Lactation Consultant - NON RN

Job Description

Job Summary

The Lactation Consultant Non-RN provides expert care and support for breastfeeding/chest-feeding parents and their infants. This role is responsible for collaborating with families and the healthcare team to promote optimal feeding outcomes. The Lactation Consultant Non-RN demonstrates knowledge in breastfeeding/chest-feeding and human lactation, providing education and hands-on support in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Essential Functions

• Provides specialized lactation care and clinical management for breastfeeding/chest-feeding dyads, as well as pumping parents, using evidence-based practices.
• Provides breastfeeding support and education to new parents, focusing on challenges like latching, milk production, and infant feeding techniques.
• Facilitates breastfeeding by teaching proper positioning, latch techniques, breast care, and strategies to manage challenges such as engorgement or low milk supply.
• Educates parents and families on feeding cues, milk expression techniques, and use of manual or electric breast pumps, promoting confidence and self-efficacy.
• Collaborates with the healthcare team to coordinate care and ensure appropriate discharge plans, providing resources for continued lactation support.
• Serves as a resource to healthcare providers, offering education and consultation to enhance knowledge of lactation care and support.
• Maintains documentation of patient interactions, care plans, and outcomes in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Provides direct patient care, including attending deliveries and cesarean sections, when needed, to initiate lactation support.
• Reports concerns and challenges to appropriate leadership in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of direct experience as a lactation consultant required
• 1-2 years of clinical experience in maternal-child health, obstetrics, or pediatrics preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of breastfeeding/chest-feeding and human lactation practices.
• Strong teaching and communication skills to educate parents, families, and healthcare teams.
• Knowledge of infection prevention protocols and universal precautions.
• Collaborative skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Organizational and time management skills to prioritize patient needs in a fast-paced environment.

Licenses and Certifications

• IBCLC - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support issued by American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation issued by American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required
• NALS - Neonatal Advanced Life Support issued by American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required