Re: Combining LLL leadership with professional LC work

[Guest guest]

http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html

http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html

Here are two articles that may be helpful. I was a LLLL and an IBCLC for 10 years. It can be very hard at times to separate the two areas.

AnnetteSee what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html

http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html

Here are two articles that may be helpful. I was a LLLL and an IBCLC for 10 years. It can be very hard at times to separate the two areas.

AnnetteSee what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Hi Marjorie, it is so hard to separate the two - I never did become a LL leader. I had toddler groups in my house for years and then decided to gear my energy towards becoming an IBCLC. I do know a few IBCLC that are LL leaders and I know it is very hard for them. I have even heard that it is unethical to "solicit" a LL caller for a consult - that has to be really hard.

I do have networking meetings in my house once a month - I invite all my consults and pump rentals or just callers. I charge $20 and I serve a nice lunch - since it is from 12 to at least 2 or 3 - sometimes 4 LOL. I guess the best way to explain it - is the same as Ann did. YOU have the credentials now - the training the education and you are sharing that. You should be compensated - otherwise you are decreasing your worth. I think that LL is great - we are the next step. We see all the trainwrecks.

You will have to be the one to find that medium ground.

Good Luck,

Donna B. Kimick, IBCLC, RLC Lakeshore LactationMassapequa Park, NY USASee what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Hi Marjorie, it is so hard to separate the two - I never did become a LL leader. I had toddler groups in my house for years and then decided to gear my energy towards becoming an IBCLC. I do know a few IBCLC that are LL leaders and I know it is very hard for them. I have even heard that it is unethical to "solicit" a LL caller for a consult - that has to be really hard.

I do have networking meetings in my house once a month - I invite all my consults and pump rentals or just callers. I charge $20 and I serve a nice lunch - since it is from 12 to at least 2 or 3 - sometimes 4 LOL. I guess the best way to explain it - is the same as Ann did. YOU have the credentials now - the training the education and you are sharing that. You should be compensated - otherwise you are decreasing your worth. I think that LL is great - we are the next step. We see all the trainwrecks.

You will have to be the one to find that medium ground.

Good Luck,

Donna B. Kimick, IBCLC, RLC Lakeshore LactationMassapequa Park, NY USASee what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Marjorie, have you read 's ABCs of Private Practice?  I think it would answer a lot of your questions.  I think this is a learning process that every LLLL/IBCLC goes through, and you will get there!  First and foremost, you have to value your 10 years of education (counting 1 year of being a Leader Applicant) as akin to a professional course of study (such as getting a Master's Degree).  The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners has decreed that you have met the necessary requirements to function as an allied health care provider.  My advice is to "fake it till you make it."  :-) ----Lynnette Hafken, MA, Mother of 3, LLLL, IBCLChttp://www.nurslings.com"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."The Buddha  I know this must have been discussed, but as it is probably ever-timely, I'll risk redundancy to see what you all might think.As you know from my prior post, I'm a new LC who's been an LLL Leader for nine years. As I've basically been "just" a mom for all these years and then some, I have to adjust to seeing myself in a professional light, and I must admit that having come from the volunteer arena of LLL-dom I am having a bit of trouble drawing the line between the two. For instance, I know that some of you believe in the importance of establishing some visibility for yourself by setting up a class or support group. I am wondering how that works. Do you charge for these (I would guess so!)? If so, what sort of venue do you seek out, and does that venue charge you for the time you are occupying it? I know some of you as RNs work in hospitals, but are there others among you who do these groups in hospitals while not being otherwise employed there? I guess I have a bit of a hard time with the notion that LLL offers education and support for free; why, then, would people choose to pay to attend such a group? Or is it that we're talking about a certain type of outlook that would shy away from LLL, or perhaps view something for which they are asked to pay for service as more worthwhile?I really appreciate any light you might shed on this new and shadowy turf!Warmly,Marjorie

[Guest guest]

Marjorie,

I

hear you! I am a LLL Leader (7 years) and newbie IBCLC myself (just passed the

Boards last year) and have begun working as part of a private practice here in

Virginia Beach. I am seeing clients and sometimes feel like I don’t

always know what I am doing…it is so very different seeing mothers in a

Leader capacity (even home visits) versus seeing them for pay. I am with

you too on the little actual clinical experience, but lots of LLL experience!

