This AM  while driving to work, a sales rep was trying to cross the road
loaded down with Easter baskets with big, absolutely gorgeous Easter Rabbits
in them. ( No, I didn't try to run him down!!!). But I did circle around to
see where he was going and he went into the private practice Peds office.
Wonder what company he represented? (joke).
As an IBCLC, my income from my practice decreased  to only 20% of what it has
been in previous years, largely due to the brest pump company opening 2 more
rental stations in our town, and by the hospital doing more consults
themselves. I rarely get referrals any more. Of course one MD told me that he
had been told that I am no longer an IBCLC and that's why he had not made any
referrals.I don't know where that rumor came from but I can guess.Sometimes
its very discouraging. What keeps me going is staying in the weekend pool at
the hospital where I drive 90 miles one way to work. There I am respected and
treated well. And on the bright side, this past weekend, 85% of the babies
were BF!! Of course with only 1 LC on duty, it was busy but the nurses (who
also have had quite a bit of training) pitched in to help with the moms who
were having no problems and that freed me up to see the more difficult ones.

Barbara Whitehead, IBCLC
Eastern NC
(In an absolute panic with wedding plans and my inability to find any shoes
that "looks right". My daughter has suggested we just wear our Berkenstocks!
White of course!)

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