Lactation Business Coaching With Annie And Leah

Are you a risk taker or do you tend to overthink before taking action?In this episode, we dive into the nuanced world of risk-taking, particularly in the context of growing a private practice.Leah shares her tendency to be risk-averse and the overthinking spiral that can result from facing risky decisions. Annie, on the other hand, describes herself as someone who jumps into ideas quickly, often figuring things out as she goes. We explore the idea that both cautious planning and spontaneous action require their own forms of bravery and confidence.“It’s worth it to take risks in your business sometimes.”In this episode, we will cover:Learning from different approaches to risk (5:23)The importance of balance in risk-taking (7:03)Saying No to Protect Time and Energy (11:39)The Role of Planning in Risk Management (15:20)Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!Links and ResourcesCheck out our next Deeper Dive into P

Each month, Annie and I take a deeper dive into topics and information with an expert to give us more insights on things that we might be incorporating in our clinical practice as well as entrepreneurs and business owners. We're bringing you this snippet today to give you a taste of what these deeper dives are all about.This month we are learning how movement can help your clients become and stay comfortable in their bodies while feeding and pumping with physical therapist Dr. Sheherezad Dubash.Sheherezad (Sherry) Dubash is a board-certified physical therapist in Long Island City, NY with a career spanning over a decade. She holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and Nutrition from Rutgers University. Frustrated by overcrowded clinics that compromised patient care, she adopted a one-on-one treatment model, prioritizing quality, holistic recovery, and injury prevention. Committed to continuous learning, Sher

This week, we’re getting personal, ethical, and just a little fired up. We’re talking about the formula-fueled elephant in the room: Bobbie’s new “free support” collab with NAPS, led by two IBCLCs. Yep, a formula company funding lactation support. This news has sparked strong emotions as it contradicts the core principles of our profession, particularly regarding the WHO code that seeks to regulate the marketing of infant formula. But fear not! We’re not just here to rant—we are here to rally. There are badass IBCLCs out there holding the ethical line (us included). So let’s keep fighting the good fight, supporting human milk feeding without selling out.“ I'm an IBCLC and the human milk is mine.” In this episode, we will cover:The ethical concerns around IBCLCs partnering with formula companies (2:23)What the WHO code is (4:55)The rise of influencer-style formula marketing (9:23)Finding positivity in challenges (17:17)Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and ea

Each month, Annie and I take a deeper dive into topics and information with an expert to give us more insights on things that we might be incorporating in our clinical practice as well as entrepreneurs and business owners. We're bringing you this snippet today to give you a taste of what these deeper dives are all about.We are chatting all things low milk supply with Lisa Marasco, MA, IBCLC, FILCA, co-author of Making More Milk.Lisa Marasco has been working with breastfeeding mothers for over 35 years and has been Internationally Board Certified since 1993. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Development with specialization in Lactation Consulting and was designated a Fellow of ILCA in 2009. Lisa is co-author of Making More Milk: The Breastfeeding Guide to Increasing Your Milk Production, a contributing author to the Core Curriculum for Interdisciplinary Lactation Care, and a Cochrane Collaborative author. She is recently retired from WIC of Santa Barbara County as well as her volunteer position with La Lech

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the emotional topic that is client communication, especially the kind that happens when everyone’s stressed, sleep-deprived, and possibly holding a crying baby (or crying themselves). As a lactation consultant, it turns out, your mood matters. Shocking, right? If you're under-caffeinated, over-caffeinated, or just generally cranky, your ability to be empathetic can fly right out the window. Good communication means actually listening (and not just waiting for your turn to talk), choosing our words carefully, and never, ever being the reason a client walks away more stressed than when they showed up.The goal? Set realistic expectations, offer encouragement, and stop ourselves from promising the moon just to avoid awkward silence." You have to put as much energy into training your communication skills as you are learning all the physiological reasons people have low milk supply. "In this episode, we will cover:Why empathy is important as a lactation consultant (1:50)How t

Each month, Annie and I take a deeper dive into topics and information with an expert to give us more insights on things that we might be incorporating in our clinical practice as well as entrepreneurs and business owners. We're bringing you this snippet today to give you a taste of what these deeper dives are all about.This month Nichelle Clark, BS, IBCLC, IFC, HSC will take us through her journey supporting a family with triplets born at 32 weeks.Nichelle Clark is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Infant Feeding Counselor (IFC), Holistic Sleep Coach (HSC), wife, and mom of two residing in Chesapeake, Virginia. She is the owner of a lactation private practice, SonShine & Rainbows Lactation & Sleep, which was inspired by her son and honors her fertility journey with him. Born and raised in Upper Marlboro, MD, Nichelle isUnited States Navy Veteran and hold a bachelors degree in Political Science. When she’s not spending time with family, she admins multiple online support g

