Obstetrician’s Office Lactation Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]
In the world of maternal health, the role of lactation counselors in obstetrician’s offices has never been more critical.
As the dynamics of healthcare evolve, the need for compassionate professionals who can provide, enhance, and uphold lactation support for new mothers increases.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a lactation counselor in an obstetrician’s office?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
- Or simply interested in the intricacies of lactation counseling,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable lactation counselor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or health career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Obstetrician’s Office Lactation Counselor Duties and Responsibilities
Lactation Counselors in an Obstetrician’s office play a critical role in assisting and advising new mothers in breastfeeding.
Their expertise is essential to ensuring that newborns receive appropriate nutrition and that mothers understand their role and responsibilities in breastfeeding.
Lactation counselors have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Educate and counsel pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding
- Provide individualized breastfeeding strategies based on the specific needs of the mother and infant
- Assist mothers in understanding the use of breast pumps and other breastfeeding products
- Assess breastfeeding techniques and provide feedback and guidance to mothers
- Support and encourage mothers who encounter difficulties during the breastfeeding process
- Collaborate with healthcare providers to manage medical conditions related to lactation
- Assist mothers in maintaining lactation if they are separated from their infants due to medical reasons or employment
- Document and maintain accurate records of client’s progress and treatment
- Stay updated with latest research and guidelines related to lactation and breastfeeding
Obstetrician’s Office Lactation Counselor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Lactation Counselor to join our obstetrician’s office.
The counselor will provide breastfeeding guidance and support to new and expectant mothers.
The Lactation Counselor will be responsible for assessing the needs of mother and infant, creating care plans, and providing education on breastfeeding techniques and benefits.
The ideal candidate is a caring professional with a background in healthcare, particularly in the areas of obstetrics, midwifery, or neonatal care.
Responsibilities
- Providing evidence-based lactation care and education to expectant and new mothers
- Developing individualized care plans based on assessment of mother-infant dyad
- Monitoring progress and adjusting care plans as needed
- Collaborating with healthcare team to ensure comprehensive patient care
- Maintaining accurate patient records
- Providing emotional support and encouragement to patients
- Assisting with breastfeeding difficulties such as latching problems, engorgement, and low milk supply
- Staying updated on current research and best practices in lactation care
Qualifications
- Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification required
- Proven experience as a lactation counselor or consultant
- Knowledge of safe and effective breastfeeding techniques
- Understanding of medical conditions that can affect breastfeeding
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Compassionate and patient-centered approach
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with professionalism
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Maternity leave
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Lactation Counselor
- Work Environment: Clinical setting in an obstetrician’s office. Some home visits may be required.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Obstetrician or Practice Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $51,000 minimum to $76,000 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 an Obstetrician’s Office Lactation Counselor Do?
An Obstetrician’s Office Lactation Counselor works primarily with new and expecting mothers, providing them with education and support on breastfeeding.
They may work as part of a team of healthcare professionals, including obstetricians, pediatricians, and nurses, in a clinic or hospital setting.
They also might work in private practice or offer home visits.
Their primary responsibility is to assist mothers in understanding the mechanics of breastfeeding and overcoming any related issues, such as latching difficulties, milk production problems, or breastfeeding after a Caesarean section.
Lactation Counselors also work to develop personalized breastfeeding plans for mothers, taking into account their health, the baby’s health, and any other relevant factors.
They educate mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding, dispel common myths, and provide emotional support during this often challenging time.
The Lactation Counselor may also organize and lead group sessions or workshops on breastfeeding, offering a platform for new mothers to share their experiences and gain advice.
Moreover, they stay updated with the latest research and advancements in lactation science to ensure the advice given to mothers is based on the most recent evidence-based practices.
If needed, they may also refer mothers to other health specialists for issues beyond their scope of practice.
Obstetrician’s Office Lactation Counselor Qualifications and Skills
A qualified lactation counselor in an obstetrician’s office should have the skills and qualifications that align with the demands of the role, such as:
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of breastfeeding techniques and common complications or concerns associated with breastfeeding.
- Adequate medical knowledge to assist mothers with different health conditions that may affect breastfeeding.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively educate and guide mothers in breastfeeding techniques and to address their concerns clearly and empathetically.
- Interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with mothers, creating a comfortable, supportive and judgement-free environment.
- Problem-solving skills to identify and help manage common breastfeeding issues such as latching difficulties, painful nursing, and low milk production.
- Counseling skills to provide emotional and psychological support to mothers, especially those struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety.
- Ability to handle sensitive situations and maintain patient confidentiality.
