I was not APL, just a leader, but I found a big conflict of interest
problem between my LLL work and my LC work.  IMO the problem could be
worse for an APL who might have to recommend that leaders recommend an
LC.  I had been a LLLL for over six years when I became IBCLC.  I tried
for six months to do both at the same time, but I found it really
difficult.  I am the only private practice IBCLC in the county, so if
someone needed a LC I had to send them to myself!

Also, I had a very difficult time deciding when to draw the line between
what was free and what would be considered a paid consultation.  Knowing
that I was a LLLL as well as a LC, most people, other leaders included,
expected me to deal with LLL moms without pay, regardless of what
services they required.  As my husband reminded me, "you're never going
to be able to make enough money to make this work if you keep giving
it away!"

As others have suggested, I'm sure that an extra phone line would help.
However, It just doesn't feel right to spend an hour on the phone giving
the same information to an LLL mom for free that I had charged a non-LLL
mom for the day before.  My solution was to go leader reserve.  I can
still lead meetings, attend workshops, etc. but my # is no longer given
out for routine LLL calls. Of course I still spend a lot of time giving
free advice both because old LLL info sheets still have my # and because
the questions I get are often simple enough to handle over the phone.
The difference is I feel much more comfortable now when I tell a mom
that she needs a paid consultation.  I hope others can work it out
better than I could (obviously you have) because I know LLL needs you!


Becky Butler, IBCLC,LLLLreserve