Position Summary
The Lactation Consultant is a specialized healthcare professional responsible for providing evidence-based breastfeeding education, counseling, and support to mothers, infants, and families in the hospital setting. This role involves assisting new mothers with breastfeeding initiation, addressing challenges, and promoting breastfeeding-friendly practices. The Lactation Consultant collaborates with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure comprehensive maternal and infant care, supporting the hospital’s commitment to baby-friendly initiatives and optimal patient outcomes.
Minimum Requirements
Education
· Associates Degree in Nursing
Experience
· 1–2 years of clinical experience in maternal/child health, postpartum care, or related fields
License/Registration/Certifications
· CLC or CBS
· IBCLC within 1.5 years of hire or actively working to achieve
· SC RN License
Preferred Requirements
Preferred Education
· Bachelors Degree in Nursing
Preferred Experience
· Experience in lactation support
Preferred License/Registration/Certifications
· IBCLC
Core Job Responsibilities
· Provide individualized and group lactation support, including prenatal education, in-hospital consultations, postpartum follow-ups, and outpatient services.
· Assess maternal and infant health, breastfeeding goals, and challenges (e.g., latch issues, milk supply, nipple discomfort) during hospital stays.
· Observe breastfeeding sessions, offering hands-on coaching to improve positioning, latch, and feeding techniques.
· Educate mothers on breast pump use, milk expression, and storage to ensure proper equipment handling.
· Develop and teach breastfeeding classes or workshops for patients and healthcare staff.
· Mentor and/or provide lactation observation to nursing students, new hires within the division, or other healthcare professionals as directed.
· Advocate for breastfeeding-friendly hospital policies, such as early breastfeeding initiation within one hour of birth, skin to skin with mother and rooming-in, when appropriate.
· Document assessments, interventions, and patient progress in electronic medical records.
· Collaborate with obstetricians, pediatricians, nurses, and other providers to integrate lactation support into care plans.
· Provide follow up phone calls for post-discharge support, addressing ongoing breastfeeding concerns.
· Manage and maintain the lactation triage phone line to provide on-going lactation support that aids in sustainability efforts.
· Refer patients to community resources, such as WIC programs or outpatient lactation clinics, as needed.
· Stay updated on current lactation research and best practices through continuing education and professional development.
· Maintain loaner and rental breast pump program and counsel clients regarding their use, as well as use of various other breastfeeding devices.
· Maintain loaner and rental breast pump program and counsel clients regarding their use, as well as use of various other breastfeeding devices.
· Lead or help facilitate divisional breastfeeding related committees and/or quality improvement projects.
· Develop and maintain materials for breastfeeding classes, programs, support groups and special events such as World Breastfeeding Week.
· Cover NICU lactation needs when appropriate.
· Other Duties as Assigned
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) offers a full spectrum of services through four hospitals: Spartanburg Medical Center, Pelham Medical Center, Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care and Union Medical Center. SRHS also includes Ellen Sagar Nursing Center, 113-bed long-term care, skilled nursing facility that offers nursing care and rehabilitation services.
SRHS provides unparalleled oncological care through the Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute. The multidisciplinary Medical Group of the Carolinas has more than 300 physicians across seven counties in two states.
SRHS employs nearly 6,000 associates and offers outpatient surgery centers, a vibrant post-acute division, and a Level I Trauma Center.
