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Job Summary:
The Lactation Specialist provides inpatient lactation support, education, and clinical guidance to breastfeeding parents and their infants. This role supports optimal breastfeeding outcomes through patient assessment, individualized care planning, staff collaboration, and evidence based lactation interventions.
The Lactation Specialist functions as a resource to nurses, physicians, and other healthcare team members, contributes to departmental education, and participates in the development of lactation-related policies and quality initiatives. The Specialist promotes consistent, family centered care and ensures comprehensive documentation of lactation assessments and patient progress.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
- Provides inpatient lactation consultations, breastfeeding assessments, and evidence‑based guidance for postpartum patients and infants.
- Supports high‑risk parent–infant dyads, including premature or medically complex infants.
- Demonstrates proficiency in fundamental breastfeeding techniques and management of uncomplicated lactation concerns.
- Develops and delivers breastfeeding education to parents in one‑on‑one settings or group sessions.
- Assists in evaluating and updating teaching materials used for antepartum and postpartum education.
- Offers telephone follow‑up support and counseling to breastfeeding families as needed.
- Collaborates with physicians, nurses, and allied health teams to develop coordinated lactation plans.
- Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and unit-based initiatives related to maternal–infant care.
- Serves as a resource to staff regarding best practices and clinical standards for breastfeeding management.
- Assists in providing ongoing in-service training for neonatal, obstetric, and pediatric nursing staff.
- Helps enhance clinical competency and consistent practice across inpatient units.
- Contributes to the development, implementation, and evaluation of departmental lactation policies and procedures.
- Participates in quality improvement initiatives and departmental committees.
- Assists with evaluating and maintaining breastfeeding equipment and supplies.
- Documents all patient assessments, teaching, interventions, and progress in the electronic medical record.
- Communicates relevant clinical and administrative information to departmental leadership.
- Follows all hospital safety protocols and infection control procedures.
- Reports equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, and any patient, staff, or visitor incidents promptly.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree in nursing, Health Education, Nutrition, or related healthcare field required.
- International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) required
- OR must meet progression requirements:
- Completion of a lactation educator training program (Required upon hire)
- Apply to sit for the IBCLC exam within 6 months of hire.
- Successfully pass the IBCLC exam within 1 year of hire.
- AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
- Will consider valid RN License from Virginia or reciprocal compact state required.
- One year of Women & Infant clinical experience preferred.
- Prior experience providing breastfeeding or human lactation counseling preferred.
- Relevant experience in breastfeeding support, maternal–infant health, perinatal education, or an allied clinical role (e.g., LPN/LVN, doula, childbirth educator, RD/RDN, midwifery, public health, infant development) preferred.
MWHC will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status (EOE). We are also committed to equitable and transparent compensation practices and comply with all applicable pay transparency and pay equity laws.
Required
Physical Requirements: Constant (67-100% of workday) walking, standing, use of arms and hands; frequent (34-66% of workday) bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting; ability to lift 35 lbs.; ability to push and pull 20 lbs.; auditory and visual skills to include color determination; ability to work in confined spaces; ability to reach above/overhead.
Mental Requirements: Possesses critical thinking and analytical skills. Ability to multi-task. Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team. Capacity to cope with difficult situations. Ability to tolerate irregular hours including evenings, nights, and weekends.
Environmental Requirements and Exposure Hazards: Potential risk of exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals. Potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens; must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
*Clinical positions in Mary Washington Home Health and/or Hospice must also meet driving requirements.
“It is the policy of Mary Washington Healthcare to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability who are applicants for employment or Associates.”
Compensation Pay Range:
$34.07 - $51.10