I agree Nikki.  I do need to get paid for my services - I support my family
on this meager income - and some months it is really meager.  I charge for
consults and products, scales and pumps.  I do not charge for phone
calls...or my mommy group.  I do accept donations for a fund I use to
subsidize those who need help but can't afford it - they get help and I get
paid.  I sometimes lower a consult fee for a deserving family or (like this
morning) comp a visit for a very deserving mom.  I can only comp a visit
maybe once a month though.  

When I needed help 13.5 yrs ago with kid #2, the LC I found was amazing -
many of you know her - Karen Evon.  She gave me so many freebies I can't
even begin to tell you.  I paid her what I could, she discounted what she
could.  She knew my financial situation was bleak and knew I desperately
needed help.  What I learned from her then I use today in my own practice.
I believe her actions made me a better LC today.  I thank her dearly...  :)


Long and short of it is:  I give what I can but only if it isn't going to
cost me some way ($$ or emotional stress from over-extending myself which I
used to do all the time) in the process.  It took me a long time to learn
the balance so that I could give and feel good about it ALL the time.  If I
know I am going to be frustrated with myself and hurt my financial bottom
line then I don't give it away.  Sometimes it is hard.  But Karen E. has
pushed me repeatedly the past 13 yrs to charge for what I am worth and not
give it all away.  I met her 1/2way:  I charge what I am worth, but give
what I can.  :)

I agree this fine line will be different for everyone and can vary from time
to time individually.  I know many who charge for every single minute they
are assisting and others who give away WAY too much and hurt themselves in
the process.  Sadly, I still get moms who are floored when I tell them that
they will have to pay for a consult...I don't know why they think they
should get the help for free.  I have stopped spending 45 min on the phone
helping moms with the issues first and then giving the details of the
consult and the fees because I had too many thank me profusely for my help
and tell me in the same breath that they won't be needing my services
because they can't afford it so will go elsewhere to find someone cheaper
(good luck!).  I am one of the most reasonable games in town (especially
given my experience) as I charge a flat fee and most others charge hourly.
Others set up an appt then flake without a call leaving me hanging (and
ticked).  

So I figure I own my own business, I make my own rules, I do what I can
provided it feels good to me and there you have it.  :)  I give a lot away
but am OK with it because it is on my terms.  :)

Warmly,
Jaye


Jaye Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM
Breastfeeding Network
Sacramento, CA
www.breastfeedingnetwork.net

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