Lactation Consultant

About the Role

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is seeking a skilled International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) dedicated to assisting māmā, pēpi, tamariki, and whānau throughout Aotearoa with breastfeeding support. This opportunity is part of an expansion of PlunketLine's virtual breastfeeding services, aimed at delivering trusted and evidence-based care. The position requires a commitment of 0.6 to 1.0 full-time equivalent, though this may be flexible. Candidates from anywhere in New Zealand are welcome, but a secure, private workspace with a reliable fast-fibre internet connection is essential for confidential virtual consultations. Registration as a nurse is not mandatory, but nurses with IBCLC certification are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will provide remote consultations to support breastfeeding mothers and their families, handling referrals from PlunketLine nurses, frontline kaimahi, allied health professionals, and self-referrals. You will assess breastfeeding issues, deliver practical solutions, and collaboratively create personalized care plans to meet the individual goals of each māmā. Staying current with advancements in lactation science, you will contribute your expertise to enhance evidence-based practices within the team. The role also involves using instructional resources and demonstrations to empower whānau with knowledge and skills for successful breastfeeding. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals to facilitate additional support through referrals is essential.

Candidate Profile

Ideal applicants will provide compassionate, culturally sensitive, and evidence-informed lactation advice. Essential qualities include strong assessment capabilities, excellent communication skills, and a capacity to foster trusting relationships with families via video communication. Commitment to equity and culturally safe care ensuring all whānau feel valued and supported is paramount.

Qualifications and Experience

• Current International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification.
• Minimum of two years practicing as a lactation consultant.
• Thorough understanding of breastfeeding techniques, related products, and equipment.
• Proven experience working collaboratively with māmā to support breastfeeding objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including precise documentation of care plans.
• Strong empathy, active listening skills, resilience, and a calm, solution-oriented mindset.
• Dedication to promoting equity, inclusion, and delivering culturally safe services.

Benefits

• Two Well Health Days allowing planned time off using sick leave for health and wellness.
• Opportunities for professional growth and cultural competency development programs.
• A supportive parental leave scheme to assist expanding families.
• Access to discounted fitness memberships through the Fitness Passport program at local health and wellness centers.

Application Details

Applications are accepted online until 11 August 2026. Early application is encouraged as recruitment may close once suitable candidates are identified. For any questions about the position, please contact the HR team by email. The role is based in Thames-Coromandel District, Waikato, New Zealand with work conducted on site.