The only things in life we can count on are changes. Life changes occur for breastfeeding families and those who care for them. The recent changes for me and for Breastfeeding Perspectives are unexpected, but I’m working to embrace the changes that have life-long consequences.
This past November, I lost my dearest fur baby to heart disease. Delilah Rose was a red mini-Dachshund whom I got as a 6-week-old bundle of long ears and webbed toes! She was my constant sidekick for almost 12 years and we’d come through many a joy and sadness together. Most Doxies live well into their late teens and even with her heart disease, we all (her Vet included) expected Delilah to be around for years to come. I was stunned with her sudden death and as she left her body, I just held her and talked to her, grief growing inside me. How would I manage without her?
Now, please understand, I teach others about grief and grieving in all types of situations. You know, though, that just because we understand things intellectually doesn’t mean we take them to heart in our own situation. I was given an opportunity with Delilah to grieve differently…mindfully, just being in the feelings and working through them instead of letting them overcome me. It became a joyful grieving.
Believe it or not, that grief opportunity prepared me to embrace changes happening right now for me and my private practice, Breastfeeding Perspectives. Here’s the story…on Wednesday, Nov. 30th, I twisted my already weak right ankle, breaking it in multiple places. Nothing exciting, just walking into a meeting. The breaks were obvious and off the to Emergency Department I went. Not just one break but multiple on both sides of the ankle. The Orthro Team was brought in to plan surgery to repair all those breaks. Rules were set: no weight bearing on that leg for AT LEAST 10 weeks, casts and splints applied, changed out over time, and more added. WHAT??? Do you realize what I do in my practice?
Enter joyful grieving again. I’m now a week post-op with a heavy splint on that right leg which must be elevated above my heart most of the time. As a go-getter, this has brought me to a sudden halt, bringing with it a deep thoughtfulness of the changes that will affect my practice. I will never give up helping new families in their parenting and feeding journeys, never! So how must I change my current practice to still be able to provide services? Here’s how:
- Beginning in January 2023, I will no longer be providing home visits. It’s obvious that it is impossible to carry a heavy scale, a home visit bag, and be on a knee scooter.
- Office visits will return sometime in mid-January, depending on my recovery and mobility. Watch for the details.
- Virtual consults are still available to help you with problems and concerns. I have 7+ years of lactation telehealth experience.
- As has been seen across all aspects of business, prices will increase in January. Watch for the details.
For all of you, I pray for a very joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Breastfeeding Perspectives has experienced a bump in the road but is still here to help you meet your goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me by text or email.
Kathy, quietly singing “Cha…cha..changes!”
