Virtual lactation consultant

Parents paying privately, including those in smaller towns with few local services, and parents going back to work who want pumping and feeding plans.

A fee per video session, with optional follow-up messaging packages, prenatal feeding classes or small group workshops.

• Recognized lactation training and credential
• Clear, calm communication on camera
• Comfort with video and booking tools
• Writing simple follow-up plans

• If you do not already hold a recognized lactation credential (for example IBCLC), budget for the training, supervised clinical hours and exam fees, which can run to several thousand dollars and take a year or more; the startup range here assumes you already hold one, or includes the cost of a lower-cost route
• Professional liability insurance that covers virtual sessions
• Privacy of health information: check federal and provincial rules and choose secure software
• Check rules if clients live in a different province from you
• Online sessions cannot replace a hands-on check, so know when to refer to a doctor, midwife or clinic
• Check whether you need to charge GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• Quebec clients may expect French-language service and materials

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your set-up. This assumes you already hold a recognized credential or includes a lower-cost route; otherwise training, clinical hours and exam fees can run to several thousand dollars.

Check professional liability insurance that covers virtual sessions, and privacy rules for health information under federal and provincial law. Also check rules if clients live in another province, and whether you need to charge GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold.

Estimates put monthly revenue typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on how many clients you see. Online sessions cannot replace a hands-on check, so know when to refer to a doctor, midwife or clinic.