Have you ever wondered what being a Maternal Child/Lactation Consultant Nurse means? What skills you would need? Or what a typical day in the life would look like? Make sure you’re all caught up with Specialty Nursing: What Makes a Good Labor and Delivery Nurse? And now let’s dive in to an interview with Theresa, a real life Maternal Child/Lactation Consultant Nurse!
Name and Education
Hi! My name is Theresa and I am a bachelor prepared lactation consultant nurse. I earned my AA from Chabot College in California and my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from the University of Texas at Arlington I additionally have my IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) from UC San Diego.
Where Do You Work?
I work on the maternal child unit as a lactation consultant.
How Long Have You Worked This Position?
I have worked at my current hospital for 3 years now and at previous hospitals for 25 years. I have been a Lactation Consultant for 18 years and a RN for 28 years.
What Made You Want to be a Maternal Child/Lactation Consultant Nurse?
The love of educating and babies, of course! I feel it is important to empower women with raising children and starting off their life with the best health outcomes possible. Breastfeeding is best and bonds a mom and baby. So many great advantages for both. I enjoy a challenge and advanced breastfeeding support allows me to be in different settings and practice specialized clinical management of the breastfeeding couplet.
What are the Most Common Skills Needed to be a Lactation Consultant RN?
The most common skill needed is to understand the field of maternal/child. More importantly, patience and compassion. A lot of what I do is psychologically based. Listening is key.
What Personal Qualities does a Maternal Child/Lactation Consultant Nurse Need to Have?
I believe critical thinking is key to this job. LC’s (aka lactation consultants) need to look at the whole picture and put a plan in place that is doable for mom and baby and take into consideration any risk factors. Also, being able to truly listen to what mom is telling you about what they are experiencing. Most of us are pretty funny and personable.
What Does a Typical Day as a Lactation Consultant Nurse Look Like?
0600 – get report from the WHOLE floor, that’s right…from every night shift nurse. Pull off other unit orders that can include any floor in the house. Prioritize discharges and pediatric off unit consultations. NICU rounds at 1030 and 1300 daily. Once a week support group. Medical students shadowing every Monday and education of new postpartum, nursery and LD floor nurses.
What is Your Most Favorite Part About Being a Maternal Child/Lactation Consultant Nurse?
Knowing that mom is confident in taking baby home with a feeding plan that works for her, and with a smile on her face.
What Should Students Looking to go into Maternal Child/Lactation Consultant Nursing Know about the Field?
This is not a cushy job! We are responsible for mothers’ and babies just like floor nurses. Doctors will look to our expertise and discuss plans or changes to feeding plans. Need to collaborate with Registered Dietician and Speech Pathology. Infant nutrition is very important, and breastfeeding helps to improve our community health standards.
Anything Else You Wish to Share?
For all new nurses out there… if you need one, bring two! LOL
Thank you Theresa for your loving service to all the new moms and babies out there!
Be sure to check out the entire Specialty Nursing Series, and follow along with this new Specialty Nurse Interview Series!
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