Julie complains of the mother who calls and emails and calls some more, sucking the IBCLC into the great black hole of unpaid consultation. 
 
Welcome to the world of private practice lactation consultation.
 
This is absolutely, positively, the lardest part of becoming a PPLC:  refusing to answer that "one quick question," and instead scheduling an appointment for a consult (or) obtaining appropriate consents and compensation information for a phone consult.
 
It is a particularly difficult transition to make when one starts out as a mother-to-mother counselor, where we are *supposed to* be offering hours and hours of unpaid support on the phone.  
 
Practice saying this to yourself each and every time the phone rings.  I am not kidding.  "Ooh, it sounds like you and your baby would benefit from a consultation.  Can I explain my fees, and set up an appointment?"  Then, the very first time the mother makes a pause at her end of the call, you repeat that phrase out loud.
 
It is important for us legally, ethically, professionally and personally to have our time and expertise valued by mothers and health care professionals (HCPs) alike.  The minute you start to engage in a conversation with a mother that is specific to her clinical situation, you trigger in *yourself* the requirements to obtain consent, and share relevant information with other HCPs.  
 
One may always choose to assist a mother for a reduced -- or even no -- fee.  In the legal world we call it pro bono work, and it is considered part-and-parcel of the privilege of having that license.  But your choice to forego appropriate fees does NOT absolve you of your responsibilities (legally, ethically, professionally and personally) to do all the paperwork and charting that you would for a paid client.
 
Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC
Wyndmoor, PA, USA
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