Lactation Consultant - Registered Nurse (RN)

MedStar St. Mary's Hospital | Leonardtown, Maryland

At MedStar St. Mary's Hospital, we believe every family deserves compassionate guidance, education, and support as they welcome a new baby.

We are seeking a dedicated Lactation Consultant (RN) to join our Women's Health & Family Birthing Center team. In this rewarding role, you'll help new mothers and families build confidence in breastfeeding, overcome challenges, and establish healthy feeding practices that support both mother and baby.

Whether you're an experienced Lactation Consultant or a Registered Nurse with a passion for maternal-child health who is pursuing IBCLC certification, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference during one of life's most important transitions.

Provide Personalized Breastfeeding Support

• Conduct lactation rounds for maternity patients, assessing breastfeeding needs, identifying challenges, and providing individualized education and support.

• Help mothers and infants establish successful breastfeeding relationships through hands-on guidance, encouragement, and evidence-based interventions.

• Provide follow-up support after discharge, including telephone consultations and outpatient lactation appointments.

• Educate families on breastfeeding techniques, milk supply, pumping, infant feeding cues, and common breastfeeding concerns.

• Document patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes to support continuity of care.

Educate and Empower Families

• Lead prenatal breastfeeding classes and educational programs to help expectant parents prepare for their breastfeeding journey.

• Facilitate breastfeeding and working-mother support groups, creating a welcoming environment where families can ask questions, share experiences, and receive professional guidance.

• Provide individualized outpatient lactation consultations to support families beyond their hospital stay.

• Participate in community education and outreach programs that promote breastfeeding awareness and maternal-infant health.

Collaborate With the Care Team

• Partner with physicians, nurses, and other maternal-child health professionals to coordinate breastfeeding support throughout the patient experience.

• Serve as a clinical resource for nursing associates, providing education and guidance on lactation best practices.

• Support employees returning to work by providing education on breastfeeding, pumping, and available workplace resources.

• Assist with the hospital's breast pump rental and sales program.

Advance Lactation Care and Education

• Support breastfeeding quality improvement initiatives and contribute to the collection and evaluation of breastfeeding outcomes.

• Participate in hospital committees and initiatives focused on improving maternal-infant care and breastfeeding support.

• Help develop educational resources and staff training to promote consistent, evidence-based lactation practices.

• Contribute to a supportive, family-centered environment that promotes positive experiences for mothers, infants, and their families.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

• Active Maryland Registered Nurse license or recognized multistate/compact RN license.

• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification within one year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

• Previous teaching, patient education, or group facilitation experience.

• Experience in maternal-child health, postpartum nursing, Labor & Delivery, newborn care, or lactation support.

• Current IBCLC certification.

Skills That Will Help You Succeed

• A compassionate, patient-centered approach to supporting mothers and families.

• Strong communication, teaching, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to provide individualized education and support to families with varying needs and experiences.

• Strong collaboration skills and a commitment to evidence-based maternal-infant care.

• Passion for helping families build confidence and achieve their personal infant-feeding goals.

At MedStar St. Mary's Hospital, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of mothers, infants, and families throughout Southern Maryland.

As a Lactation Consultant, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a personal impact: Support families during pregnancy, after delivery, and throughout their breastfeeding journey.

• Build lasting relationships: Provide ongoing guidance through inpatient care, outpatient consultations, and community support programs.

• Share your expertise: Educate patients, families, and healthcare professionals on breastfeeding and lactation.

• Grow professionally: Develop specialized expertise in lactation care while collaborating with an experienced maternal-child health team.

• Support your community: Help improve maternal-infant health through education, outreach, and evidence-based care.

If you're a Registered Nurse who is passionate about maternal-child health, patient education, and supporting new families, we'd love to hear from you.

Join the Women's Health & Family Birthing Center at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital and help empower families with the knowledge, confidence, and support they need.

Apply today!