Private Practice Lactation Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare and wellness, the importance of private practice lactation counselors is ever-growing.

As society becomes increasingly conscious of the benefits of breastfeeding, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, support, and ensure a successful breastfeeding journey for mothers escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a private practice lactation counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of lactation counseling,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable private practice lactation counselor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Private Practice Lactation Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Private Practice Lactation Counselors are healthcare professionals who specialize in understanding and promoting effective breastfeeding.

They interact directly with mothers, providing education, support, and practical techniques to address breastfeeding challenges.

A Private Practice Lactation Counselor has the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of mothers and infants for lactation issues
• Develop personalized breastfeeding plans and provide follow-up care
• Educate mothers on the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding
• Provide practical advice on common breastfeeding problems such as latching difficulties, painful nursing, and low milk production
• Support mothers through emotional or psychological issues related to breastfeeding
• Refer clients to other healthcare professionals when necessary
• Advocate for breastfeeding rights and provide supportive environments
• Keep detailed records of client consultations and progress
• Promote breastfeeding awareness through community education programs
• Stay updated with the latest research and best practices in lactation support

 

Private Practice Lactation Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and empathetic Private Practice Lactation Counselor to assist our clients with breastfeeding.

The Lactation Counselor will provide lactation education and support to new and expectant mothers, helping to address any breastfeeding challenges they may be experiencing.

Responsibilities include conducting lactation consultations, developing individualized feeding plans, and providing resources and support to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Our ideal candidate has extensive knowledge of lactation and breastfeeding techniques, is sensitive to the needs of new mothers, and is committed to providing compassionate care.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-person and virtual lactation consultations with clients.
• Develop and implement individualized feeding plans based on client needs and goals.
• Provide education on breastfeeding techniques and benefits to expectant mothers.
• Identify and address breastfeeding challenges and provide appropriate solutions.
• Provide resources and support to mothers experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding.
• Monitor the health and development of infants and mothers.
• Keep accurate records of consultations and follow-ups.
• Stay updated with the latest research and developments in lactation and infant nutrition.

 

Qualifications

• Current certification as a Lactation Counselor or Consultant.
• Proven experience in lactation counseling or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and potential challenges.
• Ability to provide empathetic support and guidance to new mothers.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with a diverse client base.

 

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Private Practice Lactation Counselor
• Work Environment: Office setting with the option for in-home consultations. Some travel may be required for home visits or client meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Practice Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 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 Private Practice Lactation Counselor Do?

A Private Practice Lactation Counselor primarily works with new mothers, providing advice and support to help them overcome any breastfeeding difficulties they may be experiencing.

They offer one-on-one consultations to assess the mother and baby’s breastfeeding techniques, and provide personalized advice to ensure the mother is nursing her baby comfortably and effectively.

The Lactation Counselor might help address issues such as latching difficulties, painful nursing, low milk production, or any other problems that can occur during the breastfeeding journey.

They also develop care plans tailored to individual needs, provide emotional support, and educate mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding, proper nutrition, and the use of breast pumps and other breastfeeding equipment.

Moreover, Lactation Counselors can provide information about breastfeeding laws and rights, and can help mothers find comfortable places to breastfeed or pump milk when they return to work or other public activities.

In a private practice setting, these professionals may offer home visits or virtual consultations, depending on the client’s preferences and needs.

They are generally self-employed and work independently, but they may also collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure the mother and baby are receiving comprehensive care.

 

Private Practice Lactation Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Private Practice Lactation Counselor should possess qualifications and skills that match the job description, including:

• Extensive knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and the ability to provide guidance and education to new mothers.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish a comfortable and trusting environment for clients, encouraging open communication about personal health issues and concerns.
• Empathy and patience to understand the emotional and physical challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers and to provide appropriate support and encouragement.
• Observational skills to assess the breastfeeding relationship and latch, and to suggest adjustments or techniques to improve breastfeeding success.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address issues such as latching difficulties, milk supply problems, and painful breastfeeding.
• Communication skills to clearly explain complex medical terms and breastfeeding techniques to clients, as well as to liaise with other healthcare professionals as necessary.
• Knowledge of maternal and child health and nutrition, and the ability to advise on a healthy diet for breastfeeding mothers.
• Customer service skills to schedule appointments, follow up with clients, and manage client records and confidentiality.

 

Private Practice Lactation Counselor Experience Requirements

Private Practice Lactation Counselors typically require a significant amount of training and experience.

