OBGYN- Outpatient Lactation Consultant

Counsel and support breastfeeding patients at Boston Medical Center (BMC) in the OB/GYN department as part of the Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic (BFM). Provide independent and collaborative care through patient visits, triage referrals, case management, and follow-up. Support clinic operations and breastfeeding equity initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide lactation support, counseling, and education to BMC patients in the OB/GYN clinic, including initial and follow-up appointments and management of complex cases (in-person and telehealth).
• Participate in BFM provider sessions through co-visits (in-person and telehealth), performing pre/post feed weights, patient counseling, and hands-on support.
• Manage and conduct group lactation visits.
• Triage all referrals to BFM by reviewing cases, determining appropriate care level (IBCLC or provider), and contacting patients for scheduling and pre-appointment counseling.
• Manage EMR and phone communications regarding lactation-related questions, including monitoring provider inboxes and e-consults.
• Support BFM and the Breastfeeding Equity Center through programmatic, educational, and clinical activities promoting breastfeeding equity and education among patients and staff.
• Attend BFM/BEC and relevant departmental meetings; provide programmatic and metric-monitoring support.
• Supervise and mentor trainees in BFM, including nursing, medical, midwifery students, residents, staff seeking lactation education, and CLC/IBCLC trainees.
• Independently assess breastfeeding conditions, determine healthcare needs, and take appropriate action.
• Recognize and respond to deviations from normal breastfeeding patterns.
• Support the breastfeeding dyad, including extended breastfeeding from toddler to preschooler.
• Educate staff, patients, and families on breastfeeding care principles and evaluate instruction effectiveness.
• Provide counseling, guidance, and health promotion to assist mothers and families in maintaining health habits and prevention activities.
• Identify adverse signs and symptoms, respond to emergencies, and make appropriate referrals.
• Apply knowledge of hospital/clinic administrative procedures, including reporting, quality control, and supply ordering.
• Assist in community planning, developing, and evaluating local breastfeeding healthcare needs.
• Evaluate healthcare facilities for breastfeeding-friendly activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare or public health-related field (required).
• Master’s degree in healthcare or public health-related field (preferred).
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification (required).
• Registered Nurse (RN) license (required).
• 5 years of experience in a healthcare or public health field.
• 2 years (preferably 5 years) of experience as a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Skills

• Highly specialized skills in lactation assessment, intervention, and management of complex situations.
• Ability to provide culturally sensitive care considering mental, emotional, cultural, social, and physical factors.
• Experience identifying health literacy and healthcare preferences of diverse dyads, including immigrant/refugee and non-English speaking populations.
• Ability to assess and address language barriers, including use of interpreter services.
• Interest and experience working with diverse populations, ideally in a clinical or lactation capacity, with a passion for breastfeeding equity.
• Fluency in Spanish or Haitian Creole (strongly preferred).

Pay

Compensation range: $78,000.00 - $113,000.00. This range is based on minimum job qualifications and considers factors such as education, experience, skills, certifications, internal equity, and market competitiveness. Geographic location may modify the range.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage.
• Discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• 403(b) savings match.
• Paid time off.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Resources to support employee and family well-being.

Schedule

Full Time