Position
Registered Nurse (RN) – Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Department
Maternal Child
Job Location
Stratford, ON
Posting #
127-26
Position Type
Full-Time
Salary Range
$41.15 - $58.98 per hour
Union
ONA
Posted Date: April 16, 2026
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
WHY IS HPHA THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU?
Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) is an organization that influences proactive change; embraces the potential of partnerships; harnesses the power of performance, and values the skills and guidance of our people – staff, patients, families and caregivers included to advance our healthcare system. HPHA is a multi-site organization that includes Clinton Public Hospital, St. Marys Memorial Hospital, Seaforth Community Hospital and Stratford General Hospital.
ROLE
The Registered Nurse (RN) – Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a valued member of the Maternal Child interdisciplinary team and provides advanced, evidence-informed infant feeding support across Labour & Delivery (L&D), Obstetrical Triage, Postpartum, and Special Care Nursery (SCN).
The RN–IBCLC integrates perinatal nursing expertise with specialized lactation knowledge to support all methods of infant feeding, including breastfeeding, chest feeding, expressed human milk, combination feeding, and formula feeding. Practice is guided by the standards of the College of Nurses of Ontario, best practice guidelines from the RNAO, and principles of the Baby-Friendly Initiative.
The RN–IBCLC role is designed to preserve advanced lactation expertise for acute, high-risk, and complex clinical situations while supporting the development of foundational infant feeding knowledge and skills across the broader nursing team. Routine infant feeding education and support is primarily provided by bedside nursing staff, with escalation to the RN–IBCLC occurring when advanced assessment, intervention, or interdisciplinary coordination is required. This role does not replace routine bedside nursing responsibilities related to infant feeding, but complements them through advanced consultation, education, and clinical leadership.
When not providing advanced lactation consultation, the RN–IBCLC practices as a perinatal Registered Nurse, supporting obstetrical triage, intrapartum care, and postpartum nursing responsibilities in alignment with unit staffing and patient care needs.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION(S)
- Current registered member in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario as a Registered Nurse required
- Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BScN)
- Current International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners required
- Current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification required
- Current Fetal Health Surveillance (FHS) certification required
- Completion of Perinatal/Core L&D Orientation Module required
- Completion of Perinatal/Postpartum Modules (RMNOP 3–4) required
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate required
- Basic Cardiac Arrhythmias course or equivalent required
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE(S)
- Minimum five (5) years recent perinatal nursing experience in one or more of the following areas: Labour & Delivery, Postpartum, Special Care Nursery/Level II NICU, or Paediatrics
- Demonstrated recent experience as a practising IBCLC in an acute care setting
- Demonstrated competency in obstetrical triage assessment
- Experience functioning as second nurse in delivery
- Experience managing complex infant feeding cases, including late preterm infants, multiples, maternal medical conditions, and infants requiring supplementation
- Advanced knowledge of lactation physiology, milk production, infant oral assessment, and feeding progression
- Knowledge of neonatal and maternal assessment within RN scope
- Demonstrated commitment to family-centred, trauma-informed, inclusive care
- Ability to develop individualized and complex feeding plans
- Strong communication, conflict resolution, and teaching skills
- Ability to prioritize and function effectively in high-acuity environments
- Demonstrated leadership and mentorship abilities
- Proficiency with Meditech (HIS/EHR) or ability to quickly acquire competency
- Commitment to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development
DESIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE(S) & EDUCATION
- Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) preferred
- Emergency Skills Workshop (ESW) and/or simulation-based obstetrical emergency training (e.g., PPH, shoulder dystocia, neonatal resuscitation roles) preferred
- Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) considered an asset
- Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Certification in Perinatal Nursing considered an asset
ADDITIONAL PERKS AT HPHA
- Canada Student Loan Forgiveness for Family Doctors and Nurses (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans/repay/assistance/doctors-nurses.html)
- Community Commitment Program for Nurses (CCPN) (https://www.healthforceontario.ca/en/Home/All_Programs/Community_Commitment_Program_for_Nurses) (Provides $25,000 in grant funding to eligible nurses in exchange for a two-year full-time commitment)
- New Graduate Guarantee (NGG) Program (https://www.ontario.ca/files/2024-05/moh-2023-24-guidelines-participation-nursing-graduate-guarantee-program-en-2024-05-06.pdf) (Supports new graduate nurses by providing an extended orientation schedule to improve the transition into practice and full-time employment)
- Nurse Residency Program (https://cnei-icie.casn.ca/our-programs/residency-program/residency-program-faqs/) (provides new graduate Registered Nurses with 6 months of preceptor/mentorship)
- Clinical Nurse Educators that offer on-site training
- Clinical Scholars available for on unit assistance and questions
- Preceptor/Peer Mentorship Opportunities
- Collaborative Team Environment
- Nurse Support Line (Experienced Nurses or Registered Respiratory Therapists available for advice on non-emergent issues)
- Enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
- Extended Health/Semi Private and Dental Benefits (for Part-time and Full-time only)
- Diverse Committees and Engagement Opportunities
- Opportunities to grow your career and explore different roles within the hospital
OUR COMMUNITIES
Our communities are small in size but large in amusement; you will always find spectacular local heritage, a live event, a wide range of cuisine and locally owned stores. The communities and surrounding areas are enriched by their arts and culture. Huron Perth offers a wide variety of activities, regardless of your interests, from the famous Stratford Festival, museums, Seaforth’s historic Main Street shopping, historical downtowns, the St. Marys swimming quarry, close proximity to Lake Huron, cycling and hiking trails, art and cooking classes, the Clinton Raceway, or simply enjoying the local parks with your friends.
Care to join us?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Location: Stratford General Hospital located in Stratford, Ontario.
Department: Maternal Child
Our Organization: The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance is an equal opportunity employer that strives to create a respectful, accessible and inclusive work environment. We know that we are strengthened by a diverse workforce and encourage applications from all equity deserving groups, including but not limited to: Indigenous persons, visible minorities, persons with visible and/or invisible disabilities, persons who identify as women and persons of marginalized sexual orientation and gender identities. Upon individual requests, hiring processes will be modified to remove barriers to accommodate those with disabilities. Should any applicant require accommodation through the application, interview or selection process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.
This job posting is being advertised for an existing vacancy within the Hospital. The status of the position is indicated to provide transparency in accordance with applicable regulations.
Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess or select applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. All application reviews and hiring decisions are conducted by HPHA Human Resource professionals and/or the hiring managers.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants interested in becoming a part of an energetic, caring team in a fast-paced and rewarding environment can submit their cover letter and resume as either a PDF or Word document(s) to postings listed on hpha.ca/careers by 11:59pm on the listed closing date. Paper or email-based resumes will not