RN - Lactation Consultant PRN

Merit Health River Oaks; Wells (MS); On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Part time

Job summary

Merit Health River Oaks in Flowood, MS is seeking a Lactation Consultant RN to provide expert breastfeeding support across inpatient and outpatient settings, with hands-on care, education, and collaboration with the care team.

The role requires RN licensure and IBCLC certification, 0-2 years of experience, and the ability to attend deliveries when needed. This part-time position emphasizes compassionate, evidence-based lactation care and discharge planning.

Qualifications

• Advanced lactation knowledge and clinical lactation skills.
• Strong teaching and communication abilities for families and teams.
• Ability to assess complex lactation needs with empathy.
• Familiarity with infection prevention and safety protocols.
• Collaborative approach with multidisciplinary teams.
• Good organizational and time management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized lactation care and clinical management for breastfeeding dyads.
• Assess patient and infant needs, and develop individualized lactation care plans.
• Teach proper positioning, latch techniques, and pumping strategies.
• Support families with special needs, such as premature infants.
• Educate on feeding cues, milk expression, and pump use.
• Coordinate discharge planning and continued lactation support.
• Attend deliveries or cesarean sections when needed to initiate lactation support.
• Maintain documentation per policies and standards.

Skills

Lactation knowledge

Teaching skills

Communication

Infection control

Collaboration

Time management

Education

RN licensure

IBCLC certification

BLS certification

NRP certification

NALS certification

Job description

Choosing a career is about more than finding a job, it's about joining a team where you are respected, valued, and supported. At Merit Health, your work has a meaningful impact, your contributions are recognized, and your professional growth is encouraged.

Job Summary

The Lactation Consultant RN provides expert care and support for breastfeeding/chest-feeding parents and their infants. This role is responsible for assessing, planning, and implementing individualized lactation care plans and collaborating with families and the healthcare team to promote optimal feeding outcomes. The Lactation Consultant RN demonstrates advanced clinical knowledge in breastfeeding/chest-feeding and human lactation, providing education, consultation, and hands‑on support in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Essential Functions

• Provides specialized lactation care and clinical management for breastfeeding/chest-feeding dyads, as well as pumping parents, using evidence-based practices.
• Assesses patient and infant needs, developing individualized lactation care plans to address challenges and optimize feeding outcomes.
• Facilitates breastfeeding by teaching proper positioning, latch techniques, breast care, and strategies to manage challenges such as engorgement or low milk supply.
• Supports parents of infants with special needs, such as premature infants or those with medical conditions (e.g., cleft lip), offering tailored interventions and guidance.
• Educates parents and families on feeding cues, milk expression techniques, and use of manual or electric breast pumps, promoting confidence and self‑efficacy.
• Collaborates with the healthcare team to coordinate care and ensure appropriate discharge plans, providing resources for continued lactation support.
• Addresses contraindications to breastfeeding, such as maternal or infant medical conditions, and provides alternative feeding plans or pumping support as necessary.
• Serves as a resource to healthcare providers, offering education and consultation to enhance knowledge of lactation care and support.
• Maintains documentation of patient interactions, care plans, and outcomes in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Provides direct patient care, including attending deliveries and cesarean sections, when needed, to initiate lactation support.
• Reports concerns and challenges to appropriate leadership in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of direct experience as a lactation consultant required
• 0-2 years of clinical experience in maternal-child health, obstetrics, or pediatrics preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced clinical knowledge of breastfeeding/chest-feeding and human lactation practices.
• Strong teaching and communication skills to educate parents, families, and healthcare teams.
• Ability to assess and address complex lactation challenges with empathy and professionalism.
• Knowledge of infection prevention protocols and universal precautions.
• Collaborative skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Organizational and time management skills to prioritize patient needs in a fast‑paced environment.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
• IBCLC - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support issued by American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation issued by American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required
• NALS - Neonatal Advanced Life Support issued by American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.

Job Info

• Job Identification 166519
• Job Category Nursing
• Posting Date 10/02/2026, 05:03 PM
• Job Schedule Part time
• Job Shift Day
• Locations 1030 River Oaks Dr, Flowood, MS, 39232, US