Over the years, I've had the opportunity to sit down with many, many, many folk to talk about birthy-business--and I don't mean the usual birthy-business talk about grumpy nipples and sore downunders, I mean real birthy-business talk like about reaching birthy-business goals.

My birthy-business brain has been picked over breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, in parking lots, on FaceTime and even during supposedly romantic dates (seriously, is all men really want these days business advice??). In return I've received (without solicitation) enough Starbucks gift cards to wean me from McDonald's coffee, gigantic hugs, actual cash, and my personal favorite: UPS-store credit. #win

Most requests have come from aspiring birthy-business owners wanting confidential mentorship: doulas, midwives, doctors, photographers, lactation consultants...and also just plain nosy people wanting to know how this single mama made it despite.

In the past few months, however, I've seen an unusual amount of "How would you handle this?", "Am I doing this right?", or "I need a business-perspective attitude adjustment." requests. And I've also received an unusual amount of fantabulous life-illuminating updates about business successes which I had a hand in...which is why I'm writing this blog.

Based on these very cool opportunities to see what is working and what isn't, both from my experience and from the experience of others, I've compiled a list of 10 dispelled myths that may be getting in the way of success for birthy-business folk...each with its own applicable and practical tips.

Spoiler alert: Number 10 might be your favorite. ;)
​

Myth #1. Successful birthy-business owners do not believe that they own birth and breastfeeding.

(Just getting the tough one out first...)
​
As odd as it sounds, I have indeed met many aspiring birthy folk who go in to business because they think that their stance on whatever their business topic is, as we say in Spanish, is la última Coca-Cola en el desierto (or, the last Coca-Cola in the desert/the ultimate everything). According to their egos, they are the only ones who know how to deliver care and teaching about their birthy topic, and they are the only ones who clients will absolutely love. The truth is that business narcissism actually screams business naivity to both clients and referral sources.

To approach this in a sweeter way...

Many of us have entered the birthy world in order to give to other mothers what we were given (or what was taken from us), yet in the spirit of helping others, we may confuse knowing what feels best for ourselves with knowing what is best for the families we serve.

Successful birthy-business owners took steps early on to check their humility and genuinely understand different birthy approaches, or more importantly, they took self-inventory of their ability to empathize with all (most) birth and parenting scenarios-even if they don't fit with their personal health and parenting values.

Arriving at the realization that parents and babies are the sole owners of their birthy seasons tells clients that your services are ego-free and and welcoming to all (something which referral sources really, really like).
​
Apply these today:

Tip: Families Googling birthy services are going to notice if your website has a lot of "I"s, or if your branding is more about you than about what you can facilitate for your clients. Maybe you're amazing enough that it doesn't matter, but if you're amazingness is still in development (which should always be the case) , focusing on what your services (not you) can do for the clients will mean much more business.

Tip: Never forget that you're a business owner, a leader and a professional decision-maker now. Your passion will only go so far if it isn't focused on your own businesses growth. Remembering to mind your own business (1 Thesselonians 11:4) will help you focus and grow on your own approach, and give a life and flavor that attracts clients, instead of putting off a aire of condescention, which is a natural consequence of the "ownership" mentality.

And, btw, for those of you who think I'm talking about you, I'm not. Ego is a huge hindrance for many, many, many business folk-so, relax-this isn't aimed at any one person...we're all passionate, and ego and passion can often collide.

Myth #2: Successful birthy business owners do not believe that all parents are looking for free services

As evidenced by my busy fee-for-service private practice and by the practices of many independent doulas, midwives and breastfeeding professionals that I know, the type of parents that seek private birthy services aren't looking for free, or even cheap. And, guess what? There are more of these parents than what you think.

While the families we serve aren't necessarily high-income (see myths #3 & #8 for more), they are planners and savers, and are forward-thinking as they grow their families. These are parents who want to pay for a personal relationship and for a provider's TIME, usually because they know this will save them time and money in the long run.

Apply this today: If you're an existing or aspiring birthy-business owner, stop the mind-talk about having to compete with free. List your prices and don't worry about them not being as low as the next...most parents know that quality often requires an investment.

