Lactation Program Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the field of healthcare, the importance of Lactation Program Coordinators has never been more critical.

As society becomes more aware of the importance of breastfeeding, the demand for competent professionals who can guide, support, and advocate for lactation programs intensifies.

But what exactly is expected from a Lactation Program Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of lactation program coordination,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Lactation Program Coordinator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Lactation Program Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

The Lactation Program Coordinator is a professional healthcare provider who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding.

This position involves both direct patient care and administrative responsibilities related to the development and implementation of lactation programs.

The duties and responsibilities of a Lactation Program Coordinator include:

• Developing, coordinating, and implementing lactation programs
• Providing lactation education and support to parents and families
• Evaluating and treating breastfeeding issues and challenges
• Working closely with healthcare providers to promote breastfeeding practices
• Maintaining accurate and confidential patient records
• Ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and standards
• Conducting research and staying updated on latest breastfeeding practices and guidelines
• Organizing breastfeeding classes for expectant mothers
• Training and mentoring staff on lactation support
• Assessing the effectiveness of lactation programs and making necessary improvements
• Promoting breastfeeding awareness through health education and outreach programs

 

Lactation Program Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and caring Lactation Program Coordinator to oversee our breastfeeding support initiatives.

The Lactation Program Coordinator will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the lactation program, providing support and advice to breastfeeding mothers and educating healthcare providers and the community on the benefits of breastfeeding.

The ideal candidate should be a certified lactation consultant with strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a deep commitment to improving maternal and child health.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage all aspects of the lactation program.
• Provide lactation support and counselling to breastfeeding mothers.
• Develop and implement breastfeeding education materials for mothers, families, and healthcare providers.
• Train healthcare providers on breastfeeding support techniques and best practices.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure consistent and high-quality lactation support.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the lactation program and make improvements as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on lactation support research and best practices.
• Comply with all healthcare regulations and standards related to lactation support.

 

Qualifications

• Certified Lactation Consultant or equivalent qualification.
• Proven experience in lactation support or a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and coordination abilities.
• Passionate about maternal and child health.
• Ability to work well in a multidisciplinary team.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Lactation Program Coordinator
• Work Environment: Hospital or health clinic. Some local travel may be required for training or community outreach activities.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Maternal and Child Health or similar.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• 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 Lactation Program Coordinator Do?

A Lactation Program Coordinator is a healthcare professional who typically works in hospitals, birthing centers, or public health organizations.

They may also offer private consultations.

The primary role of a Lactation Program Coordinator is to develop, implement, and oversee lactation programs.

These programs aim to provide support and education to new mothers on the importance and practice of breastfeeding.

They work closely with a team of healthcare providers, including obstetricians, pediatricians, and nurses, to provide comprehensive lactation services.

They counsel and educate patients on various aspects of breastfeeding, such as proper latching techniques, positioning, and milk production.

Lactation Program Coordinators also provide solutions to breastfeeding problems, like feeding difficulties, latching problems, and breast pain.

They also assist mothers with special conditions, like those having premature or multiple births.

Additionally, they may conduct training sessions for healthcare staff, lead support groups for breastfeeding mothers, and participate in community education events.

Furthermore, Lactation Program Coordinators are responsible for maintaining patient records, coordinating patient care, and evaluating the effectiveness of lactation programs.

They may also engage in research and stay updated on the latest advancements in lactation support and care.

 

Lactation Program Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A Lactation Program Coordinator should possess an array of skills and qualifications that include:

• Knowledge and experience in breastfeeding and lactation management to provide expert advice to mothers and their families.
• Strong organizational skills to coordinate and manage lactation programs effectively, including scheduling sessions, managing resources, and tracking progress.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with new and expecting mothers, their families, and healthcare professionals.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to address any issues or challenges that mothers may encounter during breastfeeding.
• Empathy and patient-care skills to provide support and comfort to mothers dealing with lactation issues.
• Certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or similar qualification to ensure a thorough understanding of lactation and breastfeeding.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care and support to mothers.
• Knowledge of privacy laws and standards to maintain confidentiality of patient information.

 

Lactation Program Coordinator Experience Requirements

Entry-level Lactation Program Coordinators typically require at least 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through an internship or part-time role in a maternity ward, neonatal intensive care unit, or as a volunteer in breastfeeding support organizations.

It is also beneficial for these professionals to have clinical experience in mother-baby settings to gain hands-on experience in breastfeeding counseling and education.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often expected to have additional certifications, such as being an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), which enhances their skills and knowledge in lactation program management.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some managerial or supervisory experience, making them ideal candidates for leading a team of lactation consultants.

They may also have designed or implemented lactation programs, demonstrating their ability to manage and coordinate such programs effectively.

In addition to these, experience in training, education, or counseling are seen as assets as this role often requires conducting educational workshops and counseling sessions for new mothers.

 

Lactation Program Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

A Lactation Program Coordinator typically requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing, nutrition, public health, or a related field.

They must also be a certified lactation consultant, with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification being the most recognized and respected in the field.

This certification requires a specific combination of professional education in human lactation and breastfeeding, clinical experience, and successful completion of the exam.

Most roles require the coordinator to have several years of experience working directly with mothers and infants as a lactation consultant, often in a hospital or public health setting.

In addition to these requirements, a Lactation Program Coordinator should have strong organizational and communication skills, as they are responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining lactation programs.

Although not required, a master’s degree in public health, nutrition, or a related field can be beneficial for those seeking leadership roles or wanting to expand their career opportunities in lactation consulting.

Continuing education and training to stay updated on the latest research and best practices in lactation support is also highly recommended for these professionals.

 

Lactation Program Coordinator Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Lactation Program Coordinator is approximately $66,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate significantly depending on experience, certification, geographical location, and the hiring healthcare institution.

 

Lactation Program Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Lactation Program Coordinator need?

A Lactation Program Coordinator should have excellent communication skills to work with a diverse population of mothers, infants, and their families.

They should also have strong organizational skills to manage multiple aspects of the program.

Additional skills include problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot feeding issues and a deep understanding of breastfeeding practices and principles.

 

Do Lactation Program Coordinators need a degree?

Most Lactation Program Coordinators have a degree in nursing or a related health discipline.

They also need to be a Certified Lactation Consultant, which requires specialized training and passing an exam.

Some employers may require additional education or experience in program management or public health.

 

What should you look for in a Lactation Program Coordinator resume?

In addition to the necessary degree and certification, look for experience working with mothers and infants, specifically in lactation support.

Experience in program management or coordination is also vital.

Also, look for evidence of ongoing professional development, as this field is continually evolving.

 

What qualities make a good Lactation Program Coordinator?

A good Lactation Program Coordinator is compassionate, understanding, and patient, as they often work with mothers who may be stressed or anxious.

They are also resourceful and innovative, capable of finding solutions to a variety of breastfeeding issues.

They must have a passion for maternal and infant health and the ability to motivate and educate others about the benefits of breastfeeding.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Lactation Program Coordinator?

Hiring a Lactation Program Coordinator can be challenging due to the specialized skills and certifications required for the role.

The pool of qualified candidates may be smaller than for other positions.

Therefore, organizations may need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

And so, we unravel the mysteries of being a Lactation Program Coordinator.

Surprised?

It’s not just about breastfeeding education and support.

It’s about nurturing the future, one mother-baby pair at a time.

Now, armed with our insightful Lactation Program Coordinator job description template and real-life scenarios, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating meticulously detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every moment of support given is a part of a bigger journey.

Let’s nurture that future. Together.

How to Become a Lactation Program Coordinator (Complete Guide)

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