Size of Private Practice

[Guest guest]

I am the sole proprieter. I do 1-2 home visits a month if I am lucky. I have a weekly new mom's group (in my home) and I also have available prenatal classes and rent Hygiea breast pumps. Dana Schmidt, BS, RN, IBCLCCradlehold, DirectorBreastfeeding Education

& Supportwww.cradlehold.nethttp://breastfeedinghomevisitservices.weebly.com/shop.htmlProviding the minimum amount of intervention for the minimum amount

of time for maximum benefit to mother and babyTo: Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 10:22 AMSubject: Size of private practice

I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the average private practice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the group and let me/us know:

Average number of dyads seen/week

Do you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of both?

Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in the works.

Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Dana.

Jan www.grammiesawards.blogspot.com

I am the sole proprieter. I do 1-2 home visits a month if I am lucky. I have a weekly new mom's group (in my home) and I also have available prenatal classes and rent Hygiea breast pumps.

Dana Schmidt, BS, RN, IBCLCCradlehold, DirectorBreastfeeding Education & Supportwww.cradlehold.nethttp://breastfeedinghomevisitservices.weebly.com/shop.htmlProviding the minimum amount of intervention for the minimum amount of time for maximum benefit to mother and baby

To: Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 10:22 AMSubject: Size of private practice

I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the average private practice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the group and let me/us know:Average number of dyads seen/weekDo you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of both?Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in the works.Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA

[Guest guest]

Hi there Jan,

I only do home visits and see an average of 3-5 clients per week.

nne Ames

I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the average private practice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the group and let me/us know:

Average number of dyads seen/week

Do you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of both?

Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in the works.

Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA

--

nne Ames, IBCLC

Mother Nurture Breastfeeding

[Guest guest]

I do both but my "office" is my living room. the vast majority are home visits and some hospital.I see about 300 per year--hoping it gets to be more. per week can be 3 to 12! Varies widely. Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.comwww.facebook.com/thesecond9months.--- Subject: Size of private practiceTo: Date: Monday, November 14, 2011, 7:22 AM

I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the average private practice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the group and let me/us know:

Average number of dyads seen/week

Do you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of both?

Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in the works.

Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA

[Guest guest]

I used to average for 250 clients a year from home visits and then groups that

ranged up to 15 (which was hard) and more typically 6-10. First I did the

groups once a week, then twice a week. I did prenatal classes twice a month.

Then my partner left for two years and I continued at the same pace, but spent a

lot more time triaging the women who would call and referring them out. Then my

partner came back and we decided it worked better to just refer to each other

and I saw a big dip. More like 150 a year. I actually was relieved. It was too

much before. For a couple of years it continued at that pace, but then the

childbirth ed center where I worked met its demise. A bad partnership. It was

like watching a bad divorce with lots of collateral damage to the children

(those of use who worked there). Fortunately, I've survived organizational

psychosis situations before and managed to come out with relatively minimal

unpaid salary. Then Leigh Anne talked me into becoming NYLCA president and it

was so much work that for weeks I take off to prep for conferences, clean up the

website, etc. So I think I'm down to about 100 a year and my group is about 6

people a week. I find I am getting the itch to do other stuff -- teaching and

writing a book.

And I am incredibly frustrated to have moms come in every single week who are

told that they MUST train their babies to sleep 10 hours at night at eight weeks

and NO it won't affect their milk supply. Every single week from the same

practice. I've sent letter after letter after letter and I'm TIRED of

iatrogenically induced low supply, plugged ducts, mastitis and failure to thrive

babies.

Best regards,

E. Burger, MHS, PhD, IBCLC

[Guest guest]

Do you want Canadian info??

I'm in Ottawa, Ontario and we are unusually well served, I think, for a city our size.....or at least we are for Canada. There are now 15 PPLCs in a city of a >1 million people plus the PHNs, the Breastfeeding Buddies peer support system run by the public health dept, LLL, plus provincially funded drop-ins (about 8 of those) plus 3 private drop-ins.

I work doing mostly home visits 3-8 clients/week plus I work as a independent consultant at 2 of the provincially funded drop-ins (so not sure how you want to count that - they pay me but I am not an employee). Even though we have provincial health care private LCs are not included in this, nor are we covered by most private insurance (hurry up licensure!). I have a shared office available to me 2 days/week but I rarely use it. The office is in another LCs home - she is my mentor and colleague - I just have a key and use the office if I need to though I have to pay to use it and moms generally prefer home visits anyway. I also have an arrangement where most of the supplies I need or offer to my clients come through her. I don't much like the business of selling/renting so she takes on the risk or having rental pumps/scales and does the inventory stuff but I can carry items I might need and sell to clients as appropriate but I choose not to make a profit that way. There are some LCs who are not as busy as me (by choice I think) and some who combine their work with other employment - prenatal classes, doula work, etc.... I could be busier but I also have kids and sit on numerous committees and lead two LLL groups. It certainly isn't a way to make much money but I love it and hope to grow the business soon though it is always going to be one of those businesses that has ups and downs - a week when you can't handle all the clients and a week with only a few calls

Interesting to hear other's experiences.

