Just a taste of the wisdom Amy Porterfield, online course creation and marketing expert, shared with me in our conversation recently:

 

“I can promise you that you are really good in one specific area, if not more, in your industry. There's more money to be made - and a bigger impact you can make - when you figure out your thing, what it is that you are really good at in your area of expertise.”

 

On marketing: “Don't expect yourself to know this! Find a guide who's gone before you and learn from them. Don't let it start you thinking ‘I would never know what to do.’ You can figure it out, I promise you.”

 

On investing the time to create a digital course: “it's an asset that you're creating one time, but you're going to benefit in terms of revenue over and over and over again.”

 

On what it takes to integrate building an online course into your life even when you have a day job: “What it looks like is you dedicating a few hours a week, whether it be three hours, five hours, eight hours, if you have it, (most people don't have that much time), but you have to book it into your calendar and say, I want something more in my life…. So it's just a matter of discipline, like anything else, but understanding why you're doing it will help you show up for those times. You said you would.”

 

On her appreciation for lactation consultants: “I love the work that you do and all those that are listening, what they do. I remember when my sister worked with a consultant and how much it changed her life, and so I have a sweet spot for all of you listening. Thank you so very, very much.”

When you are done listening to this podcast, you are going to want to hear more from Amy! Here are a couple of ways you can do that:

- Take Amy's Quiz here to find out if you have the potential to become a digital course creator

- Download Amy's free guide on ways to translate your expertise into a digital course 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com

On this episode of The Lactation Training Lab Podcast, my friend and colleague Fiona Lang-Sharpe turns the tables to interview me on my own podast. Together we break down the 3 elements of a great lactation consult. You'll get to know us both a little better as you listen in on our conversation! 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com

Join me for a conversation with Irish IBCLC and antenatal educator Niamh Cassidy of MyBabyBeginnings. We're discussing mother support groups, building counseling skills, vicarious trauma as it relates to lactation work, and so much more. With a background in social work from her pre-lactation days, Niamh brings a sense of order to what lactation counseling requires and a gentle but firm rreminder of what can happen when we don't prepare ourselves to manage vicarious trauma experienced in our line of work.  This episode is sponsored by Evolve Lactation Community. 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com

Insights into how we approach products marketed to assist in lactation and breastfeeding, ethics of discussing products, and a framework for helping parents make decisions about lactation products.

• Parents are being targeted with marketing of products purported to assist with or support breastfeeding and human milk feeding​
• There is a growing need for lactation care providers to consider ethics in relation to lactation-related products and the promotion of chest/breastfeeding and human milk feeding

In this episode of The Lactation Training Lab Podcast, we explore

What is the relationship between ethics & devices? ​

• Provider bias and knowledge of devices​
• Inequities in clients’ access to devices​
• Difference between public teaching and direct care/counseling of an individual

This episode makes reference to Protocol #32 from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, which you can access here. 

Questions or feedback Email [email protected] 

or DM me on Instagram @IBCLCinCA

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com

If you work with or care for mothers and parents and their newborns, you need to hear this! It is far too easy to sabotage breastfeeding right from the start, and in this episode we cover 5 major ways it happens every single day. 

From the words we use to the instructions and advice we give, everything that happens in and around the First 100 Hours of a baby's life impacts breastfeeding. We've got to get this right or mothers, parents, and their babies pay the price. 

Making a bigger impact on the environment in which families are supported to feed their babies begins with accurate information about how breastfeeding and milk production work. When we all start from the same page, we can help parents make progress faster. 

If this episode is of interest to you, you may also enjoy my Free Webinar Training called Early Lactation - Milk. You can find it by clicking right here. 

If you like The Lactation Training Lab Podcast, please Subscribe and Rate us on iTunes! It actually helps more people see and learn about the podcast. When you Subscribe, you'll never miss an episode. 

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer, so getting it right - right from Day One - really matters! 

- Christine

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let's look into what we know about how breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer and what we can do to amplify this message.

For this episode, I used the research articles listed here at this link: https://bit.ly/3oBTsuD

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com

Are you ready to have better conversations about breastfeeding? Are you prepared to really engage with people who have a lot of negative things to say about it?

In this episode, I outline some talking points for highlighting the importance of breastfeeding and I offer some counter-arguments to some common anti-breastfeeding rhetoric. 

I've created a PDF of the talking points for you; Download that here. 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com

On this special episode of The Lactation Training Lab Podcast I'm changing it up and taking you inside the office to see what I've been working on!

First we'll talk about a new project I am developing to help you with your social media for breastfeeding advocacy.

Next we'll talk CERPs for the courses I offer, The First 100 Hours Masterclass AND Early Birds.

Finally, I've been preparing a new presentation for an upcoming event (which has not yet been announced by the organizer) and I take you inside my research and preparation process! I cover the step-by-step process I use to gather information and begin to draft my narrative before I ever get to making the slides. I think you'll appreciate hearing what goes into this process!

I hope you enjoy this special episode! I had so much fun opening up the office doors! 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com

Lactation support can be rewarding, fulfilling, and sometimes frustrating - but not always for the reasons other people imagine. In the latest episode of The Lactation Training Lab Podcast, I reflect on the case that led me to create a strategy for talking to people - ALL people, not just pregnant folks and new parents - about breastfeeding and lactation. 

How we share information matters. This episode is a reminder that lactation care providers are primarily educators, guiding clients AND the health care team through the lactation journey with knowledge and practical guidance. Join me!

If you like what you hear and you want to get involved in this conversation, join us over in the free Lactation Training Lab Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/LacTrainingLab/. Thanks for listening!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com

A listener question about how to make an impact with limited lactation resources in a hospital left me reflecting on making small changes. In this episode, we go over some ideas for how to get some momentum going even if your lactation team consists of just YOU! If your hospital is starting to work on Baby Friendly designation or an equivalent, this is the episode for you! 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com