127-26 Registered Nurse (RN) – Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Maternal/Child, Full-Time, Stratford
About The Position
The Registered Nurse (RN) – Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a valued member of the Maternal Child interdisciplinary team and provides advanced, evidence-informed infant feeding support across Labour & Delivery (L&D), Obstetrical Triage, Postpartum, and Special Care Nursery (SCN). The RN–IBCLC integrates perinatal nursing expertise with specialized lactation knowledge to support all methods of infant feeding, including breastfeeding, chest feeding, expressed human milk, combination feeding, and formula feeding. Practice is guided by the standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario, best practice guidelines from the RNAO, and principles of the Baby-Friendly Initiative. The RN–IBCLC role is designed to preserve advanced lactation expertise for acute, high-risk, and complex clinical situations while supporting the development of foundational infant feeding knowledge and skills across the broader nursing team. Routine infant feeding education and support is primarily provided by bedside nursing staff, with escalation to the RN–IBCLC occurring when advanced assessment, intervention, or interdisciplinary coordination is required. This role does not replace routine bedside nursing responsibilities related to infant feeding, but complements them through advanced consultation, education, and clinical leadership. When not providing advanced lactation consultation, the RN–IBCLC practices as a perinatal Registered Nurse, supporting obstetrical triage, intrapartum care, and postpartum nursing responsibilities in alignment with unit staffing and patient care needs.
Requirements
- Current registered member in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Nurse required
- Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BScN)
- Current International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners required
- Current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification required
- Current Fetal Health Surveillance (FHS) certification required
- Completion of Perinatal/Core L&D Orientation Module required
- Completion of Perinatal/Postpartum Modules (RMNOP 3–4) required
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate required
- Basic Cardiac Arrhythmias course or equivalent required
- Minimum five (5) years recent perinatal nursing experience in one or more of the following areas: Labour & Delivery, Postpartum, Special Care Nursery/Level II NICU, or Paediatrics
- Demonstrated recent experience as a practising IBCLC in an acute care setting
- Demonstrated competency in obstetrical triage assessment
- Experience functioning as second nurse in delivery
- Experience managing complex infant feeding cases, including late preterm infants, multiples, maternal medical conditions, and infants requiring supplementation
- Advanced knowledge of lactation physiology, milk production, infant oral assessment, and feeding progression
- Knowledge of neonatal and maternal assessment within RN scope
- Demonstrated commitment to family-centred, trauma-informed, inclusive care
- Ability to develop individualized and complex feeding plans
- Strong communication, conflict resolution, and teaching skills
- Ability to prioritize and function effectively in high-acuity environments
- Demonstrated leadership and mentorship abilities
- Proficiency with Meditech (HIS/EHR) or ability to quickly acquire competency
- Commitment to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development
Nice To Haves
- Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) preferred
- Emergency Skills Workshop (ESW) and/or simulation-based obstetrical emergency training (e.g., PPH, shoulder dystocia, neonatal resuscitation roles) preferred
- Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) considered an asset
- Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Certification in Perinatal Nursing considered an asset
Responsibilities
- Provides advanced, evidence-informed infant feeding support across Labour & Delivery (L&D), Obstetrical Triage, Postpartum, and Special Care Nursery (SCN).
- Integrates perinatal nursing expertise with specialized lactation knowledge to support all methods of infant feeding.
- Preserves advanced lactation expertise for acute, high-risk, and complex clinical situations.
- Supports the development of foundational infant feeding knowledge and skills across the broader nursing team.
- Provides advanced consultation, education, and clinical leadership related to infant feeding.
- Practices as a perinatal Registered Nurse, supporting obstetrical triage, intrapartum care, and postpartum nursing responsibilities when not providing lactation consultation.
Benefits
- Canada Student Loan Forgiveness for Family Doctors and Nurses
- Community Commitment Program for Nurses (CCPN)
- New Graduate Guarantee (NGG) Program
- Nurse Residency Program
- Clinical Nurse Educators that offer on-site training
- Clinical Scholars available for on unit assistance and questions
- Preceptor/Peer Mentorship Opportunities
- Collaborative Team Environment
- Nurse Support Line (Experienced Nurses or Registered Respiratory Therapists available for advice on non-emergent issues)
- Enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
- Extended Health/Semi Private and Dental Benefits (for Part-time and Full-time only)
- Diverse Committees and Engagement Opportunities
- Opportunities to grow your career and explore different roles within the hospital
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