Myth #3: Successful birthy business owners do not believe that serving families on a tight budget is fruitless

I have done housecalls in all corners of San Antonio and south Texas, and for every demographic imaginable. Because I want to attract economically diverse clients, it's important to me to be able to serve families on tight budgets or in low income households, and I do, everyday...and I still make a living.

For families on a budget, value means getting quality, making sure it is not wasted, and that it doesn't become a regular expense (or if it does, that it's affordable). Offering service options and being flexible with pricing will help you accomodate the needs of low income households without necessarily sacrificing your service quality or value.

Apply this today: Successful birthy-business owners understand that "low-income" isn't "no-income". Being willing to offer services on a sliding-scale basis, offering payment plans, service-registries for parents' family members to pay into, tapping in to grant funding, offering discounted services, or even bartering services will help expand your territory (again, see Myth #8).

Myth #4: Successful birthy business owners refuse to believe that their competitors must be their enemies.

Any successful business owner views and genuinely treats their "competitors" as a referral source.

Whether they are intentionally referring clients, passively referring clients (like when another doula is booked), or if a client calls you because they didn't have a positive experience with your competitor (it happens, and you could be next, so it's best to stay humble), it's important that you scrub your head of whatever you've heard/seen/thought of a competitor before. If your competitor is worth your mind-space, that likely means that they're doing something right, so stop trolling their pages and policing their every move and focus on your business. Building a competitor up, instead of comparing yourself to them, is only going to make clients like and trust you more, plus, competition grows your market--something you, your competitors and your prospective clients appreciate.

​Apply these today:

Tip: Needless to say but never ever refer to someone has acted irresponsibly and dangerously with a client.

Practical Tip: Your competitor and you have more in common than likely most people on this planet. Changing your attitude about your competition will free up mind-space, and allow you both to be a better resource to each other.

Myth #5: Successful birthy business owners do not believe that everything natural is always better...or that everything medical is infallible.

Yep, this one's a tough one to overcome if, like me, you fix all of your own kid's ailments with breastmilk and coconut oil.

BUT, the truth is that not all of the parent-consumers ready to invest in your brand and services are equally crunchy ("natural") or equally allopathic ("medicalized") in their birth and parenting approach. If being a tool for more families is important to you, sticking to an evidence-based business approach rather than marrying a specific natural vs. medical camp will help you attract and keep more clients.

Practical tip: "Evidence-based" falls on both sides of the "camp". Learning to interpret research is important to anyone in the birthy-services world. Ask yourself who paid for the evidence to be gathered, and consider the methods by which it was gathered . Since not every birth/baby professional is trained in evidence-critique, here is a good beginner's tool by the Huffington Post to help non-scientists decipher decipher evidence.

Myth #6: Successful birthy business owners do not believe that verbal contracts from business partners, clients or vendors are enough.

Nearly every successful birthy service entrepreneur will tell you that they learned this lesson the hard way.

One of the things that every birthy person has in common is that we're all exceptionally caring and often-times emotionally malleable (how else did we get here?), so when someone approaches us in need of services or with big ideas to partner, we jump in with adrenaline and think things will be awesome, until they aren't.

And things not being awesome could be anything from losing a contract for a teaching space, to being stiffed by a client, to getting super sued.

If you get anything from this blog entry, it's to put words and intentions on paper, then get signatures.

Remember the ego-lesson from Myth #1? Not wanting to put things in writing screams "I'm too good/well-known/sweet/knowledgable to be screwed over." You are not, I'm so sorry.

Apply these like right now:

• Its best to talk about the intention of contracts early in your conversation with clients and future vendors or partners. If you're a healthcare provider, your intake forms should have a signature page with contractual language for clients.
• You can write your own contracts and an attorney edit them, or you can hire an attorney to write them-either way, involving an attorney when it comes to contracts is always a good idea, so include this in your budget.
• A good starting point for busines-partner contracts are simple lists of expectations written by each.
• Including a "prenup" section in business contracts is crazy important...meaning what would your business-divorce look like should that happen?

Myth #7: Successful birthy business owners definitely don't believe that one shouldn't be in a birth/breastfeeding profession for the money.

"We're in this for the passion, not the money."

Yeah right. What. Evs.

Anyone who has ever said this to me should start working clinically for free then report back to me in 6 months how their sense of urgency and self-value was impacted...not to mention their level of passion.

