Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the importance of lactation counselors in the Mother-Baby Unit has never been more apparent.

As our understanding of maternal and infant health evolves, the need for compassionate, knowledgeable professionals to guide and support mothers in their breastfeeding journey continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a lactation counselor in the Mother-Baby Unit?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of lactation support,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselors are healthcare professionals who specialize in providing support, education, and assistance to mothers who are breastfeeding.

These professionals are responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess breastfeeding mothers and their babies to determine the need for breastfeeding interventions
• Provide personalized breastfeeding education and support to new mothers
• Develop individualized breastfeeding plans and strategies for mothers who may be experiencing difficulties
• Monitor the progress of breastfeeding mothers and their babies and adjust care plans as needed
• Teach mothers about the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby
• Provide advice on proper nutrition for breastfeeding mothers
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses and pediatricians, to ensure comprehensive care
• Conduct group sessions or workshops on breastfeeding education and support
• Assist mothers with the use of breastfeeding equipment, such as breast pumps
• Stay updated on latest research and trends in lactation support

 

Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor to support new mothers in our facility.

The Lactation Counselor will assist with breastfeeding education, troubleshoot issues, and provide guidance to mothers during their postpartum period.

Our ideal candidate is a compassionate professional with substantial knowledge in lactation and newborn care.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide breastfeeding support and education to new mothers during their hospital stay and post-discharge
• Assess the mother’s and baby’s nursing progress, and make recommendations for changes
• Develop individualized breastfeeding plans for new mothers
• Identify and assist with breastfeeding problems
• Document patient interaction, concerns, and progress
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity and consistency of care
• Conduct breastfeeding classes and workshops for expecting mothers
• Stay up-to-date with the latest research in lactation and newborn care

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Lactation Counselor or similar role in a healthcare setting
• Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential
• Knowledge of current lactation practices and resources
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate and patient
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Maternity and Parental leave
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness programs

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor
• Work Environment: Hospital setting with frequent exposure to patient care areas. This role requires direct patient contact and interaction.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Nursing Director of Mother-Baby Unit.
• Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, qualifications and market considerations.
• Pay Range: Variable depending on location and experience
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time, Part-time, and PRN positions available
• 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 Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor Do?

A Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor primarily works in hospitals, birth centers, or other health institutions, providing guidance and support to new mothers who are breastfeeding.

They educate mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding, proper breastfeeding techniques, and how to maintain lactation.

They also troubleshoot common breastfeeding problems such as latching difficulties, painful nursing, and low milk production.

In their role, Lactation Counselors assess the needs of both mother and baby, using various tools and techniques to facilitate successful breastfeeding experiences.

They may also use special equipment like breast pumps and teach mothers how to use them effectively.

Lactation Counselors collaborate closely with other healthcare providers such as pediatricians, obstetricians, and nurses to ensure a comprehensive approach to mother and baby care.

They create personalized breastfeeding plans based on each mother’s unique circumstances, and provide emotional support throughout the process.

In addition, they stay updated on the latest breastfeeding research and guidelines, and may conduct classes or workshops to educate expectant mothers about breastfeeding.

They often play a crucial role in promoting breastfeeding within their community and can provide resources and referrals when additional support is needed.

 

Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor should possess the skills and qualifications necessary to provide guidance and support to new mothers, such as:

• Extensive knowledge about breastfeeding, including the physiology of milk production, breastfeeding techniques, and addressing common breastfeeding difficulties.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively provide advice and support to new mothers, ensuring they understand the benefits and methods of breastfeeding.
• Strong empathy and patience to deal with mothers who might be struggling with breastfeeding or are dealing with postpartum depression.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address any issues that mothers may face while breastfeeding, such as latching problems or insufficient milk supply.
• Ability to provide emotional support and reassurance to new mothers, helping them to build confidence in their breastfeeding abilities.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations related to infant nutrition and breastfeeding to ensure both the mother and the baby are safe and healthy.
• Physical stamina as the role often requires long hours and the ability to comfortably handle infants during breastfeeding training sessions.
• Accreditation as a Certified Lactation Counselor or similar credentials, showcasing thorough understanding of breastfeeding and lactation practices.

