About this role
The Lactation Consultant has specialized education and extensive experience in managing the needs and care of the breastfeeding family. In providing patient care using an understanding of age specific needs, the Lactation Consultant addresses the physiological, emotional, developmental, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the patient and family/support system. Using a family centered approach, educational needs may range from pre-conception through time of weaning.
Responsible for delivering patient care in complex, multiple problem breastfeeding situations, the Lactation Consultant functions as a member of the multidisciplinary health care team. Acts as a consultant, instructor, and mentor/preceptor to other health care professionals and clients in hospital and community settings. Independently performs job functions under the Manager or Assistant Nurse Manager.
Conducts inpatient consults by contacting the patient's nurse, visiting the mother for history intake, assessing infant feeding/latch, and providing individualized feeding plans. Handles outpatient consults with hands-on assistance, care plans, follow-ups, and reports to providers. Manages phone consultations including NICU follow-ups, helpline support, and performance improvement surveys.
Works hand in hand with prenatal and postpartum providers to help new families meet their breastfeeding goals. Supports hospital policies for exclusive breastfeeding and provides internal/external education and promotion. Maintains current clinical knowledge and serves as a resource to nursing staff, leadership, and medical staff.
Requirements
- Specialized education in managing breastfeeding family needs
- Extensive experience in complex, multiple problem breastfeeding situations
- Understanding of age-specific physiological, emotional, developmental, psychosocial, and spiritual needs
- Ability to use family-centered approach for education from pre-conception to weaning
- Skills in inpatient and outpatient lactation assessments and hands-on interventions
- Proficiency in multidisciplinary team collaboration as consultant, instructor, and mentor
- Current clinical knowledge to contribute evidence-based curriculum and support policies
- IBCLC certification typical for lactation consulting role
Responsibilities
- Contact patient's nurse for pertinent information and visit mother for introductions and history intake
- Assess infant feeding/latch and provide feeding plan specific to mother/baby's individual needs/goals
- Conduct outpatient consults including history intake/assessment and hands-on assistance to resolve problems
- Provide plan of care with follow-up, referral, and report to healthcare provider via fax and phone
- Perform phone consultations such as follow-ups to NICU mothers and Breastfeeding Center outpatients
- Answer helpline phone calls to address concerns and conduct performance improvement surveys
- Serve as mentor to peers, staff, and students while acting as resource to health care team
- Support performance improvement initiatives and promote breastfeeding education in hospital and community
Benefits
- Work in a place where contributions and ideas are valued
- Serve with compassion, pursue excellence, and honor every voice
- Enhance the health and well-being of every person served
- Professional and self-developmental activities supported
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