Me, personally, I'm absolutely in private-practice for the money-because it takes money to be a resource. I have an office and an apartment to pay for, food to buy, and a kid to take to the movies--so, yes, pay here, please.

Charging gives birthy-business owners accountability, and it gives clients accountability to show up and follow-through. I wouldn't, however, make a dime if I didn't have passion. Exuding passion and care, and keeping myself knowledgeable (CEUs are expensive!) is what keeps clients coming back to me, and what keeps referral sources referring.

Apply this business mental feng-shui technique right now: Even if you don't need the money, pretend you do (and if you just can't pretend, are you sure self employment is for you?). Put yourself on a budget, and force yourself to replace what you spend from new sales (partners, you're welcome). Nothing will motivate you to hustle more than being hungry.

Myth #8: Successful birthy business owners don't believe that the market is too small.

"There are already X amount of doulas/midwives/birth photographers in San Antonio." is one I hear a LOT...but when I help others actually understand the market, they are able to see that there may, in fact, not be enough doulas/midwives/birth photographers in our market. That there isn't enough room for you in your birthy-segment is more about you than it is about the market. Stop thinking like that. And stop listening to people who make you feel like you won't make it because chances are that they simply don't want to compete with someone new and awesome, like you.

Admittedly, the last market analysis that I did for my own business was depressing...which is why I decided to be the change I wanted to see in my market. Out of X amount of births, my perceived "market" for housecalls was like 2% of those births...until I added choices like office visits, sliding scale prices and industry discounts, and my market share rose.

Successful birthy business owners dont wait for their markets to expand, they expand how they reach their market.

Apply this today:

You can start by expanding the easy things like your business hours, service areas and types of services offered. Then maybe try out new services until one shows that it's reaching families you wouldn't otherwise see.

Myth #9: Successful birthy business owners do not believe that one must have a perfectly aligned world, or a perfectly planned business in order to start hustling.

Someone with a valuable service or product to sell, with a market who is ready to pay, isn't going to wait around for the "right time". Instead, successful small business owners will tell you that they had an idea, set up their logistical shell, marketed their butts off, and then perfected business operations one client at a time.

The invaluable lessons learned by (responsibly) jumping in to starting your business will help you avoid the writer's block of early business plan writing and the logistical what-ifs (ummm, hello, can we all scream about the logistical issue of childcare--see below) that hold so many dreamers behind.

With that said, nothing will kill a business like impulsiveness and empty talk, so if you're jumping in head first, make sure that you so have an element of structure to your plans, the very basics of which include having legit credentials, a good reputation, a sense of urgency for your client's need, and childcare options...which brings me to this..

If childcare is an obstacle, apply these today:

Childcare...alas, one of the toughest challenge for a birthy-business owner to overcome.

For me personally, the biggest childcare challenge was the oncallish nature of my work, but here is how you can get creative:

• Could any of the services you offer be professionally delivered with your own child in tow? And maybe offer a discount for needing to bring your child. Say, babywearing your infant, or taking your school-aged kiddo with you to teach a class. Some clients won't like it, but some won't mind-so ask first, and consider tweaking your rate for their graciousness.
• Could you change how you offer your services? Maybe teach classes in your home instead of working 1:1 with clients during your babies "tougher years". You can stil profit by offering some of these services remotely, or on your turf.
• Could you barter child care?
• What about drop-in childcare options?
• What about planning ahead and posting to see who in your network could be available on a dime?

Ok, back to our regularly programmed demything...which is almost over:

Myth # 10. Of course, I would save the biggest myth-debunking for last...remember, I told you it might be your favorite. ;)

Successful birthy business owners absolutely positively do not believe that one can wing a business start-up without meaningful business mentorship...

When I first started my private-practice, I devoured DIY books about small business, visited the interestingly flirtatious gentleman of SCORE, and I joined industry support groups...yet the one thing I desperately needed and couldn't find was someone who I felt comfortable mentoring me (privately, since protecting your business' business is important).

I wanted someone who would listen to my adrenaline and tell me if I was wasting time or if I was on to something, someone who would gently give me business perspective without clipping my wings--yet who would push me over and force me to fly when she saw me about to clip my own. I wanted an ambitious business "partner" without actually needing to sell him/her a part of my business-soul.

