Lactation Consultant II - Neonatal Outreach Program

Job Requirements

Position Summary

The Lactation Consultant is a specialized healthcare professional responsible for providing evidence-based breastfeeding education, counseling, and support to mothers, infants, and families in the hospital setting. This role involves assisting new mothers with breastfeeding initiation, addressing challenges, and promoting breastfeeding-friendly practices. The Lactation Consultant collaborates with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure comprehensive maternal and infant care, supporting the hospital's commitment to baby-friendly initiatives and optimal patient outcomes.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Associates Degree in Nursing

Experience

• 1-2 years of clinical experience in maternal/child health, postpartum care, or related fields

License/Registration/Certifications

• CLC or CBS
• IBCLC within 1.5 years of hire or actively working to achieve
• SC RN License

Preferred Requirements

Preferred Education

• Bachelors Degree in Nursing

Preferred Experience

• Experience in lactation support

Preferred License/Registration/Certifications

• IBCLC

Core Job Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and group lactation support, including prenatal education, in-hospital consultations, postpartum follow-ups, and outpatient services.
• Assess maternal and infant health, breastfeeding goals, and challenges (e.g., latch issues, milk supply, nipple discomfort) during hospital stays.
• Observe breastfeeding sessions, offering hands-on coaching to improve positioning, latch, and feeding techniques.
• Educate mothers on breast pump use, milk expression, and storage to ensure proper equipment handling.
• Develop and teach breastfeeding classes or workshops for patients and healthcare staff.
• Mentor and/or provide lactation observation to nursing students, new hires within the division, or other healthcare professionals as directed.
• Advocate for breastfeeding-friendly hospital policies, such as early breastfeeding initiation within one hour of birth, skin to skin with mother and rooming-in, when appropriate.
• Document assessments, interventions, and patient progress in electronic medical records.
• Collaborate with obstetricians, pediatricians, nurses, and other providers to integrate lactation support into care plans.
• Provide follow up phone calls for post-discharge support, addressing ongoing breastfeeding concerns.
• Manage and maintain the lactation triage phone line to provide on-going lactation support that aids in sustainability efforts.
• Refer patients to community resources, such as WIC programs or outpatient lactation clinics, as needed.
• Stay updated on current lactation research and best practices through continuing education and professional development.
• Maintain loaner and rental breast pump program and counsel clients regarding their use, as well as use of various other breastfeeding devices.
• Maintain loaner and rental breast pump program and counsel clients regarding their use, as well as use of various other breastfeeding devices.
• Lead or help facilitate divisional breastfeeding related committees and/or quality improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain materials for breastfeeding classes, programs, support groups and special events such as World Breastfeeding Week.
• Cover NICU lactation needs when appropriate.
• Other Duties as Assigned