Job Summary:
We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Lactation Consultant to provide comprehensive breastfeeding support to new mothers and their infants in both a hospital labor and delivery setting and outpatient pediatric practices. The Lactation Consultant will work closely with healthcare providers to promote, educate, and support breastfeeding as a vital part of newborn care and overall health.
Key Responsibilities:
- Hospital Labor and Delivery Unit:
- Provide bedside lactation support and education to new mothers and their families immediately after birth.
- Assist with the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hours of life.
- Assess and address breastfeeding difficulties, such as latching problems, milk production concerns, and infant feeding behavior.
- Collaborate with labor and delivery nurses, physicians, and other healthcare staff to ensure continuity of care.
- Document patient progress and interventions in the hospital's electronic medical record (EMR) system.
- Provide discharge planning and breastfeeding resources for mothers as they transition home.
- Provide staff education to support continuity of care.
- Outpatient Pediatric Practices:
- Offer follow-up lactation consultations for new mothers experiencing ongoing breastfeeding challenges (e.g., latch issues, mastitis, low milk supply).
- Monitor infant growth and feeding progress in collaboration with pediatricians.
- Educate parents on breastfeeding techniques, benefits of breastfeeding, and infant nutrition.
- Conduct breastfeeding workshops and educational sessions for new and expecting parents.
- Maintain accurate patient records, including assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the clinic's EMR system.
- Work closely with pediatricians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to develop comprehensive care plans for breastfeeding families.
- Provide staff education to support continuity of care.
Qualifications:
- Education:
- Current IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) certification required.
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Health Education, or a related field preferred.
- Experience:
- At least 2 years of clinical experience in lactation consulting.
- Experience working with both inpatient (hospital) and outpatient (clinic) populations preferred.
- Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of breastfeeding techniques, newborn development, and maternal health.
- Strong communication skills to educate and support new mothers and families.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
- Proficient in the use of electronic medical records (EMR).