Re: How would you handle this?

[Guest guest]

Wait, she's a medical professional, yet she doesn't want to pay you for your time?  I wonder what she does if her patients/clients approach at church or the grocery store or the YMCA and ask for professional assistance.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much, because there isn't really anything you could have done differently.  I might consider emailing her back very politely and attaching a copy of your form letter with fees attached, to " clarify. "

Lynn in MO

 

How would you handle this situation?My main concern is that this client sees many other mothers in the community as a medical professional, and I do not want her to bad-mouth me.Early this month I saw a mother whose baby turned out to have a tongue tie. As requested, she called back after the procedure and left a message on my machine, saying that baby was now nursing much better. I was unable to return her call until the day afterwards, and because she did not pick up the phone (no machine) I sent an email, asking her to call at her convenience.

A week or so later, she had not replied, so I tried calling again. This time she was home, and said baby was doing well.  She had not seen my email and thought it might have gone into the trash. OK.  And now she had a completely different question - she wanted another appointment to discuss continuing to nurse when she went back to work. We made a tentative appointment on the phone, which I followed up with an email, explaining my charges for subsequent appointments, together with the information had requested about the free Breastfeeding USA meetings I run.

Her emailed reply expressed surprise that I charged for subsequent appointments, even though that info was included in the very first email I sent about her initial appointment - a form letter I use. She said money and time was an issue, and she would not be attending the free meeting either. I got the feeling she thought I was money-grabbing, which left a nasty taste in my mouth.

Am I being too sensitive? What would you do?normaNorma Ritter, IBCLC, RLCBreastfeeding Matters in the Capital Regionwww.NormaRitter.com

Join us on Facebook for the latest birthing and breastfeeding news and views:http://tinyurl.com/BMCRonFB

[Guest guest]

Silly that she's not attending a free meeting when she needs help. I would offer a phone consultation if she wants help with going back to work issues. no reason to do a home visit for that. and you can charge a lot less. Then...too bad if she doesn't accept the help. there are quite a few people out there like that in my experience but more who are happy to pay for good service! keep your sites and attention on those people who understand what a bargain you are! Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.comwww.facebook.com/thesecond9months.--- Subject: How would you handle this?To: "ibclc-pp" < >Date: Saturday, December 17, 2011, 11:56 AM

How would you handle this situation?My main concern is that this client sees many other mothers in the community as a medical professional, and I do not want her to bad-mouth me.Early this month I saw a mother whose baby turned out to have a tongue tie. As requested, she called back after the procedure and left a message on my machine, saying that baby was now nursing much better. I was unable to return her call until the day afterwards, and because she did not pick up the phone (no machine) I sent an email, asking her to call at her convenience.

A week or so later, she had not replied, so I tried calling again. This time she was home, and said baby was doing well. She had not seen my email and thought it might have gone into the trash. OK. And now she had a completely different question - she wanted another appointment to discuss continuing to nurse when she went back to work. We made a tentative appointment on the phone, which I followed up with an email, explaining my charges for subsequent appointments, together with the information had requested about the free Breastfeeding USA meetings I run.

Her emailed reply expressed surprise that I charged for subsequent appointments, even though that info was included in the very first email I sent about her initial appointment - a form letter I use. She said money and time was an issue, and she would not be attending the free meeting either. I got the feeling she thought I was money-grabbing, which left a nasty taste in my mouth.

Am I being too sensitive? What would you do?normaNorma Ritter, IBCLC, RLCBreastfeeding Matters in the Capital Regionwww.NormaRitter.com

Join us on Facebook for the latest birthing and breastfeeding news and views:http://tinyurl.com/BMCRonFB

[Guest guest]

Hi, Norma.

I don't know any medical professional who doesn't charge for follow-up appointments. You (rightly) didn't state which medical profession this mother works in, but would you expect that she would not charge for follow-ups? If she would likely charge, then stop worrying. She is being unreasonable. Your reputation has been well-established, so I don't think she will have much of an impact on your business. If she fusses to someone, if they know her, they probably won't hold much stock in what she says.

I know it's a blow to your self-esteem when someone acts like *you* are being unreasonable, but let it be temporary! Take a deep breath and shake it off. You have every right to charge for follow-ups.

