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Lactation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$27.30 - $37.58/hr

The lactation consultant must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and ...

$27.30 - $37.58/hr

The lactation consultant must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and ...

Lactation Consultant

Arlington, VA · On-site

$42.62 - $69.04/hr

The Lactation Consultant is a professional who assumes responsibility for assessing needs, planning, implementing and evaluating breastfeeding education for lactating patients as well as nursing ...

Is accountable for providing lactation consultation and education services. Provides breastfeeding assistance, support and education to patients. Performs hands on lactation consultation services on ...

The Lactation Consultant is a professional who assumes responsibility for assessing needs, planning, implementing and evaluating breastfeeding education for lactating patients as well as nursing ...

The Lactation Consultant is a professional who assumes responsibility for assessing needs, planning, implementing and evaluating breastfeeding education for lactating patients as well as nursing ...

The Lactation Consultant is a professional who assumes responsibility for assessing needs, planning, implementing and evaluating breastfeeding education for lactating patients as well as nursing ...

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Lactation information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$41

$86

How much do lactation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lactation in Virginia is $41.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.09 and $49.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do lactation consultants face when supporting new mothers, and how can they be addressed?

Lactation consultants often encounter challenges such as addressing a wide range of breastfeeding concerns, from latching difficulties to low milk supply, as well as navigating emotional stress experienced by new mothers. Building trust and providing empathetic, evidence-based guidance are key to overcoming these obstacles. Collaboration with nurses, pediatricians, and family members is essential to ensure holistic support for mothers and infants. Staying updated on the latest lactation research and maintaining strong communication skills can help consultants deliver effective care and foster positive breastfeeding experiences.

What is a lactation consultant?

Lactation consultants are trained professionals who specialize in helping mothers and families with breastfeeding and other aspects of infant nutrition. They provide support, education, and practical assistance to address common breastfeeding challenges, such as latching difficulties, low milk supply, and nipple pain. Lactation consultants may work in hospitals, clinics, or offer private consultations, and many hold certifications such as the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Their goal is to ensure a positive and healthy breastfeeding experience for both the parent and baby.

What is the difference between Lactation vs Lactation Consultant?

AspectLactationLactation Consultant
CredentialsTypically no formal certification requiredCertified through organizations like IBCLC
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community health centersPrivate practice, hospitals, consulting agencies
Industry UsageSupport breastfeeding in various settingsProvide expert breastfeeding guidance and education
Common Search IntentGeneral breastfeeding supportSpecialized breastfeeding consultation and advice

While Lactation generally refers to the biological process of breastfeeding, Lactation Consultants are trained professionals who provide expert support and education to mothers. Lactation Consultants have specific certifications and often work in clinical or private settings, offering specialized assistance beyond basic breastfeeding support.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a lactation consultant?

To thrive as a Lactation Consultant, you need a thorough understanding of human lactation, breastfeeding techniques, and maternal-child health, typically supported by an RN or related healthcare background and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification. Familiarity with electronic health records, patient education resources, and breastfeeding assessment tools is essential. Compassion, active listening, and strong communication skills help build trust and support for new families. These skills ensure effective breastfeeding support, improved maternal and infant health outcomes, and a positive care experience.

Do lactation nurses get paid more?

Lactation nurses typically earn higher salaries than general nursing roles due to specialized training in breastfeeding support and lactation consultation. Their compensation can vary based on experience, certifications, and work setting, such as hospitals or private practice. Advanced skills and certifications may lead to increased pay within this field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lactation jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Lactation jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Lactation jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Lactation job openings:
Infographic showing various Lactation job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,688 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

$27.30 - $37.58/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Newport News, Virginia

Hiring Range

$27.30 - $37.58/Hourly Actual pay is determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, education, credentials, skills, internal equity, and business needs.
Overview
Provides a variety of education and support service for the breast feeding patient and family, the Women and Infant Care population, medical staff and the community. In addition, this position must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient serviced on assigned unit. The lactation consultant must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department policy and procedures.
What you will do
  • Demonstrates consistent fiscal accountability, to include recommendations and participation in supply utilization changes that support cost containment, participates and provides feedback in new equipment/product evaluations, identifies and recommends solutions for cost savings and waste reduction. Actively inform breast feeding patients of breast feeding resources available, i.e. private outpatient lactation consultation appointments, rental of hospital grade breast pumps, assisting with work orders for ordering breast pump from DME. Assist patients/customers in obtaining Physicians order for breast pump order or an outpatient lactation consultation. Ability to properly schedule patients' outpatient lactation consultation appointments in iCare, understanding of clinical department charge capture and charge reconciliation within iCare and how to monitor charges in department, and the tools available in iCare.
  • Repeatedly demonstrates ability to maintain all documentation without supervision. Includes the Mother Baby Dyad electronic Health Record charting as inpatients as well as during outpatients lactation consultation appointments.
  • Actively participates in Women and Infant Care Complex (WICU, L&D and NICU) department and facility staff meeting and in-services to improve patient care, unit GPW scores and service standards. Seeks opportunities to provide in-service breast feeding educational training to improve patient care regarding breast feeding. Participates in the orientation of new nurses/lactation consultants in the Women and Infant Care Complex by including them as needed to shadow as they round on the patients who have chosen to breast feed their baby.
  • Rounds on all new inpatient mothers in the Women and Infant Care Unit, assessing those mothers who is breast feeding their baby providing education and encouragement as many times as needed. Delivers quality breast feeding assistance, support and provide resources to help mothers get off to a great start with breast feeding her baby. Provides a free breast feeding support group for our patients after discharge to continue to provide education to continue the development of their skills and boost confidence for continuation in breast feeding their baby. Provide private outpatient lactation consultation as needed. Capable of recognizing and responding to variances in patient care/condition, to include notification to the Physician and team.
  • Demonstrates the ability to build trusting collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff peers, physicians and other disciplines/ancillary services. In addition, capable of completing the problem solving cycle from identification to problem resolution so as to maximize opportunity or minimize problem, utilizing interaction and collaboration with OB physicians, Neonatologists and nurses from L&D, NICU and Women and Infant Care. Demonstrates behaviors that reflect commitment to my co-worker.

Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelors Degree, Lactation or equivalent program (Preferred)

Experience
  • 2 years Lactation consulting experience (Preferred)

Licenses and Certifications
  • Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) - International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners within 2 Years(Required) and
  • Registered Nurse (RN) - Virginia Department of Health Professions (VDHP) Upon Hire(Required) or
  • Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) - Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) Upon Hire(Required) and
  • CPR/BLS Certification - American Heart Association/American Red Cross/American Safety and Health Institute (AHA/ARC) (Preferred)

To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at https://www.riversideonline.com/careers.