Thanks for this

beth

Beth McMillan BA IBCLC

www.bethmcmillanibclc.com

Size of private practice

I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the average private practice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the group and let me/us know:Average number of dyads seen/weekDo you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of both?Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in the works.Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA

[Guest guest]

We may be able to do that. Need to get thru this bit of it first!!

Jan

Jan I think you should recommend USLCA or ILCA conduct a survey!Not too difficult to set-up but it is a question that's worthy of examining. How many PP IBCLCs are out there, and what is their average client load, pay etc. so people new to the discipline have some info to go off of.

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Norma. I was thinking exactly the same thing. It's not exactly something you will get rich off of!!

Jan

Jan, I can get 3-4 calls a week, but most often it is 2-3 a month. Varies!All my visits are in my home office. Many of my clients come to me after they have seen 2, 3 or 4 other people, so I guess you could say I specialize in train-wrecks. I joke that I should be asking Dr Kotlow for a referral fee, since so many of those train-wrecks are due to tongue and labial ties.I am finding it interesting that so many of us do have very small practices. 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]

Although I have an LLC, I am the only employed IBCLC. I have an office manager to handle my scheduling, billing etc. And have one other IBCLC and an intern that helps me with my follow-ups etc when I needed and they are classified as contractors.I do nearly only home visits, and the amount of new moms I see per week changes (some weeks there are no new moms and some I have about 8+) When I am very busy I do refer them to the other LCs that I know and trust in my service area.I just went and counted this year I have had average 3 new client per week and 5 follow-ups.I hope this would be helpful JanKindly,Ann FaustAnn Faust, MBChB, BA (Hons), IBCLC, RLC

BABY AND ME LACTATION SERVICES LLC

www.BabyAndMeLC.com

Facebook:

Baby And Me Lactation Services

phone:

This information is for general informational purposes only and is not

intended to provide specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you

deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular

situation from the appropriate professional.

The information contained in this e-mail may be confidential and is intended

solely for the use of the named addressee. Access, copying or re-use of the

e-mail or any information contained therein by any other person is not authorized.

If you are not the intended recipient please notify us immediately by returning

the e-mail to the originator.

This

e-mail transmission and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages

attached to it, are confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, or a

person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby

notified that any review, disclosure, copying, dissemination, distribution or

use of any of the information contained in, or attached to this e-mail transmission

is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please

immediately notify Baby and Me Lactation Services, LLC by telephone at

(240)893-3808 and then delete the message and its attachments from your

computer. Thank you.>

[Guest guest]

I have to say I'm surprised you don't have more -- most of the moms would deliver at Beaumont, right? Do they only have 4 hours for a clinic per day? I'm astonished!! (Beaumont = large delivery hospital). (I used to work at Providence in Southfield). I bet, since you've only been there a year you are going to see your practice grow tremendously!!

Jan

I have 10-12 clients a month in the short year I have been here. That includes a home birth midwife I work for. I see all her patients as well. I am the only LC who travels to homes. The hospitals have "some" LC time but even in their clinics, the hours of 8am-12 doesn't allow many clients. I have an interview this week with a local hospital for part time/contingent LC work that I hope provides more education for the clients and hospital and a more substantial and stable income for my family while keeping my PP. I love the work I do with the community of midwives, doulas and pediatricians. Walters, IBCLCIn Home Lactation Specialists, LLCTroy MIhttp://www.inhomelactationspecialistsllc.com/

Jan, I can get 3-4 calls a week, but most often it is 2-3 a month. Varies!All my visits are in my home office. Many of my clients come to me after they have seen 2, 3 or 4 other people, so I guess you could say I specialize in train-wrecks. I joke that I should be asking Dr Kotlow for a referral fee, since so many of those train-wrecks are due to tongue and labial ties.I am finding it interesting that so many of us do have very small practices. 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]

You all are making me want to go back and see how many I saw for my private practice when I was in my heyday back in the 80's and early 90's. (Before travel took over my life...).

Jan

Jan,

I saw 182 clients last year - that averages about 15 a month.

I do home visits. About once or twice a year I will have someone come to my living room if they live out of my "zone" but they want to see me.