Dee Kassing

How would you handle this situation?My main concern is that this client sees many other mothers in the community as a medical professional, and I do not want her to bad-mouth me.Early this month I saw a mother whose baby turned out to have a tongue tie. As requested, she called back after the procedure and left a message on my machine, saying that baby was now nursing much better. I was unable to return her call until the day afterwards, and because she did not pick up the phone (no machine) I sent an email, asking her to call at her convenience.A week or so later, she had not replied, so I tried calling again. This time she was home, and said baby was doing well. She had not seen my email and thought it might have gone into the trash. OK. And now she had a completely different question - she wanted another appointment to discuss continuing to nurse when she went back to work. We made a tentative appointment on the

phone, which I followed up with an email, explaining my charges for subsequent appointments, together with the information had requested about the free Breastfeeding USA meetings I run. Her emailed reply expressed surprise that I charged for subsequent appointments, even though that info was included in the very first email I sent about her initial appointment - a form letter I use. She said money and time was an issue, and she would not be attending the free meeting either. I got the feeling she thought I was money-grabbing, which left a nasty taste in my mouth.Am I being too sensitive? What would you do?Norma Ritter, IBCLC, RLCBreastfeeding Matters in the Capital Regionwww.NormaRitter.comJoin us on Facebook for the latest birthing and breastfeeding news and views:http://tinyurl.com/BMCRonFB

[Guest guest]

I agree with the others on this one. Norma – does she not realize WHO you are?? J Apparently not. But, she is the one being unreasonable. If you sent her the info in a form letter then it is on HER to read that and understand. It is not your fault that she didn’t check her e-mail, nor is it your fault that she doesn’t have any voicemail for you to leave a message. I have this happen occasionally when moms don’t call or email back. I make the attempt 2-3 times then I am done. If they want me or need me they can call me. Sometimes I get the call and sometimes I do not. But really, Norma…someone should let this gal 1) know how unreasonable she is being by expecting you to work for free, and 2) let her know how damn lucky she is to have YOU! J Breathe my friend…let it go. Your reputation will not be harmed – you will be fine. J Warmly,Jaye

[Guest guest]

I agree as well. It's amazing how vulnerable we can feel when we are working so

hard to satisfy everyone. I think we have all experienced these type of moments

and we know what to say when a peer asks us about how we should respond, but

when we are involved it brings out our own vulnerability.

You are good at what you do and you know you do right by your clients. Treat it

like a (albeit it outstanding) business.

>

> I agree with the others on this one. Norma - does she not realize WHO you

> are?? J Apparently not. But, she is the one being unreasonable. If you

> sent her the info in a form letter then it is on HER to read that and

> understand. It is not your fault that she didn't check her e-mail, nor is

> it your fault that she doesn't have any voicemail for you to leave a

> message.

>

>

>

> I have this happen occasionally when moms don't call or email back. I make

> the attempt 2-3 times then I am done. If they want me or need me they can

> call me. Sometimes I get the call and sometimes I do not.

>

>

>

> But really, Norma.someone should let this gal 1) know how unreasonable she

> is being by expecting you to work for free, and 2) let her know how damn

> lucky she is to have YOU! J

>

>

>

> Breathe my friend.let it go. Your reputation will not be harmed - you will

> be fine. J

>

>

>

> Warmly,

>

> Jaye

>

[Guest guest]

Norma,I agree with everyone. I remember back in June there was a kooky woman who really through me - thank you for this list and all the support I got. Some people are so unreasonable.You are wonderful!

Leigh Anne O'Connor, IBCLCleighanne625@...www.leighanneoconnor.comwww.mamamilkandme.wordpress.com(917) 596-3646

[Guest guest]

Thank you, all, for your helpful suggestions. It feels good to be able to vent here!I just wrote back to this mother, telling her how glad I was her baby was nursing well, praising her for keeping her holidays low-key, pointing out that I do not charge for email and phone follow up, and that if she scrolled down, she could see where I had referred her to my fee schedule in my first email to her.I finished with a couple of links to info on working and breastfeeding, and wishing her happy holidays.

Whew!normaNorma Ritter, IBCLC, RLCBreastfeeding Matters in the Capital Regionwww.NormaRitter.comJoin us on Facebook for the latest birthing and breastfeeding news and views:

http://tinyurl.com/BMCRonFB

 

Norma,I agree with everyone. I remember back in June there was a kooky woman who really through me - thank you for this list and all the support I got.  Some people are so unreasonable.

You are wonderful!

Leigh Anne O'Connor, IBCLCleighanne625@...

www.leighanneoconnor.comwww.mamamilkandme.wordpress.com