Home-Visit lactation consultant

New and expecting parents paying out of pocket. Some may be reimbursed by their health insurance, depending on your credentials and the plan.

A flat fee per visit, usually 60 to 90 minutes, plus follow-ups, prenatal classes or packages of several visits. Referrals from midwives, doulas and pediatric offices help fill your calendar.

• Patient, non-judgmental communication
• Knowledge of infant feeding and anatomy
• Teaching and coaching parents
• Organizing your schedule and records

• Credentials: what you can call yourself, and what insurers accept, depends on certification. Some states also license lactation consultants, so check your state's rules
• Professional liability and general liability insurance
• Privacy of client health information, so check whether HIPAA applies to your practice
• If you plan to bill insurance, check each plan's requirements before promising reimbursement
• Know your limits and refer to a doctor when a baby or parent shows signs of a medical problem

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $800 to $6,000, depending on your setup and credentials. Check which insurance you need, including professional liability and general liability, before you take on clients.

What you can call yourself, and what insurers accept, depends on certification. Some states also license lactation consultants, so check your state's rules. Also check whether HIPAA applies to your practice.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $5,000, depending on how many visits you book and how you structure your practice. Plan for at least about 8 hours a week to start.