NICU Lactation Care Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of neonatal care, the role of NICU Lactation Care Coordinators is indispensable.

As the healthcare industry progresses, the need for professionals adept in supporting, guiding, and optimizing breastfeeding practices for neonates grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a NICU Lactation Care Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the scope of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the specialized nature of neonatal lactation care,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s get started.

NICU Lactation Care Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

NICU Lactation Care Coordinators oversee the breastfeeding support services provided to mothers with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

They use their specialized knowledge of lactation and infant feeding to provide guidance, education, and assistance to mothers, families, and NICU staff.

The duties and responsibilities of a NICU Lactation Care Coordinator include:

• Assessing the lactation needs and concerns of mothers with babies in the NICU
• Developing and implementing individualized lactation care plans for mothers
• Providing education and counseling on lactation and infant feeding to mothers, families, and NICU staff
• Assisting mothers with breastfeeding or pumping, including positioning and latch, use of breast pumps, and breast milk storage
• Collaborating with the NICU team to ensure the appropriate provision of breast milk and/or formula to babies
• Coordinating the provision of lactation supplies such as breast pumps and milk storage containers
• Maintaining detailed records of lactation consultations and care provided
• Addressing any difficulties or complications related to lactation, such as low milk supply, nipple pain, or infant feeding difficulties
• Developing and facilitating lactation education and support groups for mothers and families in the NICU
• Staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in lactation and infant feeding, particularly as they pertain to premature and critically ill infants

 

NICU Lactation Care Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated NICU Lactation Care Coordinator to support and educate mothers on their breastfeeding journey in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

This role involves providing lactation assessments, developing feeding plans, and offering educational resources to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals.

The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of lactation and neonatal care, excellent communication skills, and the ability to empathize with and support mothers during this critical time.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide lactation assessments and consultations to mothers in the NICU
• Develop individualized feeding plans for infants and mothers
• Educate mothers and families on lactation and breastfeeding techniques
• Coordinate with NICU staff to ensure consistent care and feeding practices
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of lactation research and best practices
• Document lactation consultations and progress in patient files
• Assist with the development of lactation policies and procedures
• Provide emotional support to mothers and families

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) required
• Experience working in a NICU or maternity setting
• Strong understanding of lactation and breastfeeding practices
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to empathize with and support mothers during emotional situations
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: NICU Lactation Care Coordinator
• Work Environment: Hospital NICU. This position may require shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the NICU Nurse Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 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 NICU Lactation Care Coordinator Do?

NICU Lactation Care Coordinators are specialized healthcare professionals who work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of hospitals or other medical facilities.

Their primary role is to provide support, education, and advice to mothers who have babies in the NICU about breastfeeding or expressing milk.

This includes teaching mothers how to properly latch the baby, use a breast pump, and store expressed milk safely.

They also monitor the baby’s feeding patterns and weight gain.

They are responsible for developing and implementing breastfeeding support programs and protocols in the NICU, ensuring that mothers receive the necessary support and guidance they need in order to provide their newborns with breast milk, which is especially critical for babies in the NICU.

NICU Lactation Care Coordinators also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as neonatologists, NICU nurses, and dietitians, to create individualized feeding plans for each baby, address any breastfeeding issues, and ensure the best possible nutritional outcomes for the infants.

In addition to this, they may also be involved in research, policy development, and staff training related to breastfeeding and lactation support in the NICU.

Often, they counsel mothers who are dealing with the emotional stress of having a newborn in the NICU, reassuring them about the benefits of breastfeeding, and providing compassionate care throughout the process.

 

NICU Lactation Care Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A NICU Lactation Care Coordinator plays a crucial role in the neonatal unit by providing breastfeeding support and education to new mothers.

The skills and qualifications required for this role include:

• Excellent communication skills to explain complex medical terms in a simple, understandable way to new mothers and families.
• Interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with new mothers, their families, and the healthcare team.
• Extensive knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding, lactation techniques, and potential challenges faced by new mothers.
• Specialized understanding of the specific needs and complications of preterm infants.
• Problem-solving skills to help mothers overcome issues with breastfeeding, such as low milk supply or latching problems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team, including NICU nurses, pediatricians, neonatologists, dieticians, and social workers.
• Compassionate and supportive approach to dealing with emotional or distressed parents.
• Educational background in nursing or health related field, and certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
• Experience working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or similar environment is highly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills to manage patient schedules, document care plans, and track progress.

