Hospital Lactation Consultant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of healthcare, the role of a hospital lactation consultant has become increasingly pivotal.

As the demands of nursing mothers and newborns continue to evolve, the need for empathetic professionals who can provide tailored breastfeeding support and education heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a hospital lactation consultant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the scope of this role,
• A hiring manager detailing the profile of an ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricate responsibilities of lactation consulting,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we’re presenting a customizable hospital lactation consultant job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Hospital Lactation Consultant Duties and Responsibilities

Hospital Lactation Consultants are healthcare professionals who provide support, care, and advice to breastfeeding mothers.

They have specialized knowledge and skills to address breastfeeding difficulties and help create a comfortable breastfeeding environment.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the mother’s health history to identify any potential issues that may affect breastfeeding
• Observing and assisting with breastfeeding sessions to ensure proper techniques and positioning
• Providing education and guidance to mothers about breastfeeding benefits, techniques, and potential challenges
• Developing individualized breastfeeding plans based on the specific needs of the mother and baby
• Identifying and treating common breastfeeding issues, such as latching difficulties, low milk supply, or nipple pain
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as obstetricians, pediatricians, and dietitians, to provide comprehensive care
• Providing emotional support and encouragement to breastfeeding mothers
• Conducting regular follow-ups with mothers to monitor breastfeeding progress and address any issues
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest research and guidelines in lactation and infant nutrition
• Maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy during consultation sessions
• Documenting and reporting all patient interactions and progress for future reference and continuity of care

 

Hospital Lactation Consultant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Hospital Lactation Consultant to join our maternal health team.

The Lactation Consultant will provide expert breastfeeding and lactation care to patients, teach classes, and consult on complicated cases of lactation.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to improving maternal and child health, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a deep understanding of breastfeeding techniques and challenges.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide breastfeeding and lactation care and services to patients
• Educate and counsel patients about breastfeeding, including techniques, problems and solutions
• Work closely with healthcare providers to manage complex cases
• Teach breastfeeding classes to expecting parents
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to lactation services
• Assist with the development of educational materials
• Stay updated with the latest research and best practices in lactation consulting
• Participate in relevant professional development activities

 

Qualifications

• Current and valid certification as a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
• Proven experience working as a Lactation Consultant in a hospital setting
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a compassionate nature
• Ability to work well in a team and coordinate with other healthcare professionals
• Knowledge of current breastfeeding best practices and techniques
• Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) systems

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hospital Lactation Consultant
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. Some travel may be required for community outreach or continuing education opportunities.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Maternal Child Health.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $52,000 minimum to $72,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Hospital Lactation Consultant Do?

Hospital Lactation Consultants are healthcare professionals who specialize in providing support and education to mothers about breastfeeding and related issues.

They work in hospital settings, often in maternity or neonatal units.

They provide guidance and instruction to new mothers on how to properly breastfeed, as well as help solve any problems that may arise during the breastfeeding process, such as issues with latching or low milk supply.

Lactation Consultants also offer advice on how to maintain milk supply when the mother returns to work, how to handle and store breast milk, and how to use breastfeeding equipment like breast pumps.

In addition to one-on-one consultations, they may also conduct group classes or seminars for expecting or new mothers.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals such as obstetricians, pediatricians, and nurses to ensure the mother and baby’s overall well-being.

Furthermore, they often provide emotional support to mothers who may feel overwhelmed or stressed by difficulties with breastfeeding, reinforcing that there are different ways to feed a baby and that they should not feel guilty or inadequate if they struggle with breastfeeding.

 

Hospital Lactation Consultant Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Hospital Lactation Consultant should have the skills and qualifications that align with this unique healthcare role, such as:

• Expert knowledge of human lactation and breastfeeding, providing advice, guidance and practical assistance to new mothers.
• Excellent communication skills to work closely with new mothers, family members, and hospital staff, explaining complex information in an understandable manner.
• Sensitivity and empathy to provide emotional support to mothers who may be dealing with physical discomfort or emotional stress related to breastfeeding.
• Problem-solving abilities to assess lactation issues and devise effective solutions that cater to the unique needs of mother and baby.
• Strong observational skills to monitor the feeding process, assess the baby’s latching technique, and make necessary adjustments.
• Knowledge of medical conditions and medications that can impact breastfeeding, and ability to work closely with healthcare providers to ensure optimal patient care.
• Flexibility to adapt to various situations and patient needs, as circumstances can change rapidly in a hospital environment.
• Pedagogical skills to effectively teach breastfeeding techniques and provide tips for maintaining lactation when separated from the baby, such as during work hours.
• Must hold a certification from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) or equivalent recognized body.

