Lactation Consultant

Major Responsibilities:

• Assesses patient's needs, diagnoses lactation problems, plans and implements intervention, and evaluates outcomes.
• Visits breastfeeding mothers while hospitalized and/or telephones post-discharge to assess additional learning needs and provide lactation support on an individual basis.
• Provides outpatient care and consultation for families experiencing breastfeeding difficulties and/or in providing outpatient newborn follow-up visits.
• Develops, implements and manages outpatient services and/or phone support line to provide lactation support on an individual basis. This may include a breast pump rental and/or retail store.
• Assists with the development of, and supports the staff that, facilitate patient breastfeeding. Identifies staff learning needs and provides in-services related to breastfeeding.
• Provides overall leadership and direction of breastfeeding to hospital staff, health care professionals and the community utilizing current research.
• Conducts prenatal breastfeeding classes and evaluates educational outcomes. Participates in the teaching of breastfeeding classes and/or support groups. Reviews current breastfeeding education materials and updates annually.
• Serves as consultant for physicians and other healthcare providers concerning lactation as it relates to patient's health problems.
• Maintains proper statistics and/or documentation on all breastfeeding clients. Provides reports as necessary.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the team member practices, and
• Lactation Consultant, International Board (IBCLC) certification issued by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) needs to be obtained within 1 year.

Education Required:

• Associate's Degree in Nursing.

Experience Required:

• Requires 2 years of RN experience in a Mother/Baby or NICU setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Proficient computer skills including keyboarding, navigation within a windows operating system, use of electronic mail and electronic medical records systems.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop rapport and maintain positive, professional relationships with a variety of patients, staff and physicians.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively make critical, independent decisions.
• Good organization, prioritization and problem solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist and reach above shoulders throughout the workday.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Position requires use of foot pedals on cards or machines.
• Must have functional vision, speech, and hearing.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids, therefore, personal protective equipment must be worn as necessary.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.