Lactation Specialist

About the role

Provides breastfeeding assistance for expectant and new mothers. Initiates consultation with mothers and families to promote health and prevent breastfeeding problems, as well as assisting in crisis situations. Utilizes a scientific body of knowledge to communicate with other members of the health care team. Coordinates and participates in health fairs and/or educational programs.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and provides patient care/services in accordance with established protocols, policies and procedures.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of care/services and makes adjustments/recommendations as needed to improve patient care and services.
• Conducts bedside lactation rounds daily to observe, intervene, and evaluate: patients’ anxieties, needs, staff questions, performance and reinforcements.
• Consults with mothers experiencing breastfeeding problems.
• Participates appropriately in communication and decision-making activities of the lactation services for the maternity services.
• Selects appropriate breastfeeding related supplies.
• Plans, organizes and delivers lactation management services to all breastfeeding patients, both in- patient and out-patient.
• Conducts quality assurance programs to monitor the caliber of the program.
• Assists in interpreting, implementing and writing standards and policies/procedures regarding care and education of breastfeeding couplet.
• Works consistently within nursing division policies and procedures, demonstrated competencies, and with consideration given to risk management, infection control practices, and patient safety practices.
• Demonstrates knowledge and technical, interpersonal and critical thinking skills to provide care, maintain clinical competency and meet age-specific patient needs.
• Assesses and identifies learning needs of patients, families, staff and program participants for expectant and new breastfeeding mothers.
• Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of breastfeeding programs and materials for patients, staff, community, and other professionals.
• Engages in patient/family/staff teaching to achieve the desired patient outcomes.
• Participates as an active member in staff meetings and committees.
• Plans and conducts classes, activities or individual sessions to meet identified learning needs develops curriculum, teaching materials, lesson plans and evaluation tools.
• Maintains awareness of financial issues, cost containment, and resources for patients.
• Plans, teaches and conducts in-service education for maternity nursing staff to enable them to answer breastfeeding questions appropriately.