re: balancing volunteer IBCLC work

[Guest guest]

I operate pretty much like Norma.  One of my guidelines as an LLL Leader has always been that if a mom needs much more than support, encouragement, some education and a " mirror, " she probably needed a referral to an IBCLC.  That hasn't changed much since I've become an IBCLC.  I did stop doing home visits.  Instead I have offered to come early/stay late at meetings, or just plain provide a little hands-on help at a meeting.  I never brought a scale to meetings before and don't want to start dragging one there now.

I also hear your sense of dissatisfaction and feeling like the balance between giving and receiving is changing for you.  I've been feeling that, too, and that's part of what has me considering retiring.  Like Geraldine suggested, maybe there's another way you can be active in the organization without being active with the Group.  I know there are endless possibilities; it has to be one that fits for you.  When I had to stop leading Meetings due to my work hours, I experienced a sort of grieving/weaning.  Wish I could have made the transition as easily as my children seemed to wean, lol!

Wagner-, MS, MFT, IBCLCRoseville, CA