- Documentation skills for recording patient’s progress and any issues or complications.
- Certification as a Lactation Counselor or Consultant from a recognized body such as the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).
Obstetrician’s Office Lactation Counselor Experience Requirements
To become an Obstetrician’s Office Lactation Counselor, candidates usually need to have a significant amount of experience related to maternal and infant healthcare.
This could include experience as a registered nurse or midwife, ideally in a maternity ward or obstetrician’s office.
Entry-level candidates may be required to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in maternal and infant care.
They may have gained this experience through a nursing role, midwifery, or a related healthcare position.
Having hands-on experience dealing with breastfeeding mothers and newborns is crucial in this role.
Candidates are also expected to complete a recognized lactation counselor course and obtain certification from an authorized body such as the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).
This requires a significant amount of theoretical and practical training, including about 90 hours of specialized education in human lactation and breastfeeding, and hundreds of hours of hands-on clinical experience.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of the techniques and strategies involved in lactation counseling.
They may also be able to handle more complex cases, provide education to families, and develop breastfeeding policies and protocols.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have a comprehensive grasp of lactation management and may have experience leading lactation programs or training other healthcare professionals in lactation support.
These individuals may be suitable for leadership roles within a lactation department.
Obstetrician’s Office Lactation Counselor Education and Training Requirements
A Lactation Counselor in an Obstetrician’s office typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational requirement.
However, they also need to successfully complete a lactation counselor training program that is approved by a reputable organization such as the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) or the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).
The training program usually involves a mixture of classroom learning and practical, hands-on experience.
The duration can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the comprehensiveness of the program.
After completing the training program, candidates must pass a certifying examination to become a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC).
This certification needs to be maintained through continuous education and periodic recertification.
In addition to formal training, a Lactation Counselor in an Obstetrician’s office must have excellent interpersonal skills, as they will be working directly with new mothers and infants.
They must also have a thorough understanding of breastfeeding techniques, the ability to identify and solve breastfeeding problems, and knowledge of infant nutrition.
Some Obstetrician’s offices might prefer candidates with a nursing or healthcare background as it provides a broader understanding of patient care.
Also, additional training or certification in neonatal care or pediatric nursing can be beneficial.
Continuing education is also important for Lactation Counselors to stay updated with the latest research and advancements in lactation and infant care.
Obstetrician’s Office Lactation Counselor Salary Expectations
A Lactation Counselor working in an Obstetrician’s Office earns an average salary of $56,870 (USD) per year.
However, this can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, additional certifications, geographical location, and the specific office’s pay policies.
Obstetrician’s Office Lactation Counselor Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does a Lactation Counselor need?
Lactation Counselors should typically have a background in health sciences or nursing.
Additionally, they should be certified by a recognized institution such as the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.
Some roles may require the counselor to be a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).
What skills does a Lactation Counselor need?
Lactation Counselors need to have strong interpersonal skills, as they will be working with new mothers and families.
They also need to be empathetic and patient, as breastfeeding can often be a challenging process for new mothers.
In addition, they should have strong problem-solving skills to address any issues or complications that arise during breastfeeding.
What are the daily duties of a Lactation Counselor?
On a typical day, a Lactation Counselor may meet with new mothers and evaluate their breastfeeding techniques.
They may provide advice or suggestions for improvement and address any concerns or difficulties the mother may be facing.
They may also provide education on the benefits of breastfeeding, proper nutrition, and breastfeeding protocols.
What qualities make a good Lactation Counselor?
A good Lactation Counselor is knowledgeable about breastfeeding and is able to provide clear and practical advice.
They are empathetic and understanding, able to provide emotional support to new mothers.
They have good communication skills and are able to work well with a diverse range of people.
A good Lactation Counselor is also committed to continuous learning, as new research and information about breastfeeding is constantly being released.
What challenges does a Lactation Counselor face?
Lactation Counselors can face a variety of challenges in their work.
They may deal with mothers who are struggling with breastfeeding or facing complications.
They may also encounter resistance from mothers who prefer bottle-feeding, or from family members who have differing views on breastfeeding.
Lactation Counselors need to be able to navigate these challenges with sensitivity and professionalism.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a lactation counselor in an obstetrician’s office.
And guess what?
It’s not just about breastfeeding guidance.
It’s about nurturing the start of life, one feeding session at a time.
With our comprehensive lactation counselor job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your mark.
But why stop there?
Go a step further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-tailored job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every feeding session is a part of the bigger journey.
Let’s nurture that journey. Together.
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