Lactation Consultant

Overview

Lactation Consultant / PRN The Certified Lactation Consultant is skilled in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to assist the breastfeeding mother to attain her individual goals. The Lactation Consultant functions as a member of the multi-disciplinary health care team as a consultant, educator, mentor to nurses and healthcare professionals, and patients. Works collaboratively with all members of the Women’s Center to develop feeding plans for the normal newborn, preterm infant, and complex feeding conditions resulting in resolution to inpatient breastfeeding problems.

Utilizes current lactation theories and research to develop evidence based feeding plans that address individual feeding issues/goals. Develops and maintains a charting system for documentation, teaching, and progress notes. Assists with planning and development of ongoing staff education and orientation. Assists with unit acquisition of equipment and supplies. Assists with development and maintenance of breastfeeding rentals and product sales. Assists with development, review, and revision of hospital policies, care plans, and patient literature which relate to breastfeeding.

Develops future lactation department services: telephone support; outpatient clinics; employee lactation program. Maintains statistics to assess the effectiveness of IBCLC services. Consistently demonstrates behaviors that model the hospital’s mission, vision, and facility goals.

• Collaborate with the Women’s Center team to develop feeding plans for normal newborns, preterm infants, and complex feeding conditions to resolve inpatient breastfeeding problems.
• Utilize current lactation theories and research to develop evidence-based feeding plans addressing individual issues and goals.
• Plan and develop ongoing staff education and orientation in lactation care.
• Assist with equipment and supply acquisitions, breastfeeding rentals, and product sales.
• Contribute to development, review, and revision of hospital policies, care plans, and patient educational materials related to breastfeeding.
• Develop and revise charting and documentation systems; maintain progress notes.
• Propose and help implement future lactation department services such as telephone support and outpatient clinics.
• Maintain statistics to assess the effectiveness of IBCLC services.
• Model the hospital’s mission, vision, and facility goals through professional behavior.

• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or included in education plan.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Women’s Services.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Lactation Services.
• NRP
• BLS
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledgeable of Joint Commission rules, regulations and standards.
• Ability to make independent sound nursing decisions.
• Demonstrates competence in customer/patient focus and adaptability.