I

am finding it hard to market myself and not ‘give away’ my services

because that’s what I have done for so long as a LLL Leader, (I was

warned of this by Ann -Hi Ann!). I also find it difficult when a mother

contacts me as a LLL Leader but who really needs to see an IBCLC and have to

refer her elsewhere. The problem I am finding is that the private

practice I am part of is the ONLY PPLC in the area. No one else offers

after hours/home visits, it is basically just hospital based with very limited

hours. I am hoping to fill that niche-and yipes, at this point I want

plenty of clients, but not too many while I get my feet under me and lots of experience.

Anyway-probably

not much help, but I thought I pop out of lurkdom and let you know that I am

facing the same issues as you are, and hoping that helps!

Robyn Roche-l

IBCLC, LLLL, BS-MCH:LC

Tidewater Lactation Group, Inc.

www.tidewaterlactationgroup.com

" Your Complete Source for Breastfeeding Support "

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of lllmarjorie

Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 6:54 PM

To:

Subject: Combining LLL leadership with professional LC work

I know this must have been discussed, but as it

is probably ever-

timely, I'll risk redundancy to see what you all might think.

As you know from my prior post, I'm a new LC who's been an LLL

Leader for nine years. As I've basically been " just " a mom for all

these years and then some, I have to adjust to seeing myself in a

professional light, and I must admit that having come from the

volunteer arena of LLL-dom I am having a bit of trouble drawing the

line between the two.

For instance, I know that some of you believe in the importance of

establishing some visibility for yourself by setting up a class or

support group. I am wondering how that works. Do you charge for

these (I would guess so!)? If so, what sort of venue do you seek

out, and does that venue charge you for the time you are occupying

it? I know some of you as RNs work in hospitals, but are there

others among you who do these groups in hospitals while not being

otherwise employed there? I guess I have a bit of a hard time with

the notion that LLL offers education and support for free; why,

then, would people choose to pay to attend such a group? Or is it

that we're talking about a certain type of outlook that would shy

away from LLL, or perhaps view something for which they are asked to

pay for service as more worthwhile?

I really appreciate any light you might shed on this new and shadowy

turf!

Warmly,

Marjorie

[Guest guest]

Thanks to Robyn, Annette and Niki for responding to my questions and

concerns. Of course, as a Leader I'm well aware of the ethical

constraints. Just wanted to see how some of you might have handled

juggling the two, and if there were any tips. Will keep plowing away!

Warmly,

Marjorie

>

> _http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html_

> (http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html)

>

> _http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html_

> (http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html)

>

> Here are two articles that may be helpful. I was a LLLL and an

IBCLC for 10

> years. It can be very hard at times to separate the two areas.

>

> Annette

>

>

>

> ************************************** See what's free at

http://www.aol.com.

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks to Robyn, Annette and Niki for responding to my questions and

concerns. Of course, as a Leader I'm well aware of the ethical

constraints. Just wanted to see how some of you might have handled

juggling the two, and if there were any tips. Will keep plowing away!

Warmly,

Marjorie

>

> _http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html_

> (http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html)

>

> _http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html_

> (http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html)

>

> Here are two articles that may be helpful. I was a LLLL and an

IBCLC for 10

> years. It can be very hard at times to separate the two areas.

>

> Annette

>

>

>

> ************************************** See what's free at

http://www.aol.com.