Initially, they must complete a comprehensive education program that focuses on human lactation, breastfeeding, and related subjects.

This education often includes hands-on clinical experience working with breastfeeding mothers and infants, possibly through internships or practicum placements.

To gain the required qualification, they must also pass an exam offered by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Entry-level lactation counselors might have 1-2 years of experience, often gained through an internship, part-time role or volunteering in a healthcare setting.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as a maternity nurse, doula, midwife, or other health-related roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have usually honed their skills in a healthcare setting, perhaps working in hospitals, birthing centers, or pediatric offices.

These lactation counselors typically have a deep understanding of the medical, nutritional, psychological, and social aspects of breastfeeding.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background, such as managing a lactation department in a hospital, coordinating breastfeeding education programs, or running their own private practice.

At this stage, they are often ready to provide mentorship and supervision to less experienced lactation counselors.

 

Private Practice Lactation Counselor Education and Training Requirements

Private Practice Lactation Counselors need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent education as a base.

Additionally, many counselors choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, although this is not always required.

The crucial step to becoming a Lactation Counselor is to become a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC).

This requires completing a comprehensive training course in human lactation and breastfeeding, which typically includes coursework and a supervised clinical component.

After completing the training course, the candidate must pass a certification exam to earn the CLC credential.

This certification is often required by employers and indicates the counselor’s competence and dedication to the field.

For those who want to further specialize, they can pursue an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification.

This requires more extensive education and clinical experience but allows the counselor to work with more complex cases and can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities.

Continuing education is also essential in this field, as it allows counselors to stay current on the latest research and best practices in lactation support.

Many professional organizations offer continuing education opportunities, and some employers may require it.

Lastly, while not a formal education requirement, strong communication and listening skills are a must for successful lactation counselors, as they spend much of their time interacting with mothers and families.

 

Private Practice Lactation Counselor Salary Expectations

A Private Practice Lactation Counselor can expect to earn an average salary of $79,000 (USD) per year.

This rate may vary depending on experience, geographical location, and the volume of clients.

Certification level and continuing education can also have an impact on earnings.

 

Private Practice Lactation Counselor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Private Practice Lactation Counselor need?

A Private Practice Lactation Counselor should have excellent communication skills to help guide new mothers through the process of breastfeeding.

They should be patient and empathetic, with strong observational and problem-solving skills to identify and address breastfeeding issues.

Knowledge of infant nutrition and human anatomy, particularly the maternal lactation system, is crucial.

They should also be culturally sensitive, aware of different parenting styles and respectful of clients’ choices.

 

Do Private Practice Lactation Counselors need a degree?

Lactation Counselors typically require an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification.

While a specific degree is not always necessary, many professionals in this field have backgrounds in nursing, midwifery, dietetics, or child development.

Additional courses in lactation consulting are beneficial for this role.

 

What should you look for in a Private Practice Lactation Counselor resume?

A Private Practice Lactation Counselor resume should highlight the professional’s certification and any relevant healthcare background.

It should also indicate experience working with mothers and newborns, knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and infant nutrition, and experience in educating and counseling clients.

Proficiency in multiple languages can also be an advantage as it may enable better communication with diverse client populations.

 

What qualities make a good Private Practice Lactation Counselor?

A good Private Practice Lactation Counselor is empathetic, patient, and possesses excellent listening and communication skills.

They should be passionate about maternal and infant health, capable of making mothers feel comfortable and understood.

It’s important that they are supportive, respectful of individual choices, and able to provide tailored advice based on a mother’s unique needs and circumstances.

 

What are the daily duties of a Private Practice Lactation Counselor?

A Private Practice Lactation Counselor’s day usually involves conducting one-on-one consultations with mothers, observing breastfeeding sessions, providing advice and guidance, and creating care plans to resolve any breastfeeding issues.

They may also offer classes or workshops on breastfeeding techniques and the benefits of breastfeeding, and stay updated on the latest research and developments in their field.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the intricacies of being a Private Practice Lactation Counselor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about breastfeeding advice.

It’s about nurturing the bonds between mother and child, one feeding session at a time.

With our reliable Private Practice Lactation Counselor job description template and real-life scenarios, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why halt your journey here?

Plunge deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next tool for fine-tuning your precision-crafted listings or enhancing your resume to brilliance.

Keep in mind:

Every feeding session is part of a larger journey.

Let’s nurture these bonds. Together.