NICU Lactation Support Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s healthcare field, the need for NICU Lactation Support Specialists has never been more profound.

As medical science and maternal care advance, the demand for skilled individuals who can support, guide, and educate new mothers about breastfeeding in the neonatal intensive care unit continues to rise.

But what are the actual expectations for a NICU Lactation Support Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or merely intrigued by the specifics of neonatal lactation support,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable NICU Lactation Support Specialist job description template, designed for quick and easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

NICU Lactation Support Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

NICU Lactation Support Specialists are healthcare professionals who provide support, care, and advice to mothers of newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) about breastfeeding and human lactation.

They play an integral role in promoting the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Providing evidence-based breastfeeding and lactation care and information to mothers
• Working closely with the NICU team to develop and implement individualized feeding plans for premature or critically ill babies
• Assessing the mother’s ability to breastfeed or provide breast milk and offering solutions to any problems
• Teaching new mothers techniques for breastfeeding and pumping breast milk
• Providing emotional support and counseling to mothers who are experiencing difficulties with lactation
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge about the latest research and trends in lactation support
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure optimal nutrition for newborns
• Documenting and communicating the lactation care plan to the healthcare team, mothers, and families
• Ensuring compliance with all hospital protocols and policies related to breastfeeding and infant nutrition

 

NICU Lactation Support Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and caring NICU Lactation Support Specialist to join our healthcare team.

As a specialist, you will provide expert breastfeeding guidance and education to new mothers and families.

You will also assess and ensure that infants in the NICU are receiving the necessary nutrition, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and provide lactation consultation to new mothers in the NICU.
• Educate patients and their families about the benefits of breastfeeding.
• Develop individualized lactation care plans based on the needs of the patient and infant.
• Monitor infant feeding patterns and provide necessary interventions.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care.
• Document and maintain accurate patient records.
• Advocate for breastfeeding policies and practices within the NICU.
• Provide follow-up care and support to patients post-discharge.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development activities.

 

Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license required.
• Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) required.
• Previous experience in a NICU or similar setting preferred.
• Strong knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and interventions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassionate and patient-focused approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Computer proficiency and ability to document patient care electronically.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: NICU Lactation Support Specialist
• Work Environment: Hospital-based NICU unit, with potential for occasional off-site visits for follow-up care.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the NICU Nurse Manager or Nursing Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $67,000 minimum to $98,000 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 Support Specialist Do?

A NICU Lactation Support Specialist is a healthcare professional who works within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a hospital or healthcare facility.

They primarily assist and support mothers who are having difficulties with breastfeeding their infants, especially those who have been admitted into the NICU.

The Specialist provides education and guidance on proper breastfeeding techniques and positions to ensure the infant is receiving adequate nutrition.

They also assist with pumping and storing breast milk, and educating on the usage of breastfeeding equipment.

In situations where a newborn is unable to breastfeed directly, the Specialist may also advise on alternative feeding methods such as tube feeding or cup feeding.

In addition to providing hands-on assistance, a NICU Lactation Support Specialist often collaborates with other healthcare professionals including neonatologists, nurses, and dietitians.

They help to develop feeding plans and strategies that best fit each infant’s specific needs, taking into account factors such as the infant’s health status, gestational age, and the mother’s health and lactation status.

The Specialist also provides emotional support and encouragement to mothers, helping them to navigate the challenges of breastfeeding in the NICU.

They advocate for the importance of mother-infant bonding and support mothers in their breastfeeding journey.

As part of their role, NICU Lactation Support Specialists may also conduct research, contribute to policy development, and participate in community outreach and education about breastfeeding and lactation support.

 

NICU Lactation Support Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A NICU Lactation Support Specialist should have the skills and qualifications that align with the sensitive and specialized nature of this role, including:

• Registered Nurse or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification, showcasing in-depth knowledge and skillset in infant breastfeeding and lactation.
• Experience in neonatal intensive care units (NICU), demonstrating familiarity with the particular needs of preterm or ill newborns.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with mothers, families, and healthcare staff, providing crucial information and emotional support.
• Problem-solving skills to accurately diagnose breastfeeding difficulties and develop tailored lactation plans.
• Empathy and patience to support mothers experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression associated with NICU and breastfeeding challenges.
• Strong knowledge of infant nutrition, physiology, and the benefits and complexities of breastfeeding to provide accurate and comprehensive advice.
• Physical endurance to work long shifts and ability to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively.
• Proficiency in maintaining patient records, documenting breastfeeding plans and progress, and adhering to patient confidentiality regulations.

