Lactation Consultant

2w2 weeks ago

WVU Medicine

Uniontown, US · Full-time · $60,000 – $85,000

About this role

This position specializes in the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding through education, instruction, and follow-up of the breastfeeding couplet. The goals are to enable mothers and families to make informed infant feeding choices, initiate and maintain lactation, and overcome obstacles.

Provides inpatient consultation with mothers who are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed, including in the emergency department. Performs assessment of the mother-baby couplet to identify conditions or difficulties based on history, interview, and assessment.

Works collaboratively with maternal, family, and health care workers to promote breastfeeding advocacy. Provides staff education through adult learning principles and on-going mentoring to enhance breastfeeding clinical support. This role assures the delivery of comprehensive breastfeeding clinical support through coordination and expert patient care.

This role offers the opportunity to prevent premature weaning and enhance maternal role satisfaction. Participates in the development and enhancement of policies, procedures, and standards of practice regarding breastfeeding. Additionally, acts as a breastfeeding advocate incorporating understanding of cultural differences related to the breastfeeding couplet.

Requirements

Current Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which services will be provided or current multi-state RN license through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
Obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date.
Obtain Certified Lactation Counselor certification through Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice OR Board Certified Lactation Consultant certification through International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners within six months of hire date.
Five years of nursing experience with at least three years of experience in maternal/infant care.

Responsibilities

Promotes breastfeeding advocacy through planned educational opportunities directed toward maternal, family, and health care workers.
Provides parent education for informed choice of infant feeding, nutritional recommendations for lactation, and effects of medications, recreational drugs, herbs, and home remedies related to lactation and infant health.
Assures the delivery of comprehensive breastfeeding clinical support through coordination and provision of expert patient care.
Provides inpatient consultation (including the emergency department) with mothers who are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Performs assessment of the mother-baby couplet identifying possible conditions or difficulties based on history, interview, and assessment.
Provides information and problem-solving ideas to resolve breastfeeding difficulties through personal interaction and demonstration.
Provides emotional support and crisis intervention directly to mothers and through staff mentoring.
Acts as a breastfeeding advocate for the patient, incorporating understanding of cultural differences related to the breastfeeding couplet.