Which brings me to this post's last applicable practical tip that you can do today:

If this post has helped you understand some of the traits of successful business birthy business owners, then know that in May 2017, I will be turning this hobby of mine (talking to others about growing their business) into a real-deal service (and not for Starbucks or UPS store credit).


To learn more about the different types of business mentorship you can receive from me, and to submit an interest form for mentorship, please read more submit your interest!

And, of course, if you feel like this post could be helpful to other small birthy-business owners in your network, please share!

💗💦,

Laura
#breastfeedinghousecalls
#businessmentorship

Over the years Ive been called by new mothers to do a neat type of housecall, one for mothers and their Spanish-speaking-only in-home infant-caregivers (and mothers-in-laws). This consult usually combines including the caregiver in mom's back-to-work breastfeeding prep (understanding on-demand and paced-bottle-feeding, etc.) and breastfeeding "updates" that celebrate and help families and caregivers understand each other's cultural infant-care norms in our wonderfully diverse and international city, San Antonio!

As I honor more and more of these requests (and have a blast while doing them) they will now have their very own official consult category in my menu of services.

If you know a new mother who could use a bilingual and expert breastfriend, tell her about BH's Mom + Caregiver BILINGUAL Consults!

For scheduling a housecall or virtual Mom + Caregiver Consult, please visit here.

Because I know first-hand how unexpected breastfeeding outcomes can weigh on a mother's confidence, I offer a class that addresses the unique emotional needs of moms who may have had bumpy breastfeeding beginnings with previous babies.

This class can help moms to heal their #breastfeedinghearts just in time to give breastfeeding another shot, empowered with knowledge and unconditional support.

If you know a mom who is expecting her next baby, and would be interested in joining us this next Saturday, March 11, from 1-3 pm, please share!

As a new mom, it's important to know when things are going well with breastfeeding because when you know what is healthy and normal, you're able to better understand when it's time to seek help .

If you're pregnant, the best way to prepare and gain knowledge of what is normal about breastfeeding is to attend a good breastfeeding class in order to learn the basics. In addition to taking a breastfeeding class, reading as much as you can on recommended website and books will be helpful. If you're on Facebook, one of the best ways to seek recommendations on helpful breastfeeding resources is by asking in reputable "mommy-groups" where breastfeeding is embraced.

Whether you're expecting, are just just getting started with breastfeeding or have been nursing for a while, yet aren't sure what is normal and what isn't, the lists below will help you understand what is normal for your breasts, and for your baby, and when to know it's time to ask for help.

What IS normal for breasts:

• It's normal for breasts to feel "empty" the first few days after birth
• It's normal to feel some discomfort (not full-on pain) when you first start latching your baby
• It's normal for nipple discomfort not to get worse and to be gone within a week
• It's normal for only a glisten of colostrum to be seen by you
• It is normal for your breast to feel full-ish or heavier by day 3-5
• It is normal for your breast to feel very, very, very full by 2-9
• It's normal for some breast to feel so full they hurt
• It's normal for moms to feel a painless pull and tug when baby is nursing
• It's normal to feel tingling after a few days/weeks/months when your milk is letting down
• It's normal not to ever feel tingling after a few days/weeks/months when your milk is letting down
• It's normal for your breasts to leak, especially during the first few weeks
• It's normal for your breast to feel less full after a few weeks even if you are exclusively breastfeeding .

​
What ISN'T normal for breasts:
If you have doubts about your milk supply, your baby's weight or baby's pees/poops, consult your baby's doctor, your midwife or your lactation consultant immediately.

• It's not normal for nipples to be overly sore, bruised, cracked, or scabbing, during any season of breastfeeding
• It's not normal for even mildly sore nipples to feel worse not feel better by a week after delivery
• It's not normal for breasts to feel full meanwhile no milk is being removed by your baby or your pump
• It's not normal for breasts to appear red, feel hot or for you to run a fever while you feel these symptoms
• It's not normal for you not to feel or see a difference in your breasts from pre-pregnancy to after 7 days after after you baby is born
• It's not normal for your nipples to burn, itch or hurt between feedings or pumping sessions.