 

NICU Lactation Support Specialist Experience Requirements

NICU Lactation Support Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field, followed by a significant amount of practical experience in a clinical setting.

They must also complete an accredited lactation consultant program and earn certification from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).

Entry-level candidates usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship or part-time role in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), maternity ward, or a pediatric clinic.

They may also gain relevant experience in roles such as registered nurse, nurse midwife, or pediatric nurse.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their skills in providing lactation support and counseling to new mothers, managing lactation problems, and promoting breastfeeding in the NICU setting.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have some leadership or supervisory experience in their background and may be ready for a managerial position or a role in designing and implementing lactation policies and programs in the NICU.

They may also have experience in conducting research or providing education and training on lactation and breastfeeding-related topics.

 

NICU Lactation Support Specialist Education and Training Requirements

The NICU Lactation Support Specialist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related health field.

To become a lactation consultant, one must be an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) which requires passing an exam from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).

To be eligible for the IBLCE exam, candidates typically need a health sciences background, lactation specific education, and hundreds of hours of supervised clinical experience in lactation consulting.

A strong background in neonatal intensive care nursing is also important.

This often involves gaining experience by working as a registered nurse in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Some positions may require a master’s degree in nursing, especially for those seeking leadership or managerial roles.

In addition to the IBCLC certification, candidates may pursue other relevant certifications, such as the Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) or Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant (ANLC) credentials.

It is also recommended that NICU Lactation Support Specialists maintain their knowledge and skills through continuing education and training programs.

These professionals must also have strong communication and counseling skills, as they work closely with mothers and families during a challenging period.

 

NICU Lactation Support Specialist Salary Expectations

The average salary for a NICU Lactation Support Specialist is approximately $76,000 (USD) per year.

However, this can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, qualifications, the hospital or healthcare facility’s location, and the complexity of the cases handled.

 

NICU Lactation Support Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a NICU Lactation Support Specialist need?

A NICU Lactation Support Specialist should have excellent interpersonal skills as they will be dealing with parents in stressful situations.

They should have in-depth knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and the ability to instruct mothers effectively.

They also need to be detail-oriented to track the progress of each baby’s feeding habits and have the empathy and patience to support mothers during this critical period.

 

What are the qualifications required for a NICU Lactation Support Specialist?

NICU Lactation Support Specialists should ideally be Registered Nurses with additional certification in lactation support.

They should have completed a lactation consultant training program and be certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).

They also need to have extensive experience in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU).

 

What should you look for in a NICU Lactation Support Specialist resume?

The resume of a NICU Lactation Support Specialist should highlight their nursing qualifications, including their registered nurse status and additional lactation support certification.

It should also detail their experience working in a NICU environment and providing lactation support to mothers.

Any additional qualifications or skills that contribute to their ability to provide emotional support to mothers and families, such as counseling or psychology qualifications, can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good NICU Lactation Support Specialist?

A good NICU Lactation Support Specialist has exceptional communication skills, allowing them to provide clear and helpful advice to new mothers.

They are empathetic and understanding, being able to support mothers emotionally during a difficult time.

They are also highly organized and diligent, able to accurately track and monitor the progress of each baby’s feeding and provide accurate reports to the healthcare team.

 

How demanding is the role of a NICU Lactation Support Specialist?

The role of a NICU Lactation Support Specialist can be quite demanding, both physically and emotionally.

They often work long hours and may have to deal with stressful situations as they work with critically ill babies and their anxious parents.

However, the role can also be incredibly rewarding, as they play a critical part in helping babies and their families during a challenging time.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the pivotal role of a NICU Lactation Support Specialist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about breastfeeding advice.

It’s about nourishing the future, one baby at a time.

With our comprehensive NICU Lactation Support Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your next step.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction is a crucial component of a newborn’s health journey.

Let’s nurture that future. Together.

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