>

[Guest guest]

i have been a leader for 9 years and an IBCLC in private practice for nearly 5. i found, early on, that i needed to *not* be on the phone lines as a leader. i still attend meetings, and i support my coleaders by acting as a resource for them, giving workshops for leaders, etc. i am in a similar position to someone else here who posted, in that i am part of the only group of private practice ibclcs in the area - so any referral would really be self referral. my coleaders refer to us instead . . .:-)

i found if i was on the phones, i couldn't steer away from referring and the ethical issues related to that .. .

as for support groups, etc.- i found moms really want weekly support, and are willing to pay nominally for it (although we provided several free with each consult, but welcomed non-consult clients for a nominal fee. what LLL offers is very different - mother to mother support, monthly. a an IBCLC, moms want to be able to weigh their baby at support group, be told when a follow up consult might be a good idea, have research shared with them that may not be LLL related, etc. i think LLL has a niche that is complimentary to an IBCLC run support group.

warmly,

Lyla Wolfenstein, B.S., IBCLC, RLCOwner, Lactation Consultant, Parent EducatorZenana Spa & Wellness Center, LLP

Lyla@...

http://www.zenana-spa.com

503.238.mama (6262) Mobile Fax

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of lllmarjorieSent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 6:55 PMTo: Subject: Re: Combining LLL leadership with professional LC work

Thanks to Robyn, Annette and Niki for responding to my questions and concerns. Of course, as a Leader I'm well aware of the ethical constraints. Just wanted to see how some of you might have handled juggling the two, and if there were any tips. Will keep plowing away!Warmly,Marjorie>> _http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html_ > (http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html) > > _http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html_ > (http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html) > > Here are two articles that may be helpful. I was a LLLL and an IBCLC for 10 > years. It can be very hard at times to separate the two areas.> > Annette> > > > ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.>

[Guest guest]

i have been a leader for 9 years and an IBCLC in private practice for nearly 5. i found, early on, that i needed to *not* be on the phone lines as a leader. i still attend meetings, and i support my coleaders by acting as a resource for them, giving workshops for leaders, etc. i am in a similar position to someone else here who posted, in that i am part of the only group of private practice ibclcs in the area - so any referral would really be self referral. my coleaders refer to us instead . . .:-)

i found if i was on the phones, i couldn't steer away from referring and the ethical issues related to that .. .

as for support groups, etc.- i found moms really want weekly support, and are willing to pay nominally for it (although we provided several free with each consult, but welcomed non-consult clients for a nominal fee. what LLL offers is very different - mother to mother support, monthly. a an IBCLC, moms want to be able to weigh their baby at support group, be told when a follow up consult might be a good idea, have research shared with them that may not be LLL related, etc. i think LLL has a niche that is complimentary to an IBCLC run support group.

warmly,

Lyla Wolfenstein, B.S., IBCLC, RLCOwner, Lactation Consultant, Parent EducatorZenana Spa & Wellness Center, LLP

Lyla@...

http://www.zenana-spa.com

503.238.mama (6262) Mobile Fax

-----Original Message-----From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of lllmarjorieSent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 6:55 PMTo: Subject: Re: Combining LLL leadership with professional LC work

Thanks to Robyn, Annette and Niki for responding to my questions and concerns. Of course, as a Leader I'm well aware of the ethical constraints. Just wanted to see how some of you might have handled juggling the two, and if there were any tips. Will keep plowing away!Warmly,Marjorie>> _http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html_ > (http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html) > > _http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html_ > (http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html) > > Here are two articles that may be helpful. I was a LLLL and an IBCLC for 10 > years. It can be very hard at times to separate the two areas.> > Annette> > > > ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.>

[Guest guest]

Lyla,

Yes,

I think that I will be removing myself from the phone line and most likely the

e-mail contact as well (I get A LOT of e-mail contacts for LLL-and that is just

as ‘bad’ as phone calls for not referring to oneself).

I

am the AAPL for my Area and will continue to do that and take those phone

calls, but drop the others. I will continue to Co-Lead meetings because I

need my fix of ‘normal’ breastfeeding and the not the train wrecks

I see as an IBCLC.

It

is sticky ground, but one that is doable…thanks for the thoughts!

