Lactation Consultant

Job Summary

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

The lactation consultants work in the inpatient setting. Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary health care teams and other primary care providers to assure optimum clinical management of lactation in order to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. Provide education, counseling, and clinical management to promote breastfeeding as the expected norm for infant nutrition. Continue to evolve and incorporate research findings and best practices to adapt to societal needs as it relates to breastfeeding and lactation management.

Essential Functions

• The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification.
• They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities.
• Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

• Analyze all assessment data to develop a plan of care that is both specific to the dyad's needs and acceptable to the client.
• Evaluate assessment data to develop a plan of care that is both specific to the client's needs and acceptable to the client with the scope of the Preventative Management Guidelines (PMG's).
• Obtain an appropriate breastfeeding history for the mother and child.
• Plans, develops, coordinates, and provides breastfeeding education and counseling in response to the needs of clients, families, health care team members, and the community.
• Provide education and guidance to all staff that care for breastfeeding dyads to develop and enhance their clinical skills.
• Provide emotional support for continued breastfeeding in difficult or complicated circumstances.

Minimum Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: One year of clinical lactation experience.

License/Certification

• International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
• or
• Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and must obtain International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) within 2 years
• RQI Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support
• or
• Basic Life Support by American Heart Association (AHA)

Knowledge

These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.

• Ability to adjust communications to fit the needs and level of understanding of the receiver.
• Ability to integrate observation, knowledge, and skills in assessing mothers and children in developing individualized breastfeeding management strategies.
• Ability to provide leadership and influence others.
• Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area.

Additional Information: Pay Range

Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.

Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.