This is not a reply to Dawn's situation directly, as I had no idea she was
renting a pump as a LLL Leader. This is a more general comment.

This is a comment about being an IBCLC, after being a volunteer bf
counselor. I was an active volunteer bf counselor for many years. I am now
on reserve.   I have noticed that many volunteers who later get their IBCLC
feel squeamish about charging for services rendered.  They don't charge.
They charge less than others around them. They work two hours for one
charged hour. They give endless phone consults for free.

I have noticed this among women I have known, and I have not emulated it. I
think that many women feel that they owe the service to other
mothers...(heh, it's nice to help others, don't get me wrong)....or that
they basically have to earn their place on this earth by giving nearly free
service or very cheap service.

What this does, in my opinion, is deplete and dilute one's energy,  one's
professionalism, one's own resources (one"s BANKbook)....and one's ability
to generate income for the family, and in my experience, this is not for
me.  It is a phenomenon that I have frequently  seen among  women.

No man I know would work for nothing.

Sometimes, it's just hard to make a switch from volunteerism to
professionalism. Sometimes, it is just the nature of the person who has a
hard time taking money for work.

I have also seen professionals take a lot less per hour than those around
them...feeling that they are "worth" only that, and that can be hard on
other professionals around her who are trying to earn a living doing the
same work.

  I learned a lesson from a mentor of mine who I respect greatly, and that
is to charge a fair price  for my service.  I am very clear.  I give a lot
of information for the time I am paid, and I check on people until things
are settled, but I do not work for nothing. If someone needs to talk over a
situation, and they do not want a consult, and if it takes more than 5
minutes, they can call upon the resources that are in place for phone help,
or we can arrange a phone consult.

  It's not a good example for my kids if I work for nothing, and it sure
doesn't pay for the violin lessons and the college expenses.

The only place I work for free is here on Lactnet. ; ) Kathleen

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