 

Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor Experience Requirements

A career as a Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor generally begins with a background in healthcare, often as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

This foundation provides the necessary knowledge of health and wellness, as well as practical experience working with patients.

In terms of specialized experience, aspiring Lactation Counselors often start by gaining experience in mother-baby units, labor and delivery, or postpartum nursing.

This provides them with firsthand experience with breastfeeding mothers and newborns.

They may also volunteer or work part-time in roles that involve infant care or breastfeeding support.

To become a Lactation Counselor, a significant amount of specialized training and education is required.

This usually involves completing a lactation education program and gaining practical experience under the supervision of an experienced Lactation Consultant.

After completing the necessary training, candidates must pass a certification exam to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience are typically considered proficient in their role.

These professionals have usually honed their counseling and problem-solving skills, and are adept at helping mothers overcome common breastfeeding challenges.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in lactation counseling are often considered experts in their field.

They may be prepared to take on leadership roles in their workplaces, such as supervising newer counselors, leading workshops, or developing breastfeeding support programs.

 

Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor Education and Training Requirements

A Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational requirement.

However, a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related healthcare field is often preferred.

Training for this role usually involves becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) and gaining experience in mother-baby units.

This requires graduating from an accredited nursing program, passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), and obtaining state licensure.

Once a Registered Nurse, individuals interested in becoming a lactation counselor often gain a few years of experience providing nursing care to mothers and infants.

This experience is crucial as it provides the necessary understanding and familiarity with breastfeeding and the challenges that new mothers may face.

To specialize as a Lactation Counselor, a professional certification such as the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification is usually required.

This involves completing specific lactation education courses, accumulating a certain number of hours of lactation specific clinical experience, and passing an exam.

Continuing education is important in this role to keep up with the latest research and advancements in lactation support.

This could include courses or workshops on topics such as infant nutrition, breastfeeding techniques, and lactation for mothers with special circumstances.

Some hospitals and healthcare facilities may also require Lactation Counselors to have Basic Life Support (BLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications as part of their emergency response preparation.

 

Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor Salary Expectations

A Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor earns an average salary of $63,220 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, certifications, geographical location, and the healthcare institution.

 

Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor need?

Lactation Counselors need strong communication and listening skills to effectively discuss breastfeeding concerns with mothers and families.

They must have detailed knowledge of breastfeeding techniques, baby positioning, and common issues related to breastfeeding.

They should also have excellent problem-solving skills to assist mothers facing breastfeeding challenges.

Compassion and sensitivity towards new mothers is also crucial for this role.

 

What are the educational requirements for a Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor?

A Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor must be a registered nurse, midwife, or a health professional with a degree in a related field.

They also need to have completed specialized lactation education and training from an accredited program.

Certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is often required by many hospitals and clinics.

 

What should you look for in a Lactation Counselor resume?

A Lactation Counselor’s resume should clearly indicate their educational background, including whether they are an RN, midwife, or other health professional.

It should also list their lactation-specific education and any certifications, such as being an IBCLC.

Experience in a maternity setting, specifically working with breastfeeding mothers and newborns, is also important to consider.

Additional skills to look for include interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities.

 

What qualities make a good Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor?

Good Lactation Counselors are compassionate, patient, and empathetic as they are often working with stressed and overwhelmed new mothers.

They need to be excellent listeners and communicators, capable of providing clear and simple instructions on breastfeeding techniques.

They should also be flexible, able to adapt their advice to fit different mothers’ needs and situations.

Their commitment to continuing education is essential, as they need to stay current on breastfeeding practices and policies.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor?

A Lactation Counselor typically begins their day by reviewing their appointments and preparing for consultations.

They spend a considerable part of their day meeting one-on-one with mothers, discussing breastfeeding concerns, observing feedings, and providing guidance.

They may also conduct group classes for expectant or new mothers on breastfeeding basics.

Part of their day might also involve communicating with other healthcare providers about specific patient cases and updating patient records with consultation details.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about providing breastfeeding support.

It’s about nurturing the bond between a mother and her newborn, one feeding session at a time.

With our comprehensive Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the leap.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to crafting precise listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every feeding session is a part of a bigger journey.

Let’s nurture that bond. Together.

How to Become a Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Counselor (Complete Guide)

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