Lactation Consultant

Lehigh Valley Health Network•Allentown, PA

1d•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 outcomes. The consultant works within the scope of practice defined by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), follows the standards of practice of the International Lactation Consultant Association, and adheres to organizational policies, procedures, and care guidelines. The consultant provides clinical expertise, assessment, support, counseling, education, and lactation management services to breastfeeding families and healthcare staff. The position is onsite at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, with day shifts consisting of variable 8-hour shifts and variable weekend and holiday requirements.

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 communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and coworkers, and to advocate for families.
Ability to evaluate families’ responses to care and initiate independent or collaborative changes where appropriate.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification for Pennsylvania, required upon hire.
IBCLC certification for Pennsylvania, 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 the newborn feeding policy and practice guidelines.
Consult with an interdisciplinary team to develop, implement, and evaluate breastfeeding protocols.
Provide telephone information, counseling, and follow-up to pregnant and lactating women.
Assess, support, and counsel breastfeeding families 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 policies and procedures related to breastfeeding.
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.
Plan, organize, and deliver lactation management services to breastfeeding families.
Evaluate families’ responses to care and initiate independent or collaborative changes where appropriate.