What IS normal for your baby:

• It's normal for a baby to feed every 1-3 hours the first few days and week
• It's normal for a baby to tug your breast while nursing
• It's normal for you to see and hear your baby swallowing
• It's normal for babies to be happier being held the first weeks and months of life
• It's normal for your baby to only want to soothe on your breast
• It's normal for your babies poop to be yellow and watery after day 4
• It's normal for your baby to poop several times per day during the first few weeks
• It's normal for your baby to pee 5 or more times per day after their 4th day of life
• It's normal for a baby to lose a few ounces after birth
• It's normal for your baby to start gaining weight again after a week
• It's normal for your baby to spit up every now and then

What ISN'T normal for your baby:
​If you have doubts about your milk supply, your baby's weight or baby's pees/poops, consult your baby's doctor, your midwife or your lactation consultant immediately.

• It isn't normal for a baby to chew, clamp or pull on your nipple without an easily explainable reason (teething, loud noise scared baby, etc.)
• It isn't normal for a baby not to meet their pee and poop goals
• It isn't normal for your baby's poop to still be black or dark after 4 days
• It isn't normal for your baby to appear progressively yellow after the first days home from the hospital
• It isn't normal for your baby to not start gaining back their birthweight by day 7, or not be fully back to birthweight by day 14
• It isn't normal for your baby to cry for long stretches of time
• It isn't normal for your baby's face or neck to seem asymmetrical (twisted, or misaligned) for more than a few days
• It isn't normal for a breastfed baby to sleep more than 4 hours consistently during the first few weeks
• It isn't normal for baby's to have dry lips, tongues, eyes or sunken soft-spots on the top of their head
• It isn't normal for baby to have thick white anything that you can't wipe off on their tongue or cheeks
• It isn't normal for your baby to seem uncomfortable during all or most of his feeds
• It isn't normal for a baby to projectile-vomit after all of their feeds, even if they're happy after spitting up
• It isn't normal for babies to appear in pain after all feeds
• It isn't normal for your baby to not wake up to feed at least every 2-4 hours during their first weeks of life.

And, if you are pregnant, you might want to see a lactation consultant prenatally if any of these sound familiar to your situation:

• If you have very flat or inverted nipples to which baby will not latch
• If you have history of breast surgery or scarring (reductions, augmentations, nipple piercings, etc.)
• Markedly asymmetrical breasts; when one breast is significantly larger or differently shaped than the other (almost every woman has differences in her breast size; this refers to very obvious differences)
• If a mom has a history of hormonal imbalance/endocrine issues
• If mom is or plans on taking a medication whose compatibility with breastfeeding is unknown

Imperfect breastfeeding IS more common than it's made to seem by many. "Bumpy" breastfeeding can be smoothed out by reaching out for support as soon as you know you're having issues.

If you are in San Antonio, Texas, Laura Gruber, IBCLC is happy to help!

I can't help but start this blog post with a completely unrelated story about the question "What exactly happens on during a lactation consultation?'.

Here goes:

As a single (unmarried) lactation consultant in the dating scene, this was a question that "eligible-parties" seemed to love asking the moment I revealed what I did for a living. Almost verbatim, every single one of them would start off with "Ooooh, you mean, you're a lactation consultant, as in, you look at boobs all day?" (insert smirky gross pause). "So what exactly happens during a *lactation* consultation?" they would continue to ask, confident that they already knew the answer...

For a while, sharing what I did for a living early on during first-dates actually served as a qualifier. If he could handle the truth and maintain his curiosity professional, there might be a second date...but if he got anything close to pervvy, I'd suddenly fake getting an urgent consult request: "Bummer, I'm getting called to help drain an infected breast with a seeping nipple...gotta go!".......... 

And that, my friends, is how this lactation consultant managed to remain single...

So, anyway, back to our regularly scheduled blog topic:

What exactly happens during a lactation consultation?

Well, if your lactation consultation is with moi...this is more or less what you can expect: 

Before we meet, you'll schedule your appointment online. You'll receive a text from me confirming our appointment, then an email asking you to fill out forms. We may chat on the phone if you have time, then I'll usually see you same or next-day.

On my way to you, I'll usually send you a "Headed to you...see you soon!" text...or you'll come over to my cozy office and send me something similar. If either one of us is running behind, we check in with each other because, well...babies!