 

NICU Lactation Care Coordinator Experience Requirements

An NICU Lactation Care Coordinator usually starts their career path as a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

With 1 to 2 years of nursing experience, often in neonatal or mother/baby units, they can start gaining knowledge and exposure to lactation support.

In order to specialize in lactation, they would need to complete a lactation education program and subsequently become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).

This certification requires a mix of both theoretical and practical experience in providing professional lactation support.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience may have developed their skills in providing lactation support, NICU care, and patient education.

They are often experienced in coordinating care, developing and implementing feeding plans, and counseling parents.

Those with over 5 years of experience as an NICU Lactation Care Coordinator may have developed a deep expertise in neonatal care, have leadership experience, and are often capable of managing a team of lactation consultants.

They may also have experience in developing hospital-wide lactation programs and training other healthcare professionals in lactation support.

 

NICU Lactation Care Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

An NICU Lactation Care Coordinator is usually a registered nurse who has completed a Bachelor’s degree in nursing.

They typically have several years of experience working in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) or in maternity and newborn units.

In addition, they should have completed specialized training in lactation management, which could include a lactation consultant certification program.

This certification is awarded by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) after passing a comprehensive exam.

Some coordinators may also have a Master’s degree in nursing or healthcare management, which can provide them with advanced skills in patient care, healthcare policy, and leadership.

Continuing education is important for NICU Lactation Care Coordinators, as new research and techniques are constantly being developed.

They often need to attend workshops, seminars, or courses to stay updated on the latest best practices in lactation management.

Finally, most states require Lactation Care Coordinators to maintain their registered nursing license, which includes ongoing education and training requirements.

 

NICU Lactation Care Coordinator Salary Expectations

A NICU Lactation Care Coordinator can expect to earn an average salary of $79,000 (USD) per year.

This salary may vary depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the location of the hospital or healthcare facility, and the complexity of the role within the specific NICU department.

 

NICU Lactation Care Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a NICU Lactation Care Coordinator need?

A NICU Lactation Care Coordinator should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with mothers, families, and the medical team effectively.

They should have a comprehensive knowledge of lactation, breastfeeding practices, and the ability to educate and support mothers.

Problem-solving skills, patience, empathy, and sensitivity to deal with emotionally charged situations are also essential for this role.

 

What qualifications does a NICU Lactation Care Coordinator need?

A NICU Lactation Care Coordinator typically needs to be a registered nurse with specific training in lactation care.

They should also possess an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification.

Other requirements may include neonatal resuscitation and Basic Life Support (BLS) certifications.

 

What does a NICU Lactation Care Coordinator typically do in a day?

A typical day for a NICU Lactation Care Coordinator may include assessing the lactation needs of mothers, developing care plans, providing breastfeeding education and support, coordinating with medical staff to provide integrated care, and documenting patient care.

They may also participate in meetings with the healthcare team and provide in-services to staff regarding lactation issues.

 

What traits make an effective NICU Lactation Care Coordinator?

An effective NICU Lactation Care Coordinator is compassionate, empathetic, and patient, as they deal with mothers who may be experiencing emotional stress.

They should be good educators, capable of explaining complex medical terms in a way that patients can understand.

They also need to be excellent listeners, to understand the specific concerns and needs of each patient.

 

Is it challenging to hire a NICU Lactation Care Coordinator?

Hiring a NICU Lactation Care Coordinator can be challenging due to the specific skill set and qualifications required for this role.

It requires a combination of medical, educational, and interpersonal skills, which can be hard to find.

Moreover, due to the emotionally charged nature of the work, it is essential to find someone who is not only qualified but also passionate about providing lactation support to mothers and babies in the NICU.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a NICU Lactation Care Coordinator.

Surprised?

It’s not just about providing breastfeeding support.

It’s about nurturing the growth of infants, one feeding at a time.

With our comprehensive NICU Lactation Care Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to start your journey.

But why stop here?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every feeding is a step towards a healthier infant.

Let’s nurture the future. Together.

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