Lactation Consultants are responsible for helping women with their breastfeeding and child care questions and concerns. They educate patients in how to correctly breastfeed their babies, offering tips during the first feedings. They also help mothers in the transitions back to work by teaching them how to maintain milk supplies. These professionals may work at community groups, women´s organizations, hospitals, and birthing centers.

Lactation Consultants usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Prescribing drugs.
• Creating reports.
• Preparing patients with treatments.
• Assessing the needs of patients.
• Advising mothers about child care topics.

• Having interpersonal skills.
• Being accurate.
• Having good communication skills.
• Being patient.
• Having excellent teaching skills.
• Being able to work with patients from different backgrounds.
• Having high attention to details.
• Being able to maintain a professional conduct.
• Being able to motivate others.
• Being an active listener.

Applicants for Lactation Consultant job placements are required to take a Healthcare Degree Programs from a College or University. They also need to have experience in breastfeeding and maternal support in order to obtain suitable skills and knowledge for this area. Courses for this field include different subjects such as sociology, human development, patient communication, child nutrition, human anatomy, lactation therapy, human physiology, among other topics. There are certification programs for professionals working on this sector offered by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. Candidates for this qualification need to pass an examination and take yearly education courses.