Dear Jennifer,
You asked about what to put on a business card. I would suggest you do your home visits now as an LLL Leader because of the liability insurance issue. Leaders can do home visits if they want (this is an optional activity) and there is very good information about doing these in our LEADER'S HANDBOOK. Even if you are not charging, you could get sued by the person you are helping (this is rare but a consideration). Continue keeping accurate records like LLLI says to do. 

As the year goes by, start changing from having a lay person's attitude to one of a professional, including the paperwork, insurance, and devices needed. Dress and act like a professional. For example, an LLL Leader might bring her children to the home visit if she gets permission from the mother first. And LLL Leader might show up in jeans and a t-shirt at a time convenient to the Leader. Moms who are paying a professional expect focused help without the distractions of your children and at a time convenient to the mother. The professional would be dressed in "work" clothes (nice pants and top, or a skirt, etc.).

Do what is considered par for the course for IBCLCs -- have a form for mom to sign upon the initial visit that gives you written permission to help her, a form you fill out that charts what you did to help her and how her baby is, etc., a form you fill out for the health care provider (a copy faxed and/or mailed to him/her), and a care plan form in which you give mom instructions in writing. Keep copies of everything.  IBCLCs also have reciepts and insurance referral forms that they use when charging for the consult. Follow up is important.

Get disposible gloves, breastfeeding devices, and a baby weigh scale. Learn about test weighing the baby before and after feedings. Connect up with local IBCLCs to network and learn from them. Know who and when to refer moms to that need more help than you can provide (IBCLCs do this).

The standard of IBCLC is what is considered the starting or beginning standard for "Lactation Consultants." You can purchase liability insurance for this field when you pass the exam. Many of us who have taken the time and effort to become IBCLC feel strongly about non IBCLCs calling themselves Lactation Consultants and doing this for money. 

Best wishes and thanks for all you do to help breastfeeding mothers.  
--Kathy Eng, LLL Leader and IBCLC
Houston, TX




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