I believe that I read some comments abaout being paid for our work here on
Lactnet a long time ago.   Here's how I feel about it- even though I am not
currently "working" as an LC.   If I have the plumber come to my house, I
expect to pay him for his expertise.  He is never apologetic because he is
the pro and I know that he can do things that I don't know how to do.   Same
with the electrician and the car repair guy and the TV repair person (I used
to be a sewing machine repair person- so I guess I should include that in
here too).  As an LC I have knowledge and experience and expertise in the
field of lactation.  I am proud, not appologetis about this and when I had
my private practice in Virginia I told people up front what I charged for my
services and that was that.  I don't think that I would turn someone away if
they couldn't pay, but when I told my clients what I offered for what I
charged they all seemed to be able to find a way to pay me.   Maybe I have
been lucky?  I am also a LLL Leader and I have "given away" countless hours
of my time to help mothers in that capacity.  An awful lot of breatsfeeding
problems are just poor management and a bit of help from a La Leche league
Leader is just what many moms need.  Not a costly visit from an LC.  (By the
way, LLL Leaders are not expected to make home visists, and if the mom they
are helping  wants to pay- it is always okay to ask them to make a donation
to La Leche League- LLL Leaders do not (and are not permitted to charge
anything for thier services)

Nancy Sherwood LLLL, IBCLC  Perth, Australia