But wait. A few things to know about me before you have me as a guest in your home:

• I don't care what your house looks or smells like
• I will immediately wash my hands when I enter
• I wear shoes I can take off on instant request before entering your home
• Your dogs won't scare me 
• I carry changes of clothes in my car in case anyone pees or pukes on me, so don't stress it
• Hablo español, por si tu mamá, suegra o tía quiere ser incluida en nuestra consulta (I speak Spanish, in case  your mom, mother-in-law or aunt would like to be included in the consult)

And then it all begins...

• If your sweet baby isn't super hungry when I arrive at your home, or you arrive at my office, we'll chat a while I wash my hands, get my lactation scale ready, etc. 
• If you already filled out your online appointment forms, we can jump right in to the consult; if not, and if baby lets us, we'll take some time to complete online forms
• If we're at your house, you'll show me the areas where you nurse, or want to nurse, and tell me about your support system, if they aren't at the consult (dad, grandma, best friend, etc.).
• You may or may not show me what's going on with your breasts/nipples right way (I will see this, too, when nursing starts). I may respectfully ask to touch your breasts in order to feel what you are feeling (if lumps, plugs or breast infections are present).
• I'll ask to touch/hold/examine your baby, and then assess the baby's posture, state and, with gloves on I'll assess your baby's mouth/lips/tongue via digital exam. 
• We'll weigh your baby before the feed.
• If I observe anything pressing, we'll talk about it, and if its something urgent (rarely happens during consults), this is usually where I will buzz your doctor. If it isn't urgent, but needs to be run by another provider, I will buzz them after the feeding 
• If all is well, I'll observe a feed and I'll do my best to verbally walk you through improvements to positioning and latch
• I'll listen to you tell me what is going on with the feed, and I'll talk you through what I see baby doing, pointing out what is normal and what we can improve.
• I may ask to to touch your breasts if needed to help position your nipple for latching, and I may hold your baby simultaneously in order to gain understanding of how your baby moves during positioning and latch (which can give me clues to certain breastfeeding issues) 
• With your permission, and on your phone or camera, we may record short parts of the consult for you to have as a reference of my latch-teaching.
• We'll weigh sweetpea again to see exactly how breastmilk was transferred
• If you pump, we will use your pump together so that I may teach you how to determine your flange size, how to use your pump more efficiently, etc.
• If you're a mom who plans on bottle-feeding, we may go over bottle-feeding for your particular situation
• If you're a working mom, time-permitting, we may go over some back-to-work topics, or we can decide to meet specifically for a Back-to-Work Prep Class or 1:1 appointment dedicated to returning to work.
• Based on the general appointment events, your health history, baby's overall big-picture, I will help you create an achievable and specific-to-you plan to help you meet your breastfeeding goals. These will be written out and left with you, or uploaded to my patient-portal immediately after our  time together.
• Some appointments require a follow-up consult to gauge results of our care plans. We may schedule this before I leave, or we may play things by ear. If it's a housecall, 'll let you know that you can have me back at your home for the follow-up visit, or you can come see me at my office-- whichever works best for you.
• If I recommend that you or your baby need to see other providers (your obgyn, pediatrician, etc.) I will write up a consult report for you to give your provider, or will email it to them.
• I'll make sure that I have answered all of your questions, and let you know that I am available to call or email for future ones related to our consultation.
• You'll pay your balance-owed before I leave, and I will give you a claim form to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. 
• If you're a hugger, we'll hug good-bye and if you aren't a hugger, we'll peace-out...and stay breast-friends!

Now that you know what to expect from your time with me, I look super forward to supporting you and your sweet baby!

And I promise not to bring up infected breasts or seeping nipples (unless they're yours, of course...in which case we'll make sure to fix them).

Virtual hugs,
Laura

• Learn how to keep your milk supply where it needs to be for your baby!
• Get tools to help your caregivers feed your precious milk!
• Learn how to transition smoothly to bottlefeeding (while keeping your nursing relationship intact).
• Learn milk-storage hacks!
• Discuss how to fit pumping times into your unique work schedule!
​...and so much more!
​

Class Location:
15303 Huebner Rd., Bldg 15
San Antonio, TX 78248
(inside Acorn Pediatrics)​

​Did you find these topics helpful? What other holiday survival advice could you use? And if you have some to share, please comment below!

I wish you and your babies the absolute breast this holiday season! 🎄