A Lactation Consultant works with new mothers to teach them how to feed their babies and manage breastfeeding issues. Provides clinical help and emotional support for breast-feeding mothers. Advises mothers on feeding schedules; helps with babies that have slow weight gain.
The position description is a guide to the critical duties and essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Position descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization.
TITLE:
Lactation Consultant
JOB OVERVIEW
The Lactation Consultant is responsible for providing safe, family centered patient care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating lactation plans for the mother-infant breastfeeding dyad, as well as for the pumping mother, and is fully collaborative with the mother, patient, patient's family, significant others, and members of the health care team. The Lactation Consultant demonstrates specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding and human lactation. As an integral member of the Health Care Team, the Lactation Consultant functions within the Scope of Practice as defined by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and follows Standards of Practice as defined by their professional association, International Lactation Consultant Association, and adheres to Valley Medical Center's policies, procedures, and guidelines of care.
DEPARTMENT
Lactation Services
WORK HOURS
As operationally required.
REPORTS TO
Unit Manager
PREREQUISITES
Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Washington required. Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a Lactation Consultant in an acute care, outpatient, and/or community healthcare setting. Current certification as an International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) required. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through American Heart Association or American Red Cross required. Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to apply adult learning principles. Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills that are community centered, compassionate, and meet the needs of diverse and vulnerable patient populations. Demonstrate ability to work in a collaborative manner.
UNIQUE PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENT AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time as required for patient care, moving patients or supplies to other units, and other related duties. Requires full body range of motion including ability to reach from floor to overhead levels, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
A.
Generic Job Functions:
See generic job description for Clinical Partner. B. Essential Responsibilities and Competencies Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate lactation plans for the mother-infant breastfeeding dyad, as well as for the pumping mother, Collaborate with the mother, patient, patient's family, significant others, and members of the health care team. Conduct inpatient bedside lactation rounds daily. Make appropriate referrals to physicians, community breastfeeding support groups and other supportive services as available. Develop, implement, and evaluate breastfeeding education programs for nursing staff, patient and families. Assist the department leadership team and perinatal nurse educator in reviewing and evaluating breastfeeding patient teaching aids and lactation equipment. Document nursing care in compliance with policies procedures and practices established by the hospital. Assist physicians and nursing staff regarding the establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding protocols/standards within the hospital/clinic setting. Serve as a resource person to other Valley Medical staff regarding lactation. Develop and maintain clinical and professional skills and knowledge regarding lactation through formal and independent learning. Act as an advocate for breastfeeding in the community, workplace, and within the health care professions.
Revised:
7/2026
Grade:
SEIURNWAGE FLSA
NE CC:
7008
Job Qualifications:
PREREQUISITES
Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Washington required. Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a Lactation Consultant in an acute care, outpatient, and/or community healthcare setting. Current certification as an International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) required. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through American Heart Association or American Red Cross required. Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to apply adult learning principles. Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills that are community centered, compassionate, and meet the needs of diverse and vulnerable patient populations. Demonstrate ability to work in a collaborative manner.
