The workshop on Friday was amazing, and I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with all of you who attended. I stayed on for well over half an hour after the call, even after the workshop portion had concluded. I was answering questions, engaging in conversations, and yes, there were tears - my own. I can't speak for the rest of you, but it was an emotional and truly beautiful experience, one that I cherish.
It was wonderful, though I must admit I'm quite exhausted. I
initially thought I could continue being highly active after the workshop -
answering everyone's questions, going live on Instagram, and sharing all the
valuable content from the workshop on my Instagram, as well as sending out some
mind-blowing emails. However, reality hit me hard.
Putting together that workshop was an enormous amount of work.
So, I've been taking a well-deserved break – I wouldn't necessarily call it
slacking. I've been prioritizing self-care and recovery. This is why this
podcast episode is being released on a Tuesday instead of the usual Monday
schedule. I even had aspirations of releasing an episode on Saturday, but,
unfortunately, it didn't come to fruition.
In light of the workshop and the recent opening of my group
coaching program, I thought it would be a great time to discuss the evolution
of my business. Now, I understand that not everyone may be eager to hear all
about my journey, and that's perfectly fine. However, what I'll be talking
about is what I've discovered that works in my business and why it has been
effective in supporting toddler breastfeeding moms.
This means that if you're interested in working with me, you'll
gain insight into my methods, what I offer, and why I offer it. But if you're
not interested in working with me, you'll still gain valuable information about
what genuinely supports parents who are breastfeeding toddlers. I'll also share
how I arrived at the offerings I provide today through a process of trial and
error.
Of course, if this doesn't interest you, feel free to skip this
episode. I won't be offended – in fact, I won't even know. So, without further
ado, let's dive in.
If you've been following me for a while, you know that I
initially started by offering postpartum breastfeeding support. I had my own
daughter, and we encountered numerous breastfeeding challenges. I observed
friends who were also facing similar challenges but didn't have the same
success I did. The key factor for my success was the support I received.
And when I say "support," I'm not referring to the
love and belief of friends and family, though that's certainly important. In
today's world, you also need comprehensive education and the guidance of
experts who can provide specific advice and strategies. While emotional support
is crucial, it can only take you so far when you have a tiny newborn struggling
with latching issues, weight concerns, and other breastfeeding challenges.
I noticed that it was essential to provide the expertise and
practical advice that breastfeeding moms needed. So, I decided to expand my
knowledge and training in the field. I pursued certifications and took various
courses to enhance my understanding of breastfeeding. Over time, I began
supporting breastfeeding moms for a variety of reasons in different areas. At
that point, I didn't have a fully-fledged business; some weeks and months I
would assist four or five moms, while other times, there were none.
It's worth noting that lactation consultants typically spend one
to two hours initially with a client during home visits and then offer
follow-up sessions lasting 30 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, clients may
visit the consultant's office for an hour-long session. These sessions include
comprehensive assessments of medical history and individual needs, education on
various aspects of breastfeeding, and support with pumping, latching, milk
supply, and more.
As my own daughter grew older, I became pregnant again and began
encountering challenges related to toddler breastfeeding. I realized there was
a lack of support in this specific area, as very few resources were readily
accessible. I found an excellent book called "Adventures in Tandem
Nursing," authored by Hilary Flowers and published by La Leche League
International. It provided some guidance, but resources were still limited.
I recognized the need for support in this area, not only for
myself but also for other parents. I started offering in-home consultations
specifically for toddler breastfeeding. However, I faced challenges with this
approach. Toddlers can be uncomfortable with strangers in their homes, leading
to distractions and limited productive discussions. Additionally, I could only
serve local clients, making it impossible to travel worldwide to help other
parents in need. I often left these sessions feeling that I could have offered
more comprehensive support.
Around that time, I enrolled in my first online group coaching
program, which turned out to be a transformative experience. The program
allowed me to interact with a supportive community and receive coaching from a
coach. I was inspired by this group coaching model, as it provided a unique
approach to offering support. This approach was unconventional in the field of
lactation, but I believed it was the key to addressing the complex needs of
toddler breastfeeding parents. I also realized that one-hour one-on-one
sessions were insufficient for delivering the education and emotional support
that these parents required.
Thus, I decided to adapt the curriculum I had used in one-on-one
coaching sessions into an online course format. This online course offered a
structured platform for providing comprehensive education. The lessons were
delivered through short video modules, with each module focusing on specific
topics related to toddler breastfeeding. I aimed to keep the material within
each module under 30 minutes, ensuring that it was easy to digest.
Alongside the online course, I introduced weekly group coaching
calls, where participants could interact, ask questions, and share their
experiences. These calls served as a valuable forum for addressing individual
concerns while allowing other participants to learn from one another's
challenges and questions.
In addition to the course and group coaching, I introduced
"Writer's Diaries." These diaries served as reflection journals,
providing a structured yet flexible framework for participants to explore their
own experiences and insights. Participants could also submit their diaries to
me for feedback and additional personalized support, creating a deeper level of
engagement.
This combination of the online course, group coaching, and
Writer's Diaries allowed me to offer comprehensive, balanced support to toddler
breastfeeding parents without the constraints of one-hour one-on-one calls. The
structure provided education and emotional support, and participants could
engage at their own pace while still receiving valuable feedback and guidance.
This approach had a significant impact on the families I served, and it offered
a unique coaching experience.
In closing, I would like to mention that the doors to my group
coaching program are closing soon. If you're interested in joining, now is the
time to take advantage of this opportunity. I'm uncertain when the doors will
open again, as I'm considering my schedule and life commitments. So, if you're
considering joining, I encourage you to act promptly. Feel free to reach out
via email or direct message if you have any questions or would like to chat
further.
Thank you for listening, and I hope this episode provides you
with insights into how my coaching approach has evolved and why I serve my
clients in the way that I do.