I also have a twice monthly support group. I lead two or three LLL Meetings a month - one is a Toddler Meeting.

I work during the school day so I see one or two dyads a day - I try to schedule yoga time during the school day.

I usually take most of August off and holidays.

I hope this helps!

Leigh Anne O'Connor, BA, LLL, IBCLC

New York, NY

I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the average private practice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the group and let me/us know:Average number of dyads seen/weekDo you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of both?Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in the works.Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA

Leigh Anne O'Connor, IBCLC

leighanne625@...

www.leighanneoconnor.com

www.mamamilkandme.wor dpress.com

[Guest guest]

, I was hoping to hear from you -- wondered how you were doing with that Manhattan practice. Yikes!!!

I'm convinced that private practice is THE most draining job ever. That's why I loved my practice with the peds group. I saw everyone in the hospital -- and discovered (after being only in private practice) that breastfeeding actually worked for some moms!!! They didn't ALL have problems. Since Aug 2010 I've stopped seeing the dyads in the hospital and only see the ones that have problems in my home office. And of course, now it looks as though all babies have problems again....

Jan

I used to average for 250 clients a year from home visits and then groups that ranged up to 15 (which was hard) and more typically 6-10. First I did the groups once a week, then twice a week. I did prenatal classes twice a month. Then my partner left for two years and I continued at the same pace, but spent a lot more time triaging the women who would call and referring them out. Then my partner came back and we decided it worked better to just refer to each other and I saw a big dip. More like 150 a year. I actually was relieved. It was too much before. For a couple of years it continued at that pace, but then the childbirth ed center where I worked met its demise. A bad partnership. It was like watching a bad divorce with lots of collateral damage to the children (those of use who worked there). Fortunately, I've survived organizational psychosis situations before and managed to come out with relatively minimal unpaid salary. Then Leigh Anne talked me into becoming NYLCA president and it was so much work that for weeks I take off to prep for conferences, clean up the website, etc. So I think I'm down to about 100 a year and my group is about 6 people a week. I find I am getting the itch to do other stuff -- teaching and writing a book. And I am incredibly frustrated to have moms come in every single week who are told that they MUST train their babies to sleep 10 hours at night at eight weeks and NO it won't affect their milk supply. Every single week from the same practice. I've sent letter after letter after letter and I'm TIRED of iatrogenically induced low supply, plugged ducts, mastitis and failure to thrive babies. Best regards, E. Burger, MHS, PhD, IBCLC

[Guest guest]

Thanks to all of you that have e-mailed me -- there are more of you out there, I know. Would love to hear from you all too.

Jan

Although I have an LLC, I am the only employed IBCLC. I have an office manager to handle my scheduling, billing etc. And have one other IBCLC and an intern that helps me with my follow-ups etc when I needed and they are classified as contractors.I do nearly only home visits, and the amount of new moms I see per week changes (some weeks there are no new moms and some I have about 8+) When I am very busy I do refer them to the other LCs that I know and trust in my service area.I just went and counted this year I have had average 3 new client per week and 5 follow-ups.I hope this would be helpful JanKindly,Ann Faust

Ann Faust, MBChB, BA (Hons), IBCLC, RLCBABY AND ME LACTATION SERVICES LLCwww.BabyAndMeLC.comFacebook: Baby And Me Lactation Servicesphone:

This information is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.

The information contained in this e-mail may be confidential and is intended solely for the use of the named addressee. Access, copying or re-use of the e-mail or any information contained therein by any other person is not authorized. If you are not the intended recipient please notify us immediately by returning the e-mail to the originator. This e-mail transmission and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, are confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, disclosure, copying, dissemination, distribution or use of any of the information contained in, or attached to this e-mail transmission is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify Baby and Me Lactation Services, LLC by telephone at (240)893-3808 and then delete the message and its attachments from your computer. Thank you.>

[Guest guest]

I forgot to mention that I also run a support group twice a month through Breastfeeding USA, where the average attendance is 8-12 mothers per session.normaNorma Ritter, IBCLC, RLCBreastfeeding Matters in the Capital Region

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

 

Thanks, Norma.  I was thinking exactly the same thing.  It's not exactly something you will get rich off of!!

