Lactation Consultant

Lehigh Valley Health Network • Allentown, PA

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The Lactation Consultant enhances the normal process of lactation and prevents, assesses, and manages lactation problems in the inpatient setting. The role focuses on the needs and concerns of breastfeeding mothers and infants, advocates for breastfeeding families, and works to prevent, recognize, and resolve breastfeeding difficulties while promoting improved breastfeeding outcomes. The consultant works within the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) Scope of Practice, follows the International Lactation Consultant Association Standards of Practice, and adheres to organizational policies, procedures, and care guidelines.

This position provides lactation assessment, support, counseling, education, and consultation to breastfeeding families and healthcare staff. It collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on breastfeeding protocols and serves as a clinical resource in obstetrical and pediatric areas. The position is onsite at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest and provides per diem evening coverage with a weekend and holiday rotation.

Requirements

• Specialized Diploma RN.
• Three years of experience in lactation counseling.
• Ability to perform assessments and nursing functions acquired in a basic nursing preparation program.
• Ability to create an environment that promotes learning for staff and families.
• Ability to participate appropriately in communication and decision-making activities.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles.
• Knowledge of consulting methods, tools, and techniques.
• Ability to plan, teach, and conduct education for healthcare providers.
• Ability to plan, organize, and deliver lactation management services to breastfeeding families.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and coworkers and advocate for families.
• Ability to evaluate families’ responses to care and initiate independent and/or collaborative changes where appropriate.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification for Pennsylvania, required upon hire.
• IBCLC certification, required within 180 days.
• Pennsylvania Registered Nurse license, required upon hire.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification for Pennsylvania, required within one year.

Responsibilities

• Orient new nursing staff to newborn feeding policies and practice guidelines.
• Consult with interdisciplinary teams to develop, implement, and evaluate breastfeeding protocols.
• Provide telephone assistance, information, counseling, and follow-up to pregnant and lactating women.
• Provide breastfeeding assessment, support, and counseling in routine, high-risk, and complicated clinical situations in obstetrical and pediatric areas.
• Serve as a clinical expert and consultant in the care of breastfeeding families.
• Assist in developing breastfeeding-related policies and procedures.
• Plan, teach, and conduct in-service education for maternal-child health and nursing staff providers.
• Review and maintain current research and literature files and serve as a resource for healthcare providers and breastfeeding families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: Associate degree