Description

Job Summary The Lactation Consultant provides expert breastfeeding and lactation support to patients, families, and healthcare teams throughout the childbirth and postpartum experience. This PRN position provides flexibility to support patient and department needs, with hours and shifts varying based on coverage needs and patient volume.

The ideal candidate is a compassionate, knowledgeable lactation professional who can build trust with new parents, provide individualized education and support, and collaborate effectively with nurses, providers, and other members of the care team. Registered Nurse (RN) experience is preferred.

Essential Functions of the Role

• Provide individualized breastfeeding and lactation education, support, and consultation to patients and families.

• Educate healthcare team members and parents on the benefits of breastfeeding and current evidence-based breastfeeding practices.

• Assess the breastfeeding needs and readiness of the parent and infant and develop individualized plans to support successful breastfeeding.

• Provide hands-on guidance with positioning, latch, feeding techniques, and other breastfeeding challenges.

• Assess and support the use of breast pumps, including helping parents select an appropriate pump and providing instruction on proper use.

• Collaborate with nurses, providers, and other healthcare professionals to support the breastfeeding needs and goals of patients and families.

• Provide ongoing education and updates to the healthcare team regarding breastfeeding guidelines, best practices, and available resources.

• Document lactation assessments, education, interventions, recommendations, and patient responses accurately in the medical record.

• Participate in evaluating the effectiveness of lactation services and identify opportunities to improve patient education, outcomes, and the overall breastfeeding program.

• Contribute to data collection, quality improvement initiatives, and reporting related to breastfeeding and newborn outcomes.

• Provide breastfeeding and lactation education to patients and families prior to discharge, including information related to common challenges and developmental considerations.

• Provide follow-up support after discharge, as needed, through telephone consultations, check-ins, weight monitoring, and additional lactation support.

• Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based lactation practices, guidelines, and resources.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care and department needs.

Key Success Factors

• Demonstrates strong knowledge of lactation, breastfeeding practices, and the benefits of breastfeeding for parents and infants.

• Provides compassionate, patient-centered care that respects each patient's individual needs, preferences, culture, and experience.

• Builds trusting relationships and communicates effectively with patients, families, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

• Demonstrates sound clinical judgment, critical thinking, and effective problem-solving skills.

• Works independently and effectively manages priorities with minimal supervision.

• Remains calm, professional, and supportive when working with patients and families experiencing challenges or stressful situations.

• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Comfortable providing education and hands-on support to patients with varying levels of breastfeeding experience and knowledge.

• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly with clinical documentation.

• Basic computer skills, including electronic medical record documentation, data entry, email communication, and maintaining patient information securely.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience preferred.

• Current International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification required.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

• Registered Nurse (RN) license preferred.

• Experience in a hospital, maternal-child health, postpartum, newborn, or lactation setting preferred.

Work Schedule PRN - As Needed

This is a PRN position with hours and shifts based on department and patient-care needs . Flexibility to provide coverage across various schedules, including weekdays, weekends, and/or other shifts as needed, is expected.

About Us Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.

Our Core Values are:

• We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.

• We never settle by constantly striving for better.

• We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.

• We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.

Benefits Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:

• Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits

• 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%

• Tuition Reimbursement

• PTO accrual beginning Day 1

Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.

Belonging Statement We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported.

Qualifications

• Completion of either a high school diploma or equivalent certificate.

• A minimum of (2) two years of relevant work experience.

• A valid certification in Basic Life Support (BLS)

• An International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant certification.