 

Jan  

 

Jan, I can get 3-4 calls a week, but most often it is 2-3 a month. Varies!All my visits are in my home office. Many of my clients come to me after they have seen 2, 3 or 4 other people, so I guess you could say I specialize in train-wrecks. I joke that I should be asking Dr Kotlow for a referral fee, since so many of those train-wrecks are due to tongue and labial ties.I am finding it interesting that so many of us do have very small practices. 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]

how to do you break even for the cost of education, cerps, equipment, etc. that go along with being a clinician? Dana Schmidt, BS, RN, IBCLCCradlehold, DirectorBreastfeeding Education & Supportwww.cradlehold.nethttp://breastfeedinghomevisitservices.weebly.com/shop.htmlProviding the minimum amount of intervention for the minimum amount of time for maximum benefit to mother and

babyTo: Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:25 PMSubject: Re: Re: Size of private practice

Dana -- it all depends on what you have to make. Some need to "make" more than others to make it...

Jan www.grammiesawards.blogspot.com

This all makes me wonder, can a private practice IBCLC make it as a free-standing clinician?

Dana Schmidt, BS, RN, IBCLCCradlehold, DirectorBreastfeeding Education & Supportwww.cradlehold.nethttp://breastfeedinghomevisitservices.weebly.com/shop.htmlProviding the minimum amount of intervention for the minimum amount of time for maximum benefit to mother and baby

To: Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:03 PMSubject: Re: Size of private practice

Jan, I took your class 4 years ago and learned so much!I have had my practice for 2 years now. I have a website, and am listed on a handful of other websites. My first year I think I had 11 initial consults. It was very sporadic. My second year has picked up some, and I think I have had closer to 20 consults. Again, very sporadic. I once had 3 consults in one week and that was a big deal.I do exclusively home visits, no pump rental. I am willing to drive 45 minutes, sometimes more. There is an IBCLC in my area that has a free-standing clinic with pump and scale rental. Her practice is well established and is my most direct competition. Several hospitals in the area offer outpatient lactation services, but several moms have said that they are much happier with the time I take and my follow-up.I have not marketed myself much with local physicians yet as I have not had the ability to handle the potential added work I hope to get when I do as I have 2 children, the youngest started half day kindergarten this year. Next year with both kids being in school all day I will be able to put more time into marketing and handling the added business.Most of my clients have found me online, or referred by friends or other LLL Leaders.Amy Grant, BA, IBCLC, RLCNatural Beginnings Lactation ServicesRound Lake Beach, IL> > > >> > I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the average private practice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the group and let me/us know:> > > > Average number of dyads seen/week> > Do you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of both?> > > > Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in the works.> > > > Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA> >>

[Guest guest]

You actually have to plan to lose money for the first couple of years. That's part of it. I didn't count the education, exam, CERPs until I was actually running a private practice. And then the $15 I made the first year was PROFIT!!! I think I treated the family to Mc's on all that money.

I was also still working part time at the hospital. I didn't give that up until 1992 when I was president of ILCA and too busy to even work per diem.

Jan www.grammiesawards.blogspot.com

how to do you break even for the cost of education, cerps, equipment, etc. that go along with being a clinician?

Dana Schmidt, BS, RN, IBCLCCradlehold, DirectorBreastfeeding Education & Supportwww.cradlehold.nethttp://breastfeedinghomevisitservices.weebly.com/shop.htmlProviding the minimum amount of intervention for the minimum amount of time for maximum benefit to mother and baby

To: Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:25 PMSubject: Re: Re: Size of private practice

Dana -- it all depends on what you have to make. Some need to "make" more than others to make it...

Jan www.grammiesawards.blogspot.com

This all makes me wonder, can a private practice IBCLC make it as a free-standing clinician?

Dana Schmidt, BS, RN, IBCLCCradlehold, DirectorBreastfeeding Education & Supportwww.cradlehold.nethttp://breastfeedinghomevisitservices.weebly.com/shop.htmlProviding the minimum amount of intervention for the minimum amount of time for maximum benefit to mother and baby

To: Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:03 PMSubject: Re: Size of private practice

