Lactation Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynecology

Job Summary

Under general supervision of the Department Chair, educates patients and staff of the lactation program focusing on antepartum, postpartum, nursery and problems solving resolutions. Offers feedback and patient support during the decision-making process. Develops protocols for assessment of breast-feeding infants and lactating mothers. Collects and reports monthly breastfeeding statistics. Participates in ongoing hospital quality assurance projects to support the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition (mPINC) survey required every two years. The Director of Advanced Practice Professionals will monitor the employee for compliance with standards of nursing care and practice.

Typical Duties

• Stocks lactation rooms and storage areas, assuring breast pump equipment is clean and safe before each patient use
• Educates patients and staff of the lactation program focusing on antepartum, postpartum, nursery and problems solving resolution
• Coordinates distribution and provides electric breast pumps to mothers whose baby remains in the hospital following discharge for any length of time
• Develops protocols for assessment of breast-feeding infants and lactating mothers
• Participates in breastfeeding committees and organizations
• Spends time daily with mothers at the bedside of their infants; troubleshoots and resolves issues with the potential to limit the supply of essential breast milk to their infants
• Supports mothers with normal newborns as well as mothers of infants in the NICU, especially extremely low birth weight infants for whom the provision of breast milk is of primary importance in their medical care during extended hospitalization
• Provides constant, ongoing support with breast pumping equipment, education and constant access to the lactation consultants and counseling staff
• Offers breastfeeding materials and supplies to breastfeeding mothers
• Recruits and supervises breastfeeding peer counselors when feasible
• Provides breastfeeding support in person or by phone to all mothers delivering at Stroger
• Values the privacy of mothers conducting breastfeeding activities
• Provides information that further educates and reinforces data to support the improved developmental outcomes of breastfeed infants
• Offers feedback and patient support during the breastfeeding decision-making process; respects the mothers final decision
• Acts as liaison with medical and nursing staff to any ongoing issues which can be ameliorated with the provision of breast milk to this most fragile population
• Participates in the development or improvement of breast feeding services through education

Typical Duties continued

• Serves as a referral source for breastfeeding related problems for WIC nutritionist or breastfeeding coordinator, mother’s physician or nurse, public health programs in the community and social service agencies
• Collects and reports monthly breastfeeding statistics
• Stays current and involved with community outreach awareness of breastfeeding through speaking engagements, health fairs and other resource opportunities
• Participates in ongoing hospital quality assurance projects to support the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition (mPINC) survey required every two years

• Tracks and provides data to the Perinatal Center relating to maternal transports to Stroger Hospital from network hospitals for prenatal interventions and delivery
• Develops and teaches childbirth education classes at Stroger Hospital
• Coordinates and attends monthly interdisciplinary meetings.
• Participates in opportunities aimed at community awareness of breastfeeding through speaking engagements, health fairs, and other events

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Chairs of Pediatrics and Ob-Gyn

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast paced and stressful environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
• Knowledge of handing washing and sanitizing practices
• Ability to adhere to all hospital and department policies and standards utilizing best practices
• Demonstrate the ability to teach and present in groups
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize projects and tasks
• Knowledge of Infection Control and Safety Policies
• Ability to travel to attend speaking engagements throughout the community
• Ability to operate breast pumping equipment and clean after each use
• Strong interpersonal and empathy skills
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged
• Knowledge of breastfeeding and prenatal care
• Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor and temperature

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

• Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

• CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.