leave us a review on iTunes. You can email us questions and comments at [email protected].

About Us

Leah Jolly is a private practice IBCLC with Bay Area Breastfeeding in Houston, Texas.

Annie Frisbie is a private practice IBCLC serving Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and the creator of the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit.

Many thanks to Stephanie Granade for her production assistance, and to Silas Wade for creating our theme music.

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/subscription/deeper-dive-membership
• Have an idea for a podcast episode or a Deeper Dive? Let us know! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate

If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and leave us a review on iTunes. 

About Us

Leah Jolly is a private practice IBCLC with Bay Area Breastfeeding in Houston, Texas.

Annie Frisbie is a private practice IBCLC serving Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and the creator of the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit.

Many thanks to Stephanie Granade for her production assistance, and to Silas Wade for creating our theme music.

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.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate

If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and leave us a review on iTunes. 

About Us

Leah Jolly is a private practice IBCLC with Bay Area Breastfeeding in Houston, Texas.

Annie Frisbie is a private practice IBCLC serving Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and the creator of the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit.

Many thanks to Stephanie Granade for her production assistance, and to Silas Wade for creating our theme music.

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.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-membership

Have an idea for a podcast episode or a Deeper Dive? Let us know! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate

If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and leave us a review on iTunes. 

About Us

Leah Jolly is a private practice IBCLC with Bay Area Breastfeeding in Houston, Texas.

Annie Frisbie is a private practice IBCLC serving Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and the creator of the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit.

Many thanks to Stephanie Granade for her production assistance, and to Silas Wade for creating our theme music.

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 everything needs to go into your reports - Learn what should and shouldn’t be represented

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.

Links and Resources

• https://paperlesslactation.com/toolkit
• Medical Abbreviations Pamphlet
• Medical Terminology Pamphlet
• Medical Coding Guide
• 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.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate

Design Websites:

• Fiverr
• Canva
• Lavender Lactation

Charting Platforms:

• Mobile Lactation Consultant
• Charm
• Jane

Quick Text Captures:

• Phrase Express
• Apple Keyword
• Voicera

Articles Mentioned:

• PBS News Article
• Paperless Lactation Care Plan Tips
• Spend Less Time on Charting
• Choosing a Charting Platform

If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and leave us a review on iTunes.

About Us

Leah Jolly is a private practice IBCLC with Bay Area Breastfeeding in Houston, Texas.

Annie Frisbie is a private practice IBCLC serving Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and the creator of the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit.

Many thanks to Stephanie Granade for her production assistance, and to Silas Wade for creating our theme music.