As far as screening calls, I have a home phone and a cell phone.  I use the home phone number as my LLL listing and my cell as my IBCLC listing.  I still get the occasional call for IBCLC help on my home phone so I am sure I ask the mom before we start where she got my number.

I do this to determine which hat I am wearing but I do not limit the help I give over the phone.  I have not found that people want more than I am willing to give.  Most calls for IBCLC help do end up with a home visit but I am willing to help over the phone for free if I feel like this mom does not necessarily need a consult.

I charge a fair rate for my services (fair to me and fair to the client) and they include unlimited phone and e-mail contact after the consult.  I have never had a mom abuse this offer.  Only a few moms have needed long term ongoing contact and I am more than fine with giving that to them.  I always learn from these contacts and I clarify my own thoughts and become more concise with my descriptions every time I communicate with a mom.

That is great that you refer moms to La Leche League.  They will likely get their needs met very well though LLL.

Laura Spitzfaden, LLLL, IBCLC

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