Lactation Consultant - Granville Health System

Job Summary:

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Lactation Consultant to provide comprehensive breastfeeding support to new mothers and their infants in both a hospital labor and delivery setting and outpatient pediatric practices. The Lactation Consultant will work closely with healthcare providers to promote, educate, and support breastfeeding as a vital part of newborn care and overall health.

Key Responsibilities:

• Hospital Labor and Delivery Unit
• Provide bedside lactation support and education to new mothers and their families immediately after birth.
• Assist with the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hours of life.
• Assess and address breastfeeding difficulties, such as latching problems, milk production concerns, and infant feeding behavior.
• Collaborate with labor and delivery nurses, physicians, and other healthcare staff to ensure continuity of care.
• Document patient progress and interventions in the hospital's electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Provide discharge planning and breastfeeding resources for mothers as they transition home.
• Provide staff education to support continuity of care.
• Outpatient Pediatric Practices
• Offer follow-up lactation consultations for new mothers experiencing ongoing breastfeeding challenges (e.g., latch issues, mastitis, low milk supply).
• Monitor infant growth and feeding progress in collaboration with pediatricians.
• Educate parents on breastfeeding techniques, benefits of breastfeeding, and infant nutrition.
• Conduct breastfeeding workshops and educational sessions for new and expecting parents.
• Maintain accurate patient records, including assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the clinic’s EMR system.
• Work closely with pediatricians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to develop comprehensive care plans for breastfeeding families.
• Provide staff education to support continuity of care.

Qualifications:

• Education
• Current IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) certification required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Health Education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience
• At least 2 years of clinical experience in lactation consulting.
• Experience working with both inpatient (hospital) and outpatient (clinic) populations preferred.
• Skills
• In-depth knowledge of breastfeeding techniques, newborn development, and maternal health.
• Strong communication skills to educate and support new mothers and families.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
• Proficient in the use of electronic medical records (EMR).