Lactation Internship (Lactation Tech)
Breastfeeding Success is proud to announce opportunities for aspiring IBCLCs that remove barriers to entry into the lactation field by offering a paid internship for those ready to obtain their clinical hours.
Summary: Provides clinical lactation care for patients in the hospital and in outpatient settings by performing the following duties, under the direct supervision of an IBCLC.
Qualifications: Applicants must be on a pathway to becoming an IBCLC. BFS is able to accept pathway 1, 2, and 3 students. Qualified applicants will have completed the college level coursework as well as the 90 hrs of lactation specific education and ready to begin their clinical hours.
Education/Experience:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) as well as college level courses in biology, human anatomy and physiology, infant and child growth and development, intro to clinical research, nutrition, psychology, and sociology
additionally, applicants will have completed the following continuing education courses: Basic life support, medical documentation, medical terminology, occupational safety and security for health professionals, ethics for health professionals, and universal safety precautions or infection control and prevention.
*View this page for resources in obtaining the required education
Certificates and Licenses Accepted (not required):
- Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), Certificated Lactation Educator Counselor (CLEC), Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS), or Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
- RN
- RD
- Similar credentials and/or experience will be considered on case by case basis.
Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Serves in a supportive role for the IBCLC.
- Conducts perinatal level I and level II complexity lactation responsibilities including breastfeeding assessment, assistance and management of common breastfeeding problems. Provides patient education utilizing accurate and evidence-based information and resources.
- Manages breastfeeding problems appropriate to the training/certification scope of the lactation support staff.
- Participates in quality and process improvement projects, such as site pump inventory, lactation visit statistics, exclusive breastfeeding rates, staff education development and other projects as assigned.
- Communicates with the IBCLC team, referring all higher acuity/complexity care to the precepting IBCLC.
- Assists with the donor milk program including tracking, utilization, inventory, and other assignments as appropriate.
Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities:
- Time management skills
- Professionalism
- bi-lingual (preferred)
Compensation
- Competitive pay that increases once all qualifications to sit for the exam are complete, and again after successfully passing the IBLCE exam.