Robyn Roche-l

IBCLC, LLLL, BS-MCH:LC

Tidewater Lactation Group, Inc.

www.tidewaterlactationgroup.com

" Your Complete Source for Breastfeeding Support "

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Lyla

Wolfenstein

Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 10:07 PM

To:

Subject: RE: Re: Combining LLL leadership with professional

LC work

i have been a leader for 9 years and an IBCLC in private practice

for nearly 5. i found, early on, that i needed to *not* be on the phone

lines as a leader. i still attend meetings, and i support my coleaders by

acting as a resource for them, giving workshops for leaders, etc. i

am in a similar position to someone else here who posted, in that i am part of

the only group of private practice ibclcs in the area - so any referral would

really be self referral. my coleaders refer to us instead . . .:-)

i found if i was on the phones, i couldn't steer away from

referring and the ethical issues related to that .. .

as for support groups, etc.- i found moms really want weekly

support, and are willing to pay nominally for it (although we provided several

free with each consult, but welcomed non-consult clients for a nominal

fee. what LLL offers is very different - mother to mother support,

monthly. a an IBCLC, moms want to be able to weigh their baby at support

group, be told when a follow up consult might be a good idea, have research

shared with them that may not be LLL related, etc. i think LLL has a

niche that is complimentary to an IBCLC run support group.

warmly,

Lyla

Wolfenstein, B.S., IBCLC, RLC

Owner,

Lactation Consultant, Parent Educator

Zenana

Spa & Wellness Center, LLP

Lyla@...

http://www.zenana-spa.com

503.238.mama (6262)

Mobile

Fax

Re: Combining LLL leadership with professional LC

work

Thanks to Robyn, Annette and Niki for responding to my questions and

concerns. Of course, as a Leader I'm well aware of the ethical

constraints. Just wanted to see how some of you might have handled

juggling the two, and if there were any tips. Will keep plowing away!

Warmly,

Marjorie

>

> _http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html_

> (http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html)

>

> _http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html_

> (http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html)

>

> Here are two articles that may be helpful. I was a LLLL and an

IBCLC for 10

> years. It can be very hard at times to separate the two areas.

>

> Annette

>

>

>

> ************************************** See what's free at

http://www.aol.com.

>

[Guest guest]

Lyla,

Yes,

I think that I will be removing myself from the phone line and most likely the

e-mail contact as well (I get A LOT of e-mail contacts for LLL-and that is just

as ‘bad’ as phone calls for not referring to oneself).

I

am the AAPL for my Area and will continue to do that and take those phone

calls, but drop the others. I will continue to Co-Lead meetings because I

need my fix of ‘normal’ breastfeeding and the not the train wrecks

I see as an IBCLC.

It

is sticky ground, but one that is doable…thanks for the thoughts!

Robyn Roche-l

IBCLC, LLLL, BS-MCH:LC

Tidewater Lactation Group, Inc.

www.tidewaterlactationgroup.com

" Your Complete Source for Breastfeeding Support "

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Lyla

Wolfenstein

Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 10:07 PM

To:

Subject: RE: Re: Combining LLL leadership with professional

LC work

i have been a leader for 9 years and an IBCLC in private practice

for nearly 5. i found, early on, that i needed to *not* be on the phone

lines as a leader. i still attend meetings, and i support my coleaders by

acting as a resource for them, giving workshops for leaders, etc. i

am in a similar position to someone else here who posted, in that i am part of

the only group of private practice ibclcs in the area - so any referral would

really be self referral. my coleaders refer to us instead . . .:-)

i found if i was on the phones, i couldn't steer away from

referring and the ethical issues related to that .. .

as for support groups, etc.- i found moms really want weekly

support, and are willing to pay nominally for it (although we provided several

free with each consult, but welcomed non-consult clients for a nominal

fee. what LLL offers is very different - mother to mother support,

monthly. a an IBCLC, moms want to be able to weigh their baby at support

group, be told when a follow up consult might be a good idea, have research

shared with them that may not be LLL related, etc. i think LLL has a

niche that is complimentary to an IBCLC run support group.

warmly,

Lyla

Wolfenstein, B.S., IBCLC, RLC

Owner,

Lactation Consultant, Parent Educator

Zenana

Spa & Wellness Center, LLP

Lyla@...

http://www.zenana-spa.com

503.238.mama (6262)

Mobile

Fax

Re: Combining LLL leadership with professional LC

work

Thanks to Robyn, Annette and Niki for responding to my questions and

concerns. Of course, as a Leader I'm well aware of the ethical

constraints. Just wanted to see how some of you might have handled

juggling the two, and if there were any tips. Will keep plowing away!