Jan, I took your class 4 years ago and learned so much!I have had my practice for 2 years now. I have a website, and am listed on a handful of other websites. My first year I think I had 11 initial consults. It was very sporadic. My second year has picked up some, and I think I have had closer to 20 consults. Again, very sporadic. I once had 3 consults in one week and that was a big deal.I do exclusively home visits, no pump rental. I am willing to drive 45 minutes, sometimes more. There is an IBCLC in my area that has a free-standing clinic with pump and scale rental. Her practice is well established and is my most direct competition. Several hospitals in the area offer outpatient lactation services, but several moms have said that they are much happier with the time I take and my follow-up.I have not marketed myself much with local physicians yet as I have not had the ability to handle the potential added work I hope to get when I do as I have 2 children, the youngest started half day kindergarten this year. Next year with both kids being in school all day I will be able to put more time into marketing and handling the added business.Most of my clients have found me online, or referred by friends or other LLL Leaders.Amy Grant, BA, IBCLC, RLCNatural Beginnings Lactation ServicesRound Lake Beach, IL> > > >> > I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the average private practice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the group and let me/us know:> > > > Average number of dyads seen/week> > Do you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of both?> > > > Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in the works.> > > > Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jan, I breastfed my first for 18 months in 1984 through 1986, no problems but no knowledge on average length of nursing, how often to nurse, etc. I just did it and stopped nursing when my then husband questioned how long I would keep doing "that". Had my next child in 1994 (new husband, yay) but had to return to work and oh did the problems start. I joined LLL and then I started renting pumps later in 1994, no one close to me was doing it and I saw a need. (I traveled 45 minutes to get mine, so thought surely others could use someone closer to them). As the pump rentals grew and the questions arose I took classes, conferences worked with my LLLL, IBCLC friend/mentor, became a CLC, CLE,

volunteered at our hospital when they had a difficult dyad or just no one else that could help a certain mom and babe and I went from maybe 1 rental a month to actual consults. 20 is probably the most clients I have ever seen per month. The most pumps I carried was 23. Even though I was not yet, IBCLC, I was the go to person with questions from moms, the peds all referred to me and I did lots of phone help. 2006 I sent back most pumps and only carried 5, I had to take a step back for family issues) I am an IBCLC now, I flew through the test because I had been working like an IBCLC for so long I just didn't have the means to do it, could kick myself now when I seen how easy it was. I am back up to 7 Pumps now and have always had my BabyWeigh scale, but only see 1-4 moms a month. Now that my mom has passed I am hoping to really get things

turned around now. So, from August 1994 until now, I have never made a profit but have at least broken even a few times. But, as my husband says, I probably didn't really break even when you factor in all of my classes, conferences, free consults, etc. Unfortunately, while I took a step back, WIC now has an IBCLC and 2 peer counselors and our hospital has 2 IBCLC's and 2 CLC's. It's tough. But, I'm going to give it my all. Cheryl Dawn n, IBCLC, RLCAlliance, OHBaby's Best CompanyTo: " " < >Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:38 PMSubject: Re: Re: Size of private practice

how to do you break even for the cost of education, cerps, equipment, etc. that go along with being a clinician? Dana Schmidt, BS, RN, IBCLCCradlehold, DirectorBreastfeeding Education & Supportwww.cradlehold.nethttp://breastfeedinghomevisitservices.weebly.com/shop.htmlProviding

the minimum amount of intervention for the minimum amount of time for maximum benefit to mother and

babyTo: Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:25 PMSubject: Re: Re: Size of private practice

Dana -- it all depends on what you have to make. Some need to "make" more than others to make it...

Jan www.grammiesawards.blogspot.com

This all makes me wonder, can a private practice IBCLC make it as a free-standing clinician?

Dana Schmidt, BS, RN, IBCLCCradlehold, DirectorBreastfeeding Education & Supportwww.cradlehold.nethttp://breastfeedinghomevisitservices.weebly.com/shop.htmlProviding the minimum amount of intervention for the minimum amount of time for maximum benefit to mother and baby

To: Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:03 PMSubject: Re: Size of private practice

Jan, I took your class 4 years ago and learned so much!I have had my practice for 2 years now. I have a website, and am listed on a handful of other websites. My first year I think I had 11 initial consults. It was very sporadic. My second year has picked up some, and I think I have had closer to 20 consults. Again, very sporadic. I once had 3 consults in one week and that was a big deal.I do exclusively home visits, no pump rental. I am willing to drive 45 minutes, sometimes more. There is an IBCLC in my area that has a free-standing clinic with pump and scale rental. Her practice is well established and is my most direct competition. Several hospitals in the area offer outpatient lactation services, but several moms have said that they are much happier with the time I take and my follow-up.I have not marketed myself much with local physicians yet as I have not had the ability to handle the potential added work I hope to get when I do as I have 2 children, the youngest started half day kindergarten this year. Next year with both kids being in school all day I will be able to put more time into marketing and handling the added business.Most of my clients have found me online, or referred by friends or other LLL Leaders.Amy Grant, BA, IBCLC, RLCNatural Beginnings Lactation ServicesRound Lake Beach, IL> > > >> > I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the average private practice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the group and let me/us know:> > > > Average number of dyads seen/week> > Do you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of both?> > > > Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in the works.> > > > Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA> >>

[Guest guest]

