The Lactation Consultant is a lactation coach, consultant, and teacher who works collaboratively with staff and providers within Women's and Infant's services to develop feeding plans for newborns. Working under close supervision, this role uses current lactation theories and research to develop holistic, evidence-based breast feeding support and feeding plans that address individual feeding issues. This role serves the following patient age categories: newborns, infants, adolescents, and adults.
Essential Job Function:
- Collaborates with other Women's and Infant's services professionals and care teams to develop evidence-based feeding plans using current lactation theories and research as well as the infant's nutritional requirements, while respecting the family's breast-feeding goals.
- Conducts breast feeding assessments to initiate an implementation breast feeding plan with the support of hospital staff, evaluates the effectiveness of the plan, and revises the plan as necessary.
- Provides lactation support and consultation services to breast feeding mothers / infants by physician or nurse referral.
- Assists in developing, implementing, and evaluating patient education resources and programs in order to improve their effectiveness.
- Supports with leading evidence-based breast-feeding classes and breast-feeding support groups.
- Maintains a safe environment and responds appropriately to emergencies and safety hazards.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education:
- Required: Associate degree
- Preferred: Bachelor's Degree
Experience:
Licensure/Certification/Listing:
- Required: Certification by International Board of Lactation Consultation Examiners (IBLCE)BLS (CPR)-American Red Cross or AHA Healthcare Provider.
