The lactation consultant has specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding and human lactation. Educates women, families, health professionals and the community about breastfeeding and human lactation; facilitates the development of policies which protect, promote and support breastfeeding; acts as an advocate for breastfeeding as the child-feeding norm; and provides holistic, evidence-based breastfeeding support and care from preconception to weaning for women and their families.

The lactation consultant is responsible for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care for the breastfeeding mother/baby dyad needs in collaboration with the primary nurse. Provides direct patient care and education to selected patients and serves as a resource and educator to the staff nurse. Is an integral member of the treatment team and is responsible for implementing standards of care and guidelines for assisting breastfeeding mothers, working autonomously and collaboratively with the health care team. Evaluates interventions, as needed, to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Whenever possible, the patient, the family or those significant to the patient are an integral part of the assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation efforts of the lactation consultant. The lactation consultant provides clinical support to achieve the organization's mission of excellent patient care and nursing's vision of setting a new standard of excellence in autonomous and accountable nursing practice committed to patient advocacy and innovative patient care in a climate of trust and collaboration.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• BSN required or completed as per contract by VP/AVP.

Licensure/Registration/Certification:

• Licensed as a registered nurse in the state of Florida.
• Certified as an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).