Today I had a pump rental client call me. Yesterday I had spent a long while
with her explaining how she should get her no latch baby back onto breast. I
meticulously explained everything to do with pumping, etc..and the general
procedure for getting baby to latch. The mother was going to see another LC
today...who happens to be a friend of mine. That LC was busy, and asked me
to see if I could meet with her. I agreed...and I must say, I agreed
reluctantly, because it was going to be a tough case, and because I have a
babysitter once a week, and the time alone is very precious to me as a busy
mother of three...plus mother of Lactnet.

: )

In any case...when I spoke with the father this morning...they said yes,
they would like a consult. We set a time..I though, "Oh well...I will have
another 2 hours off next Friday"..and I thought it was important that I see
a desparate mother for her sake..

When the father found out my hourly rate, which I might add, is NOT a
lot...he said, Thanks very much but no thanks.  The people are not
indigent..are not, to my knowledge, on MEdicaid, etc...I would like to say
that I do a *lot* of work for nothing, rent pumps to people who can't
pay...volunteer work is my middle name...

However, this burns me up.  This guy was willing to buy formula...was
willing to pay a pump rental...for months...but wasn't willing to pay a
measly $ &* for a consult.

My PLEA to all of you. DO NOT undercharge for your services. DON"T think.."
Oh, I charge too much...I shouldn't do it....I'm not WORTH it...." That is
bullfeathers. I have studied for the past 10 years to do this job. I am
WORTH it. I know my stuff..and if someone doesn't think so, that's fine.
But when an LC charges a very low hourly rate,....this is problem not only
for the LC who isn't paid for her services...but it sets a STANDARD that
imprisons us all.

It's a good thing that I am not depending on this work for my supper.

Kathleen
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Kathleen B. Bruce, BSN, IBCLC, LLL Leader (7 yrs),
Co-Owner Lactnet,  E-Mail = [log in to unmask]
LACTNET WWW site: http://www.mcs.com/~auerbach/lactation.html
The fifth commandment is "humor thy father and mother"
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