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Ep. 80 Building A Birth Work Business with Annie Frisbie (Throwback Episode)
Description
This is a republished episode from November 2023 - and there’s a reason it’s back.
It was the most popular guest episode I’ve ever shared on the podcast, and listening back, it’s easy to see why.
In this conversation with Annie Frisbie (IBCLC, private practice owner and educator), we dive into what it really takes to build a sustainable birth work business, one that supports your clients and your life.
Because here’s the reality…
So many birth workers are incredible at the work itself but struggle to make the business work in a way that feels manageable, profitable, and aligned with family life.
This episode is about changing that.
We talk about moving out of the “helper” mindset, setting boundaries without guilt, and creating systems that actually give you your time back so your business doesn’t end up feeling like an exhausting, expensive hobby.
If you want a business that allows you to show up fully for your clients without burning yourself out, this episode is essential listening.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why coming from a volunteer or caregiving background can make business feel harder than it needs to be
- The mindset shift from “helping” to running a professional, sustainable service
- How to set clear boundaries (without feeling like you’re letting clients down)
- Why being constantly available can actually increase client anxiety, not reduce it
- The real cost of undercharging — especially when it comes to your time, family and energy
- How simple systems (booking links, templates, automations) can completely change your workload
- Why your business needs to pay you consistently, not just “what’s left over”
- The importance of building a business that supports your life — not one that takes over it
🔗 Links & Resources
- Annie Frisbie’s website: https://paperlesslactation.com
Working alone in clients' homes comes with risks most birth workers aren't prepared for. Niamh created this free guide to share the 8 safety protocols she learned over two decade of home visits (first in social care services, then in birth work) from what to ask on your intake form to positioning yourself for safety. It takes 2 minutes to read and might be the one thing that matters.
Download free: yourbirthbiz.com/safet
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