What does a Lactation Consultant do?

A Lactation Consultant empowers parents to breastfeed/chestfeed their babies. They provide support, encouragement, instruction and education that allows breastfeeding people to overcome obstacles that make it difficult to start or continue nursing.

When they perform the duties listed in a Lactation Consultant job description successfully, they contribute to positive health outcomes for new parents and their babies. Their work also directly impacts client satisfaction and can help employers grow through word-of-mouth referrals.

Lactation Consultant skills and qualifications

To perform their job duties, Lactation Consultants employ certain skills. Some Lactation Consultant qualifications to consider adding to your job description include:

• Knowledge of biology, anatomy, physiology, infant growth and development, nutrition, psychology, sociology and cultural sensitivity

• Understanding of lactation, breastfeeding techniques and related medical terminology

• Ability to use manual and electric breast pumps, feeding syringes, infant scales, bolsters and other equipment, tools and supplies for breastfeeding

• Interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with clients and advise them effectively

• Observation and problem-solving skills to spot latching and positioning issues and recommend solutions

• Organization and time management skills to manage client caseloads

• Public speaking and teaching skills to lead classes and workshops

• Computer skills to access medical records and utilize email, scheduling, word processing and presentation software

Lactation Consultant experience requirements

Most Lactation Consultants participate in clinical placements during their training, allowing them to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of an experienced Lactation Specialist. Consequently, a candidate may have the necessary skills and experience to succeed immediately after graduation.

However, if your open position involves mostly independent work, you may specify that a few years of experience is necessary in your Lactation Specialist job description. More experience may also be beneficial if they will be supervising Lactation Consultant students or if your current team consists of consultants with little or no work history.

Lactation Consultant education and training requirements

Post-secondary education is generally required to become a Lactation Consultant, but a college degree is usually unnecessary. Most employers prefer to hire candidates with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). To qualify for this credential, Lactation Consultants need 100 hours of education and coursework in specific subjects, such as psychology and biology. They must also complete a minimum number of hours of hands-on clinical training and pass a written examination.

Some states require Lactation Consultants to obtain a license before practicing independently. Requirements for licensure vary. An IBCLC certification may be sufficient for licensing, but sometimes a candidate needs to meet other criteria. Before writing your Lactation Specialist job description, contact your state’s health department to determine if a license is necessary in your area.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Lactation Consultant qualifications and duties described above don’t fully capture the details of your open position, check out the descriptions for these related jobs:

• Dietitian

• Doula

• Midwife

• OB-GYN

Lactation Consultant job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Lactation Consultant and a Postpartum Doula?

Lactation Consultants and Postpartum Doulas assist new parents but in different ways. Doulas may provide some breastfeeding advice, but their duties typically involve assisting with infant care, creating birth plans and providing emotional support. Lactation Consultants have some basic medical training related to breastfeeding and typically focus solely on nursing support.

What’s the difference between a Lactation Consultant and a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor?

Lactation Consultants and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors counsel and advise breastfeeding people, but they draw from different knowledge bases. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors usually share tips and best practices they acquired through nursing their own children, while Lactation Consultants receive formal classroom education and clinical experience.

What’s the difference between a Lactation Specialist and a Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist?

A Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist is an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) or other medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating medical problems related to breastfeeding. A Lactation Specialist has basic medical training and hands-on experience to advise nursing parents on common breastfeeding issues, such as latching problems and low milk supply.