JoEllen:  What I have observed in my area is that most hospitals prefer to have
one of their own RNs add BF counseling to her regular L&D or postpartum duties.
When the hosp sends them to formal training, it is usually to the CLE training.
Then the RN becomes that hospital's Lactation Consultant.  I am not aware of any
hosp (in my area) that will support more extensive training or IBLCE exam fees.
Two hosps in the same chain recently hired an RN / IBCLC from 'outside' to split
her time between the two.  Of an estimated 2 dozen IBCLCs in my area, one non-RN
has been hired to work part time in a hosp (& a major one at that).  This came
from a slowly developed positive professional relationship with one or more
physicians who liked what she did to help their patients.  That begins with
sending written reports to the attending physician (or HCP) after every formal
consult - and any other time the LC has information that is important for her DR
to know.  I think she also began teaching BF classes for mothers, and seminars /
inservices at that hosp prior to being  hired as an LC.  No guarantees - just
building a good reputation so you are ready and available when opportunities
arise.  Good luck!
This leads logically to a discussion of effective marketing techniques for prvt
prac IBCLCs - how to get your name out there.  A few suggestions:
1)  Join your local ILCA affiliate.  It serves as the 'local' version of
Lactnet, but the membership can refer clients to LCs in mom's part of town, or
to LCs with more developed skills in specific areas of expertise.
2)  If there isn't one in your area, contact ILCA for info on how to start one.
3)  Network with childbirth educators, lay midwives, doulas, etc.
4)  Get permission to place your cards or flyers at maternity & baby supply
stores, retail & 2nd hand.
5)  Seek out seminars & workshops on related topics at your local hospitals &
attend if they are open to non-staff allied health specialists.
6)  Begin offering your own BF classes for moms.  Ask a nearby hosp for space in
one of their classrooms; a multidisciplinary  medical practice, or your local
public library may have a room.  Even if you have to charge a small fee to the
moms to help defray costs, it's worth it.  As time goes on, you may find medical
staff attending also.
I've hit a temporary mental-pause.  Anyone else have suggestions for developing
a private practice from scratch?
Phyllis Adamson, LLLL, BA, IBCLC
Phoenix, AZ
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