Under the direction of the Patient Care Coordinator or

Patient Care Manager, the Certified Lactation Consultant independently provides

consultations to management for routine and complex breastfeeding situations

during the perinatal period. Acts as a coordinator, facilitator, and resource

person to staff and physicians for breastfeeding related problems and issues.

Participates in research projects and in the development of objectives for the

lactation services program.

Essential Functionsand Responsibilities:

Assesses, counsels, and supports patients with actual

or potential lactation dysfunction; ensures post discharge follow-up and/or

referral in the community.

1. Provides clinical and/or professional consultationsregarding management of lactation dysfunction collaboratively to nursing,medical, and other health care team members.

2. Coordinates and facilitates staff education in theinitiation, maintenance, support, and problem-solving related to breastfeedingduring the immediate postpartum period.

3. Manages multiple roles and responsibilities deliveringpolished/timely products.

4. Plans, implements, and evaluates a program to developstaff nurses to give knowledgeable assistance.

5. Reviews standards, teaching plan guidelines, andpatient educational materials related to breastfeeding annually. Ensures thatwritten and audiovisual materials are accurate, consistent, and appropriate foroutpatient population.

6. Acts as a liaison and resource to the Patient CareServices Educators related to prenatal breastfeeding education.

7. Acts as a resource to perinatal quality improvementcommittees. Assists in the development of critical indicators regarding thequality of lactation services. Assists in identifying strategies for problemresolution.

8. Collects data on the breastfeeding referral rate,assistance rate, and activities for lactation services program. Compiles anddistributes a monthly and annual activity report.

9. Participatesin and promotes the utilization of research findings by making appropriaterecommendations for changes in policies, procedures, and practice. Publicizesresearch or clinical findings.

10. Performsconcise, comprehensive, and accurate documentation as part of nursing practice.

11. Evaluatesnew products and makes recommendations regarding breastfeeding related durablemedical equipment and supplies to the appropriate persons.

12. Participatesin the development and achievement of department objective for the lactationservices program. Assumes responsibility for the continuous development ofstated professional nursing goals.

13. Employsand promotes cost-effective practices.

14. Participantsin the development and achievement of department objective for the lactationservices program. Assumes responsibility for the continuous development ofstated professional nursing goals.

15. Employsand promotes cost-effective practices.

16. Participatesin professional organizations, committees, meetings, special programs andactivities, related to specialty area.

17. Collaborateswith the health care team in the assessment, planning, and implementation ofprograms to address community health needs related to breastfeeding.

18. Performsother related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Graduate of an accredited Registered Nurse or

Licensed Practical Nurse program.

• One year of clinical experience in prenatal

nursing.

• Licensed Registered Nurse or Practical Nurse by

State of Michigan.

• Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) by the

International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

• American Heart Association BLS certification as

Healthcare Provider

or

equivalent through the Military Training Network (MTN).

• NRP certification.