Blog Collection · 10 Articles

Running a Private Practice

Clinical skill is only part of running a successful private practice. The rest is systems: what you bring to visits, how you document, how you protect client privacy, and how you communicate with pediatricians and other providers. This collection covers the practical side of private practice, from your practice bag to referrals and in-home visit workflow, and closes with a look at what a real week in practice looks like.

Essentials for Success: A Lactation Consultant's Guide to Assembling the Perfect Practice Bag
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Essentials for Success: A Lactation Consultant's Guide to Assembling the Perfect Practice Bag

Are you a new LC, preparing to open a private practice, and confused about what should be in your visit bag? I was, too! Being well-prepared is key to…

October 30, 2023
Mastering the Art of Note-Taking: Essential Tips for Lactation Consultants During Visits
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Mastering the Art of Note-Taking: Essential Tips for Lactation Consultants During Visits

Note Taking at Lactation Visits Effective note-taking is not just a skill, but an essential tool in enhancing the quality of care you provide. As a new…

October 31, 2023
Essential Medical Documentation for Lactation Consultants: Protecting Your Practice and Clients
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Essential Medical Documentation for Lactation Consultants: Protecting Your Practice and Clients

As a lactation consultant, maintaining thorough and accurate medical documentation is not just a professional responsibility, but it also plays a crucial…

October 11, 2024
How to Stay HIPAA Compliant in Your Lactation Private Practice
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How to Stay HIPAA Compliant in Your Lactation Private Practice

As a lactation consultant, ensuring the privacy and security of your clients' personal health information (PHI) is critical—not just for maintaining trust…

October 3, 2024
Why Pediatrician Reports Matter: A Guide for IBCLCs
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Why Pediatrician Reports Matter: A Guide for IBCLCs

For IBCLCs, building collaborative relationships with pediatricians is a valuable aspect of providing seamless, holistic care to breastfeeding families.…

October 30, 2024
Scope, Safety, and Sustainability: The Power of Referrals in Lactation Consulting
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Scope, Safety, and Sustainability: The Power of Referrals in Lactation Consulting

One of the most important things I’ve learned as an IBCLC is this: you cannot—and should not—do it all. Lactation consultants are highly skilled…

April 30, 2025
Seamless Support: Navigating the Flow of In-Home Lactation Visits
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Seamless Support: Navigating the Flow of In-Home Lactation Visits

Students ask me frequently about how an in-home lactation visit works. In this post, I’ll walk you through a typical in-home lactation consultation,…

January 30, 2024
Milestone Lactation Visits: Supporting Breastfeeding Through Every Stage
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Milestone Lactation Visits: Supporting Breastfeeding Through Every Stage

Many families think of lactation support as something you seek only when there's a problem—painful latching, low supply, or weight concerns. But what if…

April 16, 2025
The Impact of In-Home Lactation Support on Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Review of the Evidence
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The Impact of In-Home Lactation Support on Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Review of the Evidence

Breastfeeding provides critical health benefits for both infants and mothers, yet many families encounter barriers that lead to early cessation. In-home…

March 26, 2025
A Week in the Life of a Private Practice IBCLC: 15 Visits, Countless Stories
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A Week in the Life of a Private Practice IBCLC: 15 Visits, Countless Stories

Every week as a private practice lactation consultant brings something new—but this one was especially full. With 16 visits on my schedule, I supported…

July 23, 2025