Warmly,

Marjorie

>

> _http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html_

> (http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVAugSep98p84.html)

>

> _http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html_

> (http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul00p52.html)

>

> Here are two articles that may be helpful. I was a LLLL and an

IBCLC for 10

> years. It can be very hard at times to separate the two areas.

>

> Annette

>

>

>

> ************************************** See what's free at

http://www.aol.com.

>

[Guest guest]

I am not a LLLL, but I also had a hard time charging for services in the beginning. I still tend to give away too much of my time. My hubby fusses at me for it. :-)

What I really wanted to "talk" about though is my support group. I have had a free support group for four years. I thought long and hard about whether or not to charge for it and decided to keep it free. One reason is that I never want to feel like I "have" to go - like it is just a job. I started it to have an alternative to LLL. We have some wonderful LLLL in the area, but most of the doctors and hospitals here are almost anti-LLL and tend to scare mothers away from them. I wanted someplace that moms who don't think they are the LLL "type" would come. I also wanted a weekly group because often moms in the early weeks really need that type of support. We have an amazing group of moms from all parenting styles and we now have alot of moms that attend both my group and LLL. We always announce LLL meetings at my group (we have a LLLL that attends) and when moms who thought they weren't LLL types see that the moms who attend LLL are normal, they often go try it our too. :-) LLL refers moms to my group as well.

I also saw the need for an evening group to support working moms. When I started the group LLL had no evening meeting and was not very supportive of working moms. This has changed now, but it was a real need for a long time.

We meet at a church. The church donates the space, so there is no charge. If I had to pay for space, I would have to charge to cover that.

I keep my group very casual - it is more mom-to-mom support than a breastfeeding "class". I do answer questions freely and I will look at a latch of someone is there and having trouble but I am very clear that I cannot offer one-on-one support during the group. If someone needs that type of help, then they need to schedule a consultation. I get lots of referrals from moms in the group and many of the moms who come are moms from consultations. It also gets my name out there to doctors who may not give out my cards, but post the flyers in their offices. I love the group and even though I don't get monetary compensation I would never give it up. I love seeing "normal" breastfeeding. With consultations, it is always someone in need of help. I so enjoy seeing the long-term course of breastfeeding. I love that it makes a difference in the course of breastfeeding for most moms. 90% of the moms who have attended the group breastfeed to 12 months and beyond. Most of them had no plans to breastfeed that long but when they see other mothers doing it, and they learn that there really is a benefit, it becomes normal to them. The moms in my group are also very appreciative. They do nice things for me often. I have formed wonderful friendships and I don't think that would have happened if I were paid to be there. We have 10-15 moms most weeks, sometimes more. Some of the moms have been with us through more than one baby. One mom has been with us through three childen and was one of my first members.

I don't think it is a bad idea to charge for support groups, this is just what worked for me.

I've probably given way more information than you needed, this is just one of my favorite topics.

Best wishes,

Mellanie Sheppard, IBCLC

Combining LLL leadership with professional LC work

I know this must have been discussed, but as it is probably ever-timely, I'll risk redundancy to see what you all might think.As you know from my prior post, I'm a new LC who's been an LLL Leader for nine years. As I've basically been "just" a mom for all these years and then some, I have to adjust to seeing myself in a professional light, and I must admit that having come from the volunteer arena of LLL-dom I am having a bit of trouble drawing the line between the two. For instance, I know that some of you believe in the importance of establishing some visibility for yourself by setting up a class or support group. I am wondering how that works. Do you charge for these (I would guess so!)? If so, what sort of venue do you seek out, and does that venue charge you for the time you are occupying it? I know some of you as RNs work in hospitals, but are there others among you who do these groups in hospitals while not being otherwise employed there? I guess I have a bit of a hard time with the notion that LLL offers education and support for free; why, then, would people choose to pay to attend such a group? Or is it that we're talking about a certain type of outlook that would shy away from LLL, or perhaps view something for which they are asked to pay for service as more worthwhile?I really appreciate any light you might shed on this new and shadowy turf!Warmly,Marjorie