Lactation Consultant Non-RN Part-time Days

Community Health Systems•Fort Wayne, IN

About The Position

The Lactation Consultant Non-RN provides expert care and support for breastfeeding/chest-feeding parents and their infants, collaborating with families and the healthcare team to promote optimal feeding outcomes. The role applies knowledge of breastfeeding/chest-feeding and human lactation to provide education and hands-on support in inpatient and outpatient settings. This position provides specialized, evidence-based lactation care and clinical management for breastfeeding/chest-feeding dyads and pumping parents. It educates parents and families on feeding cues, milk expression, breast pumps, positioning, latch, breast care, and strategies for managing feeding challenges. The consultant coordinates care and discharge planning with the healthcare team, offers lactation education and consultation to providers, and documents patient interactions, care plans, and outcomes in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards. Direct patient care may include attending deliveries and cesarean sections to initiate lactation support. The role also requires timely reporting of concerns, reliable attendance, and compliance with policies and standards.

Requirements

0–2 years of direct experience as a lactation consultant required.
Knowledge of breastfeeding/chest-feeding and human lactation practices.
Strong teaching and communication skills to educate parents, families, and healthcare teams.
Knowledge of infection prevention protocols and universal precautions.
Collaborative skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
Organizational and time-management skills to prioritize patient needs in a fast-paced environment.
IBCLC – International Board Certified Lactation Consultant required.
BCLS – Basic Life Support issued by the American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required.
NRP – Neonatal Resuscitation issued by the American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required.
NALS – Neonatal Advanced Life Support issued by the American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of clinical experience in maternal-child health, obstetrics, or pediatrics preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide specialized, evidence-based lactation care and clinical management for breastfeeding/chest-feeding dyads and pumping parents.
Provide breastfeeding support and education to new parents, addressing challenges such as latching, milk production, and infant feeding techniques.
Teach proper positioning, latch techniques, breast care, and strategies for managing engorgement or low milk supply.
Educate parents and families on feeding cues, milk expression techniques, and the use of manual or electric breast pumps.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to coordinate care and appropriate discharge plans, and provide resources for continued lactation support.
Serve as a resource to healthcare providers by offering education and consultation on lactation care and support.
Maintain documentation of patient interactions, care plans, and outcomes in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
Provide direct patient care, including attending deliveries and cesarean sections when needed to initiate lactation support.
Report concerns and challenges to appropriate leadership in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and comply with all policies and standards.