Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Lactation Consultant is responsible for providing lactation management services to expectant and new parents. These functions are performed in accordance with the hospital's philosophy, policies, procedures and standards.

A day in the life of a Lactation Consultant at Hackensack Meridian Health includes: 

• Serves as a nurse leader and member of the Maternal-Child Services leadership team.
• Plans, teaches and evaluates classes for expectant and new breastfeeding mothers.
• Creates a milieu that promotes learning for staff and patients.
• Conducts bedside lactation rounds daily.
• Consults with mothers having breastfeeding problems.
• Collaborates with all healthcare providers in maternal-child services including but not limited to OB/Gyns, Certified Nurse Midwives, Pediatricians, Neonatologists, Anesthesiologists.
• Collaborates with other community providers and agencies i.e. physician offices, Jewish Renaissance Center, VNA, WIC.
• Participates appropriately in communication and decision-making activities for Lactation Services and the maternal-child services.
• Participates in community activities and health fairs as required by the Director and/or manager.
• Plans, teaches and conducts in-service education for maternity nursing staff.
• Plans, organizes and provides lactation services to all breastfeeding inpatients and outpatients.
• Provides consultative services to new parents by phone as needed.
• Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Keeps track of breastfeeding statistics; conducts quality assurance programs to monitor the caliber of the program and participates in quality improvement projects.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
• Minimum of three years experience in maternal-child health nursing
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in lactation consulting services
• Demonstrated ability to lead, organize, manage and develop lactation services
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Master's Degree in Nursing

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License
• AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, must obtain it within 3 years of hire