Lactation Consultant

Oxford-NC-27565-United States

Job Summary:

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Lactation Consultant to provide comprehensive breastfeeding support to new mothers and their infants in both a hospital labor and delivery setting and outpatient pediatric practices. The Lactation Consultant will work closely with healthcare providers to promote, educate, and support breastfeeding as a vital part of newborn care and overall health.

Key Responsibilities:

• Hospital Labor and Delivery Unit:
  • Provide bedside lactation support and education to new mothers and their families immediately after birth.
  • Assist with the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hours of life.
  • Assess and address breastfeeding difficulties, such as latching problems, milk production concerns, and infant feeding behavior.
  • Collaborate with labor and delivery nurses, physicians, and other healthcare staff to ensure continuity of care.
  • Document patient progress and interventions in the hospital's electronic medical record (EMR) system.
  • Provide discharge planning and breastfeeding resources for mothers as they transition home.
  • Provide staff education to support continuity of care.
• Outpatient Pediatric Practices:
  • Offer follow-up lactation consultations for new mothers experiencing ongoing breastfeeding challenges (e.g., latch issues, mastitis, low milk supply).
  • Monitor infant growth and feeding progress in collaboration with pediatricians.
  • Educate parents on breastfeeding techniques, benefits of breastfeeding, and infant nutrition.
  • Conduct breastfeeding workshops and educational sessions for new and expecting parents.
  • Maintain accurate patient records, including assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the clinic’s EMR system.
  • Work closely with pediatricians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to develop comprehensive care plans for breastfeeding families.
  • Provide staff education to support continuity of care.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Current IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) certification required.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Health Education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience:
  • At least 2 years of clinical experience in lactation consulting.
  • Experience working with both inpatient (hospital) and outpatient (clinic) populations preferred.
• Skills:
  • In-depth knowledge of breastfeeding techniques, newborn development, and maternal health.
  • Strong communication skills to educate and support new mothers and families.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
  • Proficient in the use of electronic medical records (EMR).

Work Schedule:

This position will involve splitting time between the hospital's labor and delivery unit and outpatient pediatric practices. Flexibility with scheduling is required to meet the needs of both settings.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move and transport necessary medical/lactation equipment.
• Extended periods of standing and walking in a hospital or clinical setting.