Lactation Specialist - Casual

Department: Lactation ServicesFTE: CasualWorkdays: varied including some weekendsShift(s): DaysShift Length: 8 hoursLocation: In-PersonPurpose of this position: The Lactation Specialist is a professional who provides education and guidance for staff and families on the basics of breastfeeding. Additional responsibilities include educating patients who plan to breastfeed, monitoring of all infants at risk for delayed breast feeding, documentation of breastfeeding assessment and progress in the patient record. Other responsibilities include staff education, departmental policy and procedure development and evaluation, and participation in continuing education activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Supports the autonomy of the lactating mother/parent by: Respecting the client's right to make choices that are right for their situationAssisting and supporting the mother/parent in identifying and meeting their goals for lactationEducates families by: Educating and supporting families during pregnancy and the perinatal period through weaningTeaching breastfeeding families in the classroom setting, in individual consultations, and in breastfeeding support groupsSupports families by: Conducting an assessment of both mother/parent and infant and devising a plan of care in uncomplicated breastfeeding situationsInstructing and coaching mothers/parents in optimal feeding positions, latch, frequency, and duration of feedings, and parameters for infant outputAssessing effective feeding and milk transfer in uncomplicated breastfeeding situationsProviding anticipatory guidanceProblem solving issues that do not commonly precede adverse outcomesInstructing parents of preterm or late preterm infants in establishing and maintaining a human milk supplyCounseling employed breastfeeding mothers/parents regarding selection of a breast pump and maintaining milk supply and breastmilk storageDocumenting the results of consultations in the appropriate client recordRefers and collaborates by: Referring clients to local resources as neededWorking collaboratively within the health care team and refers clients to the appropriate health care provider (IBCLC, physician, or other practitioner) for assessment and treatmentWorking as part of a team to remove barriers for breastfeeding success and advocate for families by: Advocating for human milk for human babiesAssisting in policy creation to support breastfeeding and chestfeeding familiesIdentifies and advocates for aspects of breastfeeding management programs that facilitate successful breastfeedingAdvocating for breastfeeding families within the health care systemMaintaining compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk SubstitutesMust work under the supervision of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) until IBCLC Certification is receivedCollaborates with patient, RN and other members of the healthcare team to adhere to the patient's plan of careQualificationsQUALIFICATIONS:Minimum Qualifications: Completed Pathway 1, 2, or 3 internship and submitted request to take International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) required-OR-An approved equivalent combination of education and experienceMust successfully pass International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) exam within 7 months of exam submission deadlinePreferred Qualifications: Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in a related fieldOne year of Women and Infant Health Clinical ExperienceLicensure in NursingKnowledge/ Skills/ Abilities: Demonstrates integrity by accepting responsibility for own actions/behaviorsConsistently provides high quality care as demonstrated through patient outcomesDemonstrates knowledge of and adheres to patient rightsRole models best practices by following unit guidelines, policies and proceduresDemonstrates knowledge and technical skills to perform all duties required to care for patientsRecognizes knowledge, skill, and/or technical limits and seeks assistanceUtilizing shared decision-making principlesJob Level: StaffEmployee Status: Regular