Today we are the ones being interviewed.  Julia, a rockstar student in UCSD's Pathway to Lactation program, slid into our DMs to share her journey and fangirl over the podcast (and reminded us that, yes, people actually listen to this thing).The conversation begins with an exploration of a typical workday, punctuated by our varied responsibilities as lactation consultants. We also share what we love about our jobs like baby snuggles and supporting new mothers.But let’s keep it real—our job isn’t all adorable yawns and milk-drunk smiles. We dive into the less Instagram-worthy parts of the gig too: mountains of charting (so. much. charting.), navigating the red tape of the healthcare system, and occasionally wanting to scream into a pillow. This episode is part pep talk, part therapy session, and all heart. Julia’s thoughtful questions lit a fire under us, and we walked away feeling like, “Heck yes—we were made for this.” Babies, parents, and yes, even that never-ending charting, bring us back day after day. An

Each month, Annie and I take a deeper dive into topics and information with an expert to give us more insights on things that we might be incorporating in our clinical practice as well as entrepreneurs and business owners. We're bringing you this snippet today to give you a taste of what these deeper dives are all about.This month we talk about keeping our businesses going while working through burnout with small business coach Michelle Ward. Michelle Ward (she/her) is a business coachsultant (yup, she made up that term and is sticking with it) and CEO of Hello Business. Since 2008, she’s guided her clients to discover, launch, and grow their dream businesses. You may have seen or heard her in New York Magazine, NY Post, The Huffington Post, Etsy, Newsweek, Freelancers Union, USA Today, the Forbes Top 100 Websites for your Career list, Joyful Marketing, Real Talk Radio, Profit. Power. Pursuit., The Tiffany Han Show or hundreds of other media outlets. She’s also the teacher of Create Your Dream Career and Ditc

In this episode, we take on the high-stakes world of office supply management, because nothing says “thriving professional” like frantically searching for a missing flange insert.We discuss how to stockpile just enough essential supplies without drowning in a sea of unnecessary purchases. Plus where we store them in our small office spaces.But it’s not just about space; it's also about the emotional rollercoaster of supply management. Annie confesses to the soothing yet regrettable power of retail therapy, which once resulted in an office overflowing with pumps but nowhere to put them. We acknowledge that while we may not have our dream workspace, we’re making do with what we do have and continuously refining our system. ”Good enough is really good enough.”In this episode, we will cover:The issues with managing inventory (2:02)Storage solutions and limitations (9:27)Navigating space challenges (16:43)Creative solutions for supplies (21:47)Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our s

In this episode, we dive into how our surroundings can make or break a parent’s already fragile sanity. Turns out, everything from the way we breathe (yes, even that) to where we sit down in someone’s living room can impact whether a parent feels supported.From home visits to clinic spaces, we discuss how décor, lighting, and the strategic absence of clutter can prevent sensory overload (for both babies and adults). We also explore the delicate dance of being an "uninvited guest" in a family’s home—because nothing says welcome like showing up at someone’s most sleep-deprived, stress-ridden moment. So, tune in for some insights, some laughs, and a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best way to help new parents is simply by showing up, being present, and maybe dimming the lights just a little.“ This is a safe space for you not to feel like you have to be a perfect human being.”In this episode, we will cover:Being aware of the space we occupy and the energy we bring (3:06)How to transform clinical spaces (9:43)

Today we are diving into the crazy world of scheduling. From juggling multiple locations to dealing with holiday madness, we are sharing our secrets and survival tactics. Leah explains her scheduling system, which involves multiple providers and locations, and the crucial role that her administrative assistant, Amanda, plays in orchestrating the chaos (and why she should get a raise). Annie explains how she navigates the nuances of handling interns and a recently expanded office schedule by implementing a more automated system to minimize the back-and-forth with her clients.There isn’t a one-size-fits all solution to scheduling but we hope hearing how we handle scheduling will help you with recreating your own.“When it feels crazy stressful and I'm like, we're never going to figure this out. I always just tell myself it always works out.”In this episode, we will cover:Managing complicated schedules (2:19)The impotence of having clear communication with your team (6:08)Creating waitlists to help with meeting c

It’s the New year and with that comes making resolutions but this year we are not excited about it.The idea of setting goals has become daunting. Plus we usually don’t keep them anyway. It’s time to take a more intentional approach and remember that good enough is good enough.Listen in as we set a goal to not put so much pressure on ourselves and just realize that we are doing the best we can (just like everyone else). ”We don't want to bog ourselves down so much that we forget to enjoy what we're actually doing.”In this episode, we will cover:Setting intentions for the New Year (5:01)Battling perfectionism in goal setting (13:02)Navigating expectations (17:51)Accepting that good enough is ok in 2025 (20:28)Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!Links and ResourcesSubscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-membership Check out this newsletter: https:/

Bring some tissues to this episode because we are talking about not only us getting older but also our kids.We candidly share our experiences of growing older while still relating to a client base primarily entrenched in the childbearing years. We reflect on how our experiences differ profoundly from those of our clients and how that fosters a need for empathy, understanding, and adaptation in our approach.We also dive into the nostalgia of reflecting on previous parenting stages and discuss the sentimental emotions that arise as our children transition into adulthood. Our goal is for you to embrace the joys and challenges of parenting at every stage.“Even though we're getting older, there are still so many amazing pieces of being a lactation consultant, and it helps us stay connected to our little ones when they were little. It really is the weirdest job, like find me a job that's weirder.”In this episode, we will cover:The joy of working with babies and how it reminds us of when our children were little (6:

