I am also 33, and while I am not yet an IBCLC, I hope to sit the exam next
year. I have a 3yo and a 9mo. I run a pump station out of my home and I do
in-home consultations as well. (I hesitate to call it a true private
practice, as I am not IBCLC yet) It is difficult being so busy and trying
to get in all of my hours needed to sit the exam while being a mommy to
young children, but it also gives my clients a certain confidence level with
me, as I am exeriencing some of the same things they are. I have recently
lived (and survived!) the sleepless nights and round-the-clock nursing that
a newborn requires. I try to schedule consultations for the evening hours
when my husband is home with the kids. I tried to take my youngest with me
once and she cried the whole time and I felt I couldn't give her the
attention she deserved and I couldn't concentrate on helping the mom either
so I rescheduled for later that evening. Phone counseling can be difficult
with a 3yo around, but the wonderful thing about the business of
breastfeeding is that moms understand the needs of children and are very
tolerant. When needed, I do call backs during naptime and I do research,
study and paperwork at night after the kids are in bed. I wouldn't have it
any other way. By the way, I had the oppotunity to run a retail store
(nursing mom's boutique) and turned it down because it would take me away
from my children too much. I think a part-time, home-based private practice
is perfect for moms of young children.
Congratulations to you on your wonderful surprise! Beware...trying to get
close enough to a mom to assist with latch while you are 9 months pregnant
can be a challenge!
Mellanie Sheppard IBCLC hopeful 2004
Arlington, TX
Lactation Connection
>>I realize the discussion of ages and stages of LCs has been going on a
few weeks now. It becomes more interesting to me as it develops. Though
I'm the youngest IBCLC that I know (turned 33 yesterday), I pretty much
assumed my breastfeeding days were behind me. I recently went into private
practice out of my home, on a part-time basis. I homeschool two young
children and do not aim to run a full-time business. Things have gotten off
to a good, strong start that has left
me very satisfied. My kids are not independent but they are old enough that
I can easily arrange play-dates for them while I have a client, or they hang
with Dad and I do it in the evenings. It works well. The DAY I had my
first official paying client, I GOT PREGNANT, to my shock. So now I'm
wondering...IS anyone doing any private practice work and nursing a
baby/caring for very young children? I can't do it all but am open to
exploring time management options if anyone has some suggestions.
Thanks,
Amy<<
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