I wanted to add that we have a population of probably @20,000 with 300-400 births a year and a possible 60-80% medicaid population. And with all of the BF help we now have we still don't have breastfeeding rates that go beyond the first couple weeks to couple of months. Of course, there are exceptions. And so many of the girls who do stay with it question me about how to become a lactation consultant because if they go back to work they might like to do what I do. CherylTo: " " < >Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 9:17 PMSubject: Re: Re: Size of private practice

Hi Jan, I breastfed my first for 18 months in 1984 through 1986, no problems but no knowledge on average length of nursing, how often to nurse, etc. I just did it and stopped nursing when my then husband questioned how long I would keep doing "that". Had my next child in 1994 (new husband, yay) but had to return to work and oh did the problems start. I joined LLL and then I started renting pumps later in 1994, no one close to me was doing it and I saw a need. (I traveled 45 minutes to get mine, so thought surely others could use someone closer to them). As the pump rentals grew and the questions arose I took classes, conferences worked with my LLLL, IBCLC friend/mentor,

became a CLC, CLE,

volunteered at our hospital when they had a difficult dyad or just no one else that could help a certain mom and babe and I went from maybe 1 rental a month to actual consults. 20 is probably the most clients I have ever seen per month. The most pumps I carried was 23. Even though I was not yet, IBCLC, I was the go to person with questions from moms, the peds all referred to me and I did lots of phone help. 2006 I sent back most pumps and only carried 5, I had to take a step back for family issues) I am an IBCLC now, I flew through the test because I had been working like an IBCLC for so long I just didn't have the means to do it, could kick myself now when I seen how easy it was. I am back up to 7 Pumps now and have always had my BabyWeigh scale, but only see 1-4 moms a month. Now that my mom has passed I am hoping to really get things

turned around now. So, from August 1994 until now, I have never made a profit but have at least broken even a few times. But, as my husband says, I probably didn't really break even when you factor in all of my classes, conferences, free consults, etc. Unfortunately, while I took a step back, WIC now has an IBCLC and 2 peer counselors and our hospital has 2 IBCLC's and 2 CLC's. It's tough. But, I'm going to give it my all. Cheryl Dawn n, IBCLC, RLCAlliance, OHBaby's Best CompanyTo: " " < >Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:38 PMSubject: Re: Re: Size of private practice

how to do you break even for the cost of education, cerps, equipment, etc. that go along with being a clinician? Dana Schmidt, BS, RN, IBCLCCradlehold, DirectorBreastfeeding Education & Supportwww.cradlehold.nethttp://breastfeedinghomevisitservices.weebly.com/shop.htmlProviding

the minimum amount of intervention for the minimum amount of time for maximum benefit to mother and

babyTo: Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:25 PMSubject: Re: Re: Size of private practice

Dana -- it all depends on what you have to make. Some need to "make" more than others to make it...

Jan www.grammiesawards.blogspot.com

This all makes me wonder, can a private practice IBCLC make it as a free-standing clinician?

Dana Schmidt, BS, RN, IBCLCCradlehold, DirectorBreastfeeding Education & Supportwww.cradlehold.nethttp://breastfeedinghomevisitservices.weebly.com/shop.htmlProviding the minimum amount of intervention for the minimum amount of time for maximum benefit to mother and baby

To: Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:03 PMSubject: Re: Size of private practice

Jan, I took your class 4 years ago and learned so much!I have had my practice for 2 years now. I have a website, and am listed on a handful of other websites. My first year I think I had 11 initial consults. It was very sporadic. My second year has picked up some, and I think I have had closer to 20 consults. Again, very sporadic. I once had 3 consults in one week and that was a big deal.I do exclusively home visits, no pump rental. I am willing to drive 45 minutes, sometimes more. There is an IBCLC in my area that has a free-standing clinic with pump and scale rental. Her practice is well established and is my most direct competition. Several hospitals in the area offer outpatient lactation services, but several moms have said that they are much happier with the time I take and my follow-up.I have not marketed myself much with local physicians yet as I have not had the ability to handle the potential added work I hope to get when I do as I have 2 children, the youngest started half day kindergarten this year. Next year with both kids being in school all day I will be able to put more time into marketing and handling the added business.Most of my clients have found me online, or referred by friends or other LLL Leaders.Amy Grant, BA, IBCLC, RLCNatural Beginnings Lactation ServicesRound Lake Beach, IL> > > >> > I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the average private practice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the group and let me/us know:> > > > Average number of dyads seen/week> > Do you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of both?> > > > Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in the works.> > > > Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA> >>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the question Jan, it's very interesting what others are doing and

seeing. I started a sole proprietorship practice last September (2010) after

25+ years of various lactation opportunities and being an IBCLC for 20 years. I

was " available for PP, helped a few moms, charged minimum wage it seemed, but

never made a concerted effort. I still work at the local hospital as an IBCLC,

do some contract work with WIC and run the BF Coalition.

