Funny, I did not interpret the IBLCE referral list as a 24/7 thing, I
just thought that they are easing referrals by giving out phone numbers
with permission, not that we should expect calls in the wee hours.  My
office is also in my home, and the phone does wake me, even when I set
the answering machine volume very low.
        When I get a phone call either very early or very late, the first words
out of my mouth after hello are "Is this an emergency?"  This gets it
across to the caller that they are calling outside of normal business
hours, which usually makes them more considerate the next time.  I also
screen calls from about dinner time on and on weekends.  Finally, I
change my machine message depending on whether it is business hours or
not.  I use an "in emergency call my cell phone" message when I am out
of the office during work hours, and my standard "leave a message on
this machine" during non-business hours.  This is not a hassle because
my machine has 2 seperate tapes for outgoing and incoming messages, and
I can just change the outgoing message cassette before I leave the
office.
        I also find I spend a lot of unpaid time on the telephone, mostly quick
questions from former clients.  I usually answer, recommend a book for
further info, and refer them to LLL as well.  I don't usually resent
these calls, because they often prevent untimely weaning, and nurture
continuing relationships that result in more referrals.  I find that I
definately get to the point faster than I did several years ago, and
spend far less time chatting.  I think each of us has to set her own
boundaries, and we know if we are resentful, those boundaries are being
violated.
        That said, what DOES make me crazy are the moms who call over and over
again for advice after I've told them that I really need to see them in
person to be of assistance.  Or the ones that have to ask their husbands
if they can have a consult...which seems to be a euphemism for "forget
it".
        A friend has a wonderful strategy:  her voicemail invites callers to
leave urgent questions, and those with non-urgent questions are asked to
bring them to her next support group meeting or look at her faq's on her
website.
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

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