Lactation Consultant

Schuylkill•Allentown, PA

4d•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, advocating for breastfeeding families to prevent, recognize, and resolve breastfeeding difficulties and promote 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. This position provides clinical expertise and consultation, education, assessment, counseling, and support to breastfeeding families and health care providers.

Requirements

Specialized diploma in nursing (RN).
Three years of experience in lactation counseling.
Ability to perform assessments and nursing functions acquired through 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 health care providers.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and coworkers and advocate for families.
Ability to lift and carry 40–50 pounds; job examples include pushing or pulling patients on beds or stretchers and lateral transfers.
Frequent to continuous standing and walking; patient transporters may walk 8–10 miles per shift.
May be required to kneel, bend, squat, and perform CPR, depending on role.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification, Pennsylvania, upon hire.
IBCLC certification, Pennsylvania, within 180 days.
Registered Nurse license, Pennsylvania, upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification, Pennsylvania, within one year.

Responsibilities

Orient new nursing staff to 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 and high-risk or complicated clinical situations in obstetrical and pediatric areas.
Serve as a clinical expert and consultant in 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 to health care 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 when appropriate.