My company is Starfish Lactation and I saw 124 new clients over the first year,

like others, it is from 5 per month to 15, no rhyme or reason. Consults

typically take 90 minutes to 2 hours, then I document. Follow up is included in

my fees.

99% of the time I see families in my office that I sublet. I run a breastfeeding

support group in the same space every week with a reservation only system to

keep the numbers limited and moms pay a small fee except for my " consult " moms.

It is always full. I am the only PPLC in the area. Both hospitals have

IBCLCs, one hospital dabbles in outpatient, the other assists at their support

group. Nothing formal. I have a very good relationship with the medical

community, but they are not the primary source of referrals, moms tell moms, and

a surprising number search on the internet. I pay someone to answer the phone,

screen and refer as needed then schedule appointments and take billing and

contact information. It continues to evolve, there's always a new idea or

tweaking of something. This group offers fabulous ideas.

It is draining (as you coined, Jan) in making oneself available - just in case -

which prevents scheduling other things in life. There are days where it's much

easier to clock in and out - all venues have their positives and negatives.

Robin Hollen, RN IBCLC

Starfish Lactation

www.wellnourishedbaby.com

[Guest guest]

I sure hope so.. cause that's what I've been doing for many years! Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC Lactation Consultant/Postpartum Doula www.second9months.comwww.facebook.com/thesecond9months.--- Subject: Re: Re: Size of private practiceTo:

" " < >Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 5:24 PM

This all makes me wonder, can a private practice IBCLC make it as a free-standing clinician? Dana Schmidt, BS, RN, IBCLCCradlehold, DirectorBreastfeeding Education & Supportwww.cradlehold.nethttp://breastfeedinghomevisitservices.weebly.com/shop.htmlProviding the minimum amount of intervention for the minimum amount of time for maximum benefit to mother and babyTo: Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:03 PMSubject: Re: Size of private practice

Jan, I took your class 4 years ago and learned so much!

I have had my practice for 2 years now. I have a website, and am listed on a handful of other websites. My first year I think I had 11 initial consults. It was very sporadic. My second year has picked up some, and I think I have had closer to 20 consults. Again, very sporadic. I once had 3 consults in one week and that was a big deal.

I do exclusively home visits, no pump rental. I am willing to drive 45 minutes, sometimes more. There is an IBCLC in my area that has a free-standing clinic with pump and scale rental. Her practice is well established and is my most direct competition. Several hospitals in the area offer outpatient lactation services, but several moms have said that they are much happier with the time I take and my follow-up.

I have not marketed myself much with local physicians yet as I have not had the ability to handle the potential added work I hope to get when I do as I have 2 children, the youngest started half day kindergarten this year. Next year with both kids being in school all day I will be able to put more time into marketing and handling the added business.

Most of my clients have found me online, or referred by friends or other LLL Leaders.

Amy Grant, BA, IBCLC, RLC

Natural Beginnings Lactation Services

Round Lake Beach, IL

>

>

> >

> > I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the av

erage private practice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the group and let me/us know:

> >

> > Average number of dyads seen/week

> > Do you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of both?

> >

> > Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in the works.

> >

> > Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Vikki,

Congratulations! Exciting that you are starting up a practice. Do you know my good friend Camilla (Camilla, where are you?? and no - everyone in Canada does not know each other haha) who has Multiple Reasons Lactation Services? Building a network is soooo important. Especially there in the 'land of Newman" - maybe it is just my perception from here but my goodness many moms in your area go to the Newman clinic!! Must make for interesting times......... It will be interesting here now that there are more of us (4 new 'grads' - all intending to go into PP) to see how the competition/cooperation works. Here the PPLCs get together every few months, in addition to our ILCA/CLCA affiliate meetings and BF Promotion committee meetings and it is a great way to support each other, share the load, etc.... I know that my colleague and mentor, with whom I share that office that I never use, thinks that numbers are down overall - though of course she had one of the biggest PP/sole proprietorship that I have heard of at one time. At least 2 LCs in Ottawa have been around for a very long time (one in the original co-hort of exam takers, Canada's 1st PPLC) who have made full time work of their practices and have done v. well.