 

Hospital Lactation Consultant Experience Requirements

Hospital Lactation Consultants typically start their career journey with a nursing or healthcare degree.

They gain foundational experience through clinical placements and internships in maternity, newborn, or pediatric care sectors, which is a vital requirement for this role.

Entry-level lactation consultants may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through working in maternal and child health departments, NICUs, or other related healthcare settings.

This is usually complemented by a certification from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) which signifies that they have the essential skills and knowledge to help breastfeeding mothers and infants.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may have had the opportunity to further develop their expertise in lactation support and maternal and child health.

This experience often comes from roles such as a Certified Lactation Counselor, Registered Nurse, or other roles related to maternal and infant health care.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have held leadership roles in their previous jobs, have expertise in delivering breastfeeding education to healthcare professionals, or have experience in developing hospital breastfeeding policies.

They are likely prepared for a supervisory role within the lactation services department.

Regardless of experience level, continuous education and staying updated on the latest breastfeeding research and techniques are crucial in this role.

Therefore, regular participation in professional development activities, like workshops and seminars, is often required.

 

Hospital Lactation Consultant Education and Training Requirements

Hospital Lactation Consultants are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, nutrition, or a related healthcare field.

They must also complete a comprehensive lactation consultant training program which includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.

After completing this training, they are eligible to sit for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) exam to become a certified lactation consultant.

To maintain their certification, lactation consultants must complete a certain amount of continuing education units every five years.

These courses help them stay updated on the latest research and practices in lactation support.

Apart from the educational requirements, lactation consultants also need strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively guide and support mothers throughout the breastfeeding process.

In some cases, employers may prefer lactation consultants who have experience working in a hospital or other healthcare setting, so internships or prior work experience can be beneficial.

Additionally, some lactation consultants may choose to specialize in certain areas, such as premature infants or multiple births, which may require additional training or certification.

 

Hospital Lactation Consultant Salary Expectations

A Hospital Lactation Consultant can expect to earn an average salary of $79,007 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can vary widely depending on factors such as level of experience, certifications, the size of the hospital, and the geographical location.

 

Hospital Lactation Consultant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Hospital Lactation Consultant need?

A Hospital Lactation Consultant should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills for effectively educating and supporting mothers.

They should have in-depth knowledge of infant feeding practices, childbirth, and postpartum care.

Problem-solving skills are also crucial to help mothers overcome breastfeeding challenges.

Additionally, they should be empathetic, patient, and sensitive to a mother’s needs.

 

What are the qualifications of a Hospital Lactation Consultant?

A Hospital Lactation Consultant usually requires an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification.

The prerequisite for this certification typically includes healthcare education and clinical experience in lactation and breastfeeding support.

Some hospitals may also require a nursing degree or a degree in a relevant healthcare field.

 

What are the daily duties of a Hospital Lactation Consultant?

A Hospital Lactation Consultant typically meets with mothers to assess their breastfeeding practices and provides necessary education and support.

They create personalized feeding plans, address any breastfeeding issues, and monitor the mother and baby’s progress.

Additionally, they collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure cohesive care and may provide training and education to hospital staff about breastfeeding.

 

What qualities make a good Hospital Lactation Consultant?

A good Hospital Lactation Consultant is patient and empathetic, understanding that breastfeeding can be challenging for many mothers.

They should possess excellent communication skills to deliver information and advice in a clear, supportive manner.

They should also be passionate about promoting breastfeeding and providing the best care for mothers and babies.

 

What should you look for in a Hospital Lactation Consultant resume?

Look for a certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) on a Hospital Lactation Consultant’s resume.

They should also have clinical experience in lactation and breastfeeding support.

Any additional training or experience in maternal-child health, childbirth, or postpartum care is also beneficial.

Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated passion for helping mothers and babies are also important qualities to look for.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a peek into the rewarding world of being a hospital lactation consultant.

Guess what?

It’s not just about feeding techniques.

It’s about fostering strong mother-baby bonds and promoting optimal infant nutrition, one feeding session at a time.

With our indispensable hospital lactation consultant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this nurturing field.

But why stop at the surface?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every feeding session is a part of a bigger journey.

Let’s nurture that journey. Together.

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