I spent all last summer trying to figure out the work-with-kids-home-for-summer dance…unsuccessfully, I might add. I was frantically calling for babysitters when a mother needed some quick assistance or texting a client while my kids were begging for me to watch one more sprawling jump off of the diving board or even sneaking away to email while on vacation. In the midst of all of my offering support to mothers, I failed to remember to support my own motherhood. I knew that, in the future, something had to change…
So, this summer, I’m restructuring just a bit so that I can offer myself fully to the mothers who need my encouragement while still being the “rockstar” mom that I am to my own kids (Who are we kidding? “Rockstar” probably means that I’m never without my shades to cover my tired eyes!). Here’s what you can expect:
* I am not taking on any new breastfeeding clients for the duration of the summer. If we are already in a client/provider relationship, NEVER FEAR! You’ll still get everything that you need from me both on the phone and by email and even in-person if we determine you need it. You are fully covered!
* I will continue to teach private breastfeeding classes but only for those clients who have a late August or later due date. I believe prenatal education is KEY to feeling ready and confident about breastfeeding (and frankly, it is my very favorite part of my job!) so I want mothers and their families to still have access to quality education before the baby comes.
* I will be offering a new ONLINE ONLY support service. Often, I encounter mothers who have need of professional breastfeeding support but don’t require a home visit. Questions about weaning? Check. Need some guidance in regards to pumping and going back to work? Check. Little one exhibiting some new behaviors and you aren’t quite sure whether it is normal or not? Check. Granted, this kind of work is a little like “practicing with one hand tied behind my back” but I have found it to be very effective for some mothers. Of course, I have the right to decline anyone seeking this kind of support if I think they would benefit from an in-person consultation. In that case, I will make sure to connect them with all of the resources available in their community. You can find out more information on my Consults page.
* I am also hashing out some opportunities with a great colleague of mine at Zoe Maternity in Baltimore, MD. Look for details soon about breastfeeding support groups, weight checks and “express” consults.
WHEW! For dialing back, it still looks busy, eh? I’m looking forward to this new plan and, by fall, I’ll be back to my full slate of services. Thank you for supporting Nourish Breastfeeding Support and for all you do to encourage other breastfeeding mothers.
[…] at 3 different camps makes for an exciting life. Moving my business, for the summer, into an “online only” mode has proven to be just what the lactation consultant ordered in regards to my ability to best […]