Vikki, if you are ever in town (maybe for one of our conferences or a skate on the canal....) look me up!! That goes for everyone on the list - Ottawa is a nice place - and it is always good to meet others and do some face to face networking and learning.

beth

Re: Size of private practice

Hi BethAs a new IBCLC aiming to set up PP in town, Ont. I found your sharing of experiences very interesting.Thank you ........... Vikki Kidd>> Do you want Canadian info??> > I'm in Ottawa, Ontario and we are unusually well served, I think, for a city our size.....or at least we are for Canada. There are now 15 PPLCs in a city of a >1 million people plus the PHNs, the Breastfeeding Buddies peer support system run by the public health dept, LLL, plus provincially funded drop-ins (about 8 of those) plus 3 private drop-ins. > > I work doing mostly home visits 3-8 clients/week plus I work as a independent consultant at 2 of the provincially funded drop-ins (so not sure how you want to count that - they pay me but I am not an employee). Even though we have provincial health care private LCs are not included in this, nor are we covered by most private insurance (hurry up licensure!). I have a shared office available to me 2 days/week but I rarely use it. The office is in another LCs home - she is my mentor and colleague - I just have a key and use the office if I need to though I have to pay to use it and moms generally prefer home visits anyway. I also have an arrangement where most of the supplies I need or offer to my clients come through her. I don't much like the business of selling/renting so she takes on the risk or having rental pumps/scales and does the inventory stuff but I can carry items I might need and sell to clients as appropriate but I choose not to make a profit that way. There are some LCs who are not as busy as me (by choice I think) and some who combine their work with other employment - prenatal classes, doula work, etc.... I could be busier but I also have kids and sit on numerous committees and lead two LLL groups. It certainly isn't a way to make much money but I love it and hope to grow the business soon though it is always going to be one of those businesses that has ups and downs - a week when you can't handle all the clients and a week with only a few calls> > Interesting to hear other's experiences.> > Thanks for this> > beth> > Beth McMillan BA IBCLC> www.bethmcmillanibclc.com>

[Guest guest]

Average number of dyads seen/week: I see appox 3-10 dyads per week (usually around 5)Do you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of both?I do home and office visits. Cole

[Guest guest]

Hi Jan -- I am in PP and only do home visits. I am one of three private

practitioners in my metro area. Two of the three of us do home visits

and all of us work part time. My practice has been open since January

2009. I don't do any advertising other than word of mouth. I get

consistent referrals from about 5 medical practices and one hospital.

I saw 17 dyads in 2009, 18 dyads in 2010 and so far in 2011, I have seen

14 dyads and have another I will be seeing on Friday.

I do all of the breastfeeding education for a large multi-specialty

practice which equates to teaching about 6 times per year. As a

supplement, I also work prn as a hospital IBCLC. I'm a LLLL too but

haven't led meetings in a couple of years -- basically I respond to

other Leader questions and provide informal PL-type support (I'm not a

PL though).

Carroll, MA, IBCLC, RLC

>

> I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the average private

practice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the group

and let me/us know:

>

> Average number of dyads seen/week

> Do you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination of

both?

>

> Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in the

works.

>

> Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you . This has been fascinating.

Jan

Hi Jan -- I am in PP and only do home visits. I am one of three privatepractitioners in my metro area. Two of the three of us do home visitsand all of us work part time. My practice has been open since January2009. I don't do any advertising other than word of mouth. I getconsistent referrals from about 5 medical practices and one hospital.I saw 17 dyads in 2009, 18 dyads in 2010 and so far in 2011, I have seen14 dyads and have another I will be seeing on Friday.I do all of the breastfeeding education for a large multi-specialtypractice which equates to teaching about 6 times per year. As asupplement, I also work prn as a hospital IBCLC. I'm a LLLL too buthaven't led meetings in a couple of years -- basically I respond toother Leader questions and provide informal PL-type support (I'm not aPL though). Carroll, MA, IBCLC, RLC>> I'm trying to get a handle on how large (or small) the average privatepractice is -- could you e-mail me either privately or post to the groupand let me/us know:>> Average number of dyads seen/week> Do you do only home visits, only office visits or a combination ofboth?>> Need this info for a book on clinical instruction that is in theworks.>> Thanks -- Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA>

[Guest guest]

Last year I saw 110 dyads, and I rent out 6 pumps. I do home visits, and

occasionally see mothers outside my area in my CST friend's workspace. I have

also met a few mothers that live a distance away at their Pediatrician's office

over their lunch hours. Sometimes I have mothers that will pay my modest travel

fee to have me come to their homes...

I started in 2005 and for 3 years was the only IBCLC in town, now there are over

10 others but they are all hospital based, and none do home visits. I feel that

my business may have grown faster than many others because for 14+ years before

I became an IBCLC, I worked at a hospital and interacted with all of the

pediatricans and over half of the OB's in town. I also currently work part time

as IBCLC in a hospital to keep my base income level.

Dalton

Louisiana