Guest guest Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 I think the best thing you can ask for (from any mom, for that matter), is for her to write a note to her physician, the baby's doc or primary HCP, explaining what her problem was and what you did to help her and how much she appreciated it. This is particularly useful if the doc/PHCP referred the mom to you, but it works any time -- and while the letter itself won't put groceries on the table, there may well be more referrals made your way. Jan I will often just tell them that something they could do for me is to share the info they learned and/or to pass on a reference to anyone they know who is expecting......This is something people are v. happy to do and it does help with the bottomline - at least a bit....... Have also had a donation made in my name once or twice which is nice but not putting any food on the table if you know what I mean...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 This is the hardest part for me. I cannot ask for a fee from someone I know already and have established a relationship with. A new client or stranger doesn't seem so bad because you can put the fee right out there. I told someone the other day that I am a good LC but a terrible small business owner.Dana Schmidt, BS, RN, IBCLC, CLECradlehold, DirectorBreastfeeding Education & Supportwww.cradlehold.netwww.facebook.com/cradleholdhttp://twitter.com/cradleholdwww.meetup.com/Wednesday-Afternoon-Weigh-InsProviding the minimum amount of intervention for the minimum amount of time for maximum benefit to mother and babyCelebrate IBCLC DAY March 2, 2011IBCLCs: Shaping the Future TV dinner still cooling?Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 Take this with a grain of salt, since I'm not exactly an old hand at this private practice stuff, but whenever people have made comments like that to me in a related context, I ask them to consider providing something concrete to pay it forward, rather than paying me more. For example, if we're talking about spirituality or counseling, I might suggest that they buy a copy of a book they found useful, for my lending library. Any time anybody ever insisted on paying me as a LLLL, I would ask for another copy of WAB or MM, because those have a tendency to walk. Same with Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth. Somehow I just feel better about that, especially since if they talk about it with friends, it's purely positive and no one's going to wonder if there is another " charge " that might sneak up on them. Lynn In the past 6 weeks I've had 1 mother and 1 father (different families) say that I went 'above and beyond' their expectations and if I " needed to bill them for the extra time spent on phone calls " just let them know. Yes, in these two cases I did put in more work and love than what is usually needed. Being taken off guard by this sentiment I pretty much mumbled my way through a " thank you " and a " I want you and your baby to succeed, that is my motivation, etc " . In hindsight (and with my husband questioning if I want to run this as a business) I wonder how others handle this situation. Should I decline additional funds, should I say that if they feel compelled to send along something they are welcome to, or did I say the right thing? What is the appropriate and ethical thing to do? Thank you, IBCLC, LLLL Massachusetts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2011 Report Share Posted February 12, 2011 This is always a tough one - esp if you do spend lots of time with the family and get to know them (and like them!). If I decline the pmt, well......... I find I have received more bottles of wine and Chapters/Starbucks gift cards that way......... I will often just tell them that something they could do for me is to share the info they learned and/or to pass on a reference to anyone they know who is expecting......This is something people are v. happy to do and it does help with the bottomline - at least a bit....... Have also had a donation made in my name once or twice which is nice but not putting any food on the table if you know what I mean...... beth From: Lynn Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 1:19 PM To: Subject: Re: Do the right thing Take this with a grain of salt, since I'm not exactly an old hand at this private practice stuff, but whenever people have made comments like that to me in a related context, I ask them to consider providing something concrete to pay it forward, rather than paying me more. For example, if we're talking about spirituality or counseling, I might suggest that they buy a copy of a book they found useful, for my lending library. Any time anybody ever insisted on paying me as a LLLL, I would ask for another copy of WAB or MM, because those have a tendency to walk. Same with Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth. Somehow I just feel better about that, especially since if they talk about it with friends, it's purely positive and no one's going to wonder if there is another "charge" that might sneak up on them. Lynn In the past 6 weeks I've had 1 mother and 1 father (different families) say that I went 'above and beyond' their expectations and if I "needed to bill them for the extra time spent on phone calls" just let them know. Yes, in these two cases I did put in more work and love than what is usually needed.Being taken off guard by this sentiment I pretty much mumbled my way through a "thank you" and a "I want you and your baby to succeed, that is my motivation, etc". In hindsight (and with my husband questioning if I want to run this as a business) I wonder how others handle this situation. Should I decline additional funds, should I say that if they feel compelled to send along something they are welcome to, or did I say the right thing? What is the appropriate and ethical thing to do?Thank you, IBCLC, LLLLMassachusetts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 13, 2011 Report Share Posted February 13, 2011 I would decline. You have set rates and by declining, the 2 couples will be more inclined to refer friends to you. Gail Neuman RNC BSN CPHW certified in high risk OB childbirth/lactation educator & student nurse practitioner AHA BLS for Healthcare & Heartsaver Family/Friends instructor after 2/23/11 Baby Your Way Midwifery Associates 801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305 Santa Ana, CA 92705 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2011 Report Share Posted February 17, 2011 Thank you ALL for everyone's different, but well-thought out responses to my query. I don't get to check the list daily so it's taken me a couple days to get into gear! I'm so privileged to be a part of this wise group! Thanks again! > > I would decline. You have set rates and by declining, the 2 couples will be more inclined to refer friends to you. > > > Gail Neuman RNC BSN CPHW > certified in high risk OB > childbirth/lactation educator & student nurse practitioner > AHA BLS for Healthcare & Heartsaver Family/Friends instructor after 2/23/11 > > Baby Your Way Midwifery Associates > 801 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 305 > Santa Ana, CA 92705 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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