1

Lactation Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lactation Specialist is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating lactation plans for the breastfeeding parent, and is fully collaborative with the patient and the patient ...

Lactation Specialist

Portland, ME · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Assesses patients' lactation needs by obtaining medical histories, examining patients, and gathering information about the baby and family setting. * Analyzes and documents physical, psychological ...

Lactation Specialist

Portland, ME · On-site

$38.31 - $55.58/hr

Assesses patients' lactation needs by obtaining medical histories, examining patients, and gathering information about the baby and family setting. * Analyzes and documents physical, psychological ...

Assesses patients' lactation needs by obtaining medical histories, examining patients, and gathering information about the baby and family setting. * Analyzes and documents physical, psychological ...

Assesses patients' lactation needs by obtaining medical histories, examining patients, and gathering information about the baby and family setting. * Analyzes and documents physical, psychological ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lactation Specialist information

See salary details

$18

$30

$56

How much do lactation specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for lactation specialist in the United States is $30.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lactation specialist?

A Lactation Specialist is a healthcare professional trained to help mothers and families with breastfeeding and lactation concerns. They provide education, practical support, and solutions for issues like latching difficulties, milk supply, and breastfeeding pain. Lactation Specialists can work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice, offering both in-person and virtual consultations. They may hold certifications such as International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Their goal is to support families in achieving their breastfeeding goals and improving infant nutrition and health.

What does a lactation specialist do?

A lactation specialist, also called a lactation consultant, provides support and information for mothers who are having difficulty nursing their babies. As a lactation specialist, you work with mothers who have latching problems, painful nursing, or low milk production. You also provide support to discouraged moms and help them find ways to boost milk production or alleviate some discomfort. Lactation specialists often work one-on-one, but some run group classes at health care facilities or hospitals.

What skills and qualifications does a lactation specialist need?

To thrive as a Lactation Specialist, you need in-depth knowledge of breastfeeding techniques, infant nutrition, and lactation physiology, typically supported by certification such as International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Familiarity with hospital record systems, breast pump equipment, and lactation assessment tools is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to educate and support new mothers are important soft skills. These abilities ensure effective support for breastfeeding families, promote infant health, and foster positive patient outcomes.

What are common challenges a lactation specialist faces when supporting new mothers, and how are they typically addressed?

Lactation Specialists often encounter challenges such as helping mothers manage low milk supply, latch difficulties, or breastfeeding pain. These issues can be emotionally taxing for families, so specialists use a compassionate and patient approach, providing hands-on guidance and evidence-based solutions. Collaboration with pediatricians and other healthcare providers is common to ensure comprehensive care. Continuous education and strong communication skills are essential for addressing each family's unique needs and fostering a supportive environment.

What is the difference between Lactation Specialist vs Lactation Consultant?

AspectLactation SpecialistLactation Consultant
CredentialsOften requires certification such as IBCLC or related trainingTypically requires IBCLC certification or equivalent
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community health centersPrivate practice, hospitals, lactation centers
Employer & IndustryHealthcare facilities, public health programsHealthcare providers, private practices, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping roles and certificationsConsidered a more advanced or specialized role

Both Lactation Specialists and Lactation Consultants work to support breastfeeding mothers, often with similar certifications like IBCLC. However, Lactation Consultants typically have more extensive training and work in more specialized settings. The roles are closely related, with Consultants often providing advanced clinical support.

What cities are hiring for Lactation Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Lactation Specialist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Lactation Specialist jobs?

The most popular types of Lactation Specialist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Lactation Specialist jobs?

The top employers for Lactation Specialist jobs are:

What states have the most Lactation Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lactation Specialist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Lactation Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,822 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Lactation Specialist

Onslow Memorial Hospital

Jacksonville, NC • On-site

$65 - $95/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Onslow Memorial Hospital rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

982nd of 1,064 rated hospitals


Job description

The Lactation Specialist demonstrates advanced breastfeeding knowledge and skills in the care of families and newborns. Each breastfeeding consultation requires specialized skills. The delivery of care is based on criteria that is age appropriate and is based on physical, psychosocial, cultural, safety, and learning needs of the family and newborn. The Lactation Specialist is responsible for the coordination of Lactation services in the hospital; provides inpatient consultation and telephone follow up; and serves as a resource to medical and nursing staff.Education/Certification:Graduation from accredited school of nursing, Bachelor’s Degree preferredCurrent, encumbered North Carolina or compact stat RN licenseIBCLC certified or achieved within one year of hireCurrent BLS certificationNCI and NRP within 6 monthsTeam STEPPS within 90 days of hireExperience:Minimum 3 years of clinical experience in Perinatal nursing, including working with breastfeeding mothers and babies. #J-18808-Ljbffr

What Onslow Memorial Hospital employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Onslow Memorial Hospital logo

About Onslow Memorial Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Onslow Memorial Hospital (OMH), originally founded in 1944, stands as a 162-bed acute care, community hospital located in coastal North Carolina, serving the city of Jacksonville and greater Onslow County. Onslow Memorial Hospital is nationally accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC). The hospital offers a vast array of healthcare services with state-of-the-art diagnostic services, including a Women's Imaging Center, Cardiac Cath Lab, Neurodiagnostic Lab, MRI and CT Scan, to list just a few. Onslow Memorial Hospital also has a modern Labor and Delivery suite with state-of-the-art monitoring system, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Newborn Nursery, Intensive Care Unit/Coronary Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Services, and Rehabilitation Services (including Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy). A responsive Emergency Department and Minor Emergency Care Unit treats more than 50,000 patients annually. In recent years, a robust array of online services and portals have been developed to provide all of our stakeholders, from patients to students to medical partners, access to timely information and insights.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Jacksonville, NC, US

Year founded

1944

Social media