Home-visit lactation consultant

New and expecting parents paying privately, sometimes claiming back through an employer extended health plan. Midwives, doulas and family doctors may refer clients to you.

A fee per visit, often 60 to 90 minutes, plus optional follow-up calls or messages. Some consultants sell prenatal feeding classes or packages of visits.

• Recognized lactation training and credential
• Patient, non-judgmental communication
• Clear teaching and note-taking
• Comfort working in people's homes

• Credential requirements: check what your province expects and what clients and insurers look for
• Professional liability and commercial general liability insurance
• Privacy rules for health information: check federal and provincial requirements
• Know your limits and when to refer a parent or baby to a doctor or midwife
• Check whether your municipality needs a home-based business licence if you run admin from home
• Winter driving and travel time between visits
• Check whether you need to charge GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and how health services are treated

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your insurance, equipment and how you set up travel and admin. Training and credential pathways have their own requirements, so check what applies to you.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many families you see and the fees you charge. The estimate assumes from around 10 hours a week, and winter driving and travel time can affect your schedule.

Check what credential your province expects and what clients and insurers look for. Also check professional and commercial liability insurance, federal and provincial privacy rules for health information, GST/HST treatment of health services, and whether a home-based business licence applies.