Dear Kathleen and fellow lactnetters-
There was a time around a decade ago when I finally realized that I had
spent the entire day on the phone with nursing mothers in distress and had
not been paid a dime. An entire day ignoring my own family, friends, garden,
books, journals, practice issues, with no financial reward. I realized that
word was out---I was the "breast shrink" and people felt free to refer all
their patients, clients and friends to me for these free calls!
Of course, sometimes, after repeated telephone contacts, I'd realize
that I really needed to SEE what was happening with this mother and baby.
And of course, so often, what was really happening was very much different
than what I had thought---
But anyway, I, too, now do business by appointment only. I use a
voicemail system with multiple mailboxes. If clients press the telephone
consultation prompt, they learn that because standards of practice requires
extensive docutmentation, I cannot "chat" on the phone about their BF issues.
I cheerfully give them the number of the Nursing Mothers Hotline. I warn
them that in-office consultation is often more satisfying for mothers, and
promote that option. And I tell the rates of telephone consultation if they
choose that option.
Of course, in-office consultation is also by appt. only. I will do
safety assessment and referral to other HCP as needed,
"tide-you-through-until-our-appointment" telephone guidance, and lots of
encouragement by phone while setting up the appointment.
I look forward to hearing how others manage the phone and agree that it
will be interesting to see how the new registry impacts.
-Debi Page Ferrarello, RN, MS, IBCLC
Breastfeeding Resources, Inc.
Abington, PA
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