We’re back! Did you miss us?We are reconnecting after a summer break where Leah was recovering from major back surgery, a significant event that shifted not just her physical circumstances but profoundly affected her approach to both life and business. Also, Annie reveals her previous mindset regarding health issues and the unrealistic standards she sets for herself, which led to detrimental consequences. The painful truth is that, too often, we delay seeking medical attention until our conditions require urgent action.“It’s so hard taking care of ourselves.”In this episode, we will cover:Reflections on recovery (2:24)Speaking up for yourself in healthcare situations (5:40)Taking time off as a business owner (12:29)What’s coming up for Lactation Business Coaching (16:07)Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!Links and ResourcesSubscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscr

Each month, Annie and I take a deeper dive into topics and information with an expert to give us more insights on things that we might be incorporating in our clinical practice as well as entrepreneurs and business owners. We're bringing you this snippet today to give you a taste of what these deeper dives are all about.This month, we talked with Allison Alexander, LPN IBCLC about  the contentious debate surrounding tongue tie.  We explore the recent uproar ignited by a clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which has set the lactation community abuzz. Concerned about the implications of these headlines on patient care, Allison and her partner decided to respond proactively. They crafted a letter addressed to local pediatricians, aiming to clarify their stance on the role of lactation consultants in the holistic care of breastfeeding families. The letter encapsulates their commitment to collaboration and outlines their approach to managing oral restrictions.Each month we host a live De

Have you always dreamed of helping families with breastfeeding? In today’s episode of Lactation Business Coaching with Annie & Leah, we talk about how we became International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, also known as IBCLCs. We discuss the different pathways to becoming eligible to sit for the board exam and break down the biggest things we have learned in the years since we first certified.Annie and Leah break down what it looks like logistically to become certified and bust some myths on what some people might think it takes to become an IBCLC. They share with us their biggest takeaways now that they have both been certified for many years and some eye-opening experiences they’ve had. We get a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to become an IBCLC and who this might be a great path for."The piece of advice that I got and so grateful for was kind of like, Hey, heads up, you're going to have to always be learning.”In this episode, we will cover:Defining what IBCLC even stands for (02

People don’t know what they don’t know about breastfeeding. As a lactation consultant, you have the unique opportunity to educate families, other healthcare providers, and members of your community about the different feeding methods. By increasing awareness and understanding for breastfeeding, chestfeeding, formula feeding, and supplementation, you are making your job easier down the road when people feel more comfortable coming to you for help when they feel they need it.“You’re building a community that values infant feeding and values continuing education about lactation…creating a connection that is fulfilling for everyone.”In this episode, we will cover:IBCLCs are the gold standard for lactation care because of the high expectations and great responsibilities that they have to their clients and communities, and part of this is being competent in educating.You may find it helpful to offer classes such as Basics, Getting Started, Returning to Work, Starting Solids and Weaning, or other focused classes to

Registration is open for Understanding Infant Reflux and Related Conditions in Lactation Practice  (8 L-CERPs) taught by Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC. Early bird pricing through 5/15! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/refluxIt's so important for IBCLCs to be seen as part of the care team for the breastfeeding families we serve. One way we can impact our presence in the care team is to communicate with the other providers working with the breastfeeding family. Today we will discuss what we need to send to the other providers on the care team as well as strategies to make this process effective and efficient. So if you struggle with motivating yourself to write and send pediatrician reports, or if you’re wondering if anyone even reads them, you are not alone. Leah and Annie have both been there and been frustrated by that, and they’ve got some ideas for you on how to get them done and get them read. We’re talking about what to write, how to send, and why they’re so important.“We need to be the bri

Each month, Annie and I take a deeper dive into topics and information with an expert to give us more insights on things that we might be incorporating in our clinical practice as well as entrepreneurs and business owners. We're bringing you this snippet today to give you a taste of what these deeper dives are all about.This month, we got to chat with Tenise N. Hordge MBA, IBCLC about planning. She dives into time blocking, setting priorities, learning to say no, and delegating.Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!Links and ResourcesSubscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-membershipHave an idea for a podcast episode or a Deeper Dive? Let us know! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborateSubmit your listener questions here: https://forms.gle/NsmGysHMAULW9o1z5If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.A

Registration is open for Understanding Infant Reflux and Related Conditions in Lactation Practice  (8 L-CERPs) taught by Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC. Early bird pricing through 5/15! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/course/refluxAre you a risk taker or do you tend to overthink before taking action?In this episode, we dive into the nuanced world of risk-taking, particularly in the context of growing a private practice.Leah shares her tendency to be risk-averse and the overthinking spiral that can result from facing risky decisions. Annie, on the other hand, describes herself as someone who jumps into ideas quickly, often figuring things out as she goes. We explore the idea that both cautious planning and spontaneous action require their own forms of bravery and confidence.“It’s worth it to take risks in your business sometimes.”In this episode, we will cover:Learning from different approaches to risk (5:23)The importance of balance in risk-taking (7:03)Saying No to Protect Time and Energy (11:39)The R