Job Title: Expert Breastfeeding Support Specialist Summary: The Breastfeeding Support Specialist plays a pivotal role in enhancing the breastfeeding experience for mothers and infants. This position entails providing expert lactation support, education, and consultation services to address breastfeeding challenges, promote successful lactation, and ensure optimal maternal-infant care. Duties and Responsibilities: Educate mothers on proper breastfeeding techniques, infant feeding cues, and the benefits of breastfeeding to foster a positive experience. Develop personalized care plans that cater to the unique needs of each mother and infant, promoting successful lactation outcomes. Provide emotional support and encouragement to empower mothers to meet their breastfeeding goals, addressing any concerns or difficulties they may encounter. Document all interactions, assessments, and care provided in accordance with hospital policies and patient privacy regulations. Offer timely and responsive assistance to mothers requiring follow-up care, ensuring they feel supported throughout their breastfeeding journey. Collaboration and Coordination of Care: Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless continuity of care for breastfeeding families, promoting effective communication and coordination. Communicate and coordinate effectively with hospital staff to ensure lactation needs are addressed during hospital stays and post-discharge, streamlining care delivery. Follow up with patients to monitor progress, address any concerns, and adjust care plans as needed, demonstrating a commitment to quality care. Lactation Support Services: Provide individualized lactation support to mothers and infants through outpatient follow-up, including in-person visits and telephone consultations, addressing specific lactation challenges and concerns. Assess breastfeeding techniques, infant latch, milk supply, and overall breastfeeding goals, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions. Address common lactation challenges, such as sore nipples, low milk supply, latch issues, and breastfeeding pain, using evidence-based strategies to promote resolution. Provide guidance and support for mothers and infants experiencing more complex issues, referring them to specialist care when necessary. Training and Education: Contribute to the training and education of hospital staff, including nurses and other healthcare providers, to ensure accurate and consistent lactation information is provided to patients, promoting best practices in lactation care. Promote best practices in lactation care across the hospital through in-service training and educational resources, fostering a culture of excellence in lactation support. Additional Responsibilities: Participate in quality improvement initiatives and audits to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction, driving continuous improvement in lactation care. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing or related field required RN License in the state of employment or compact required IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) certification required Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills required to address patient needs effectively Excellent communication, counseling, and interpersonal skills required Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and support diverse patient populations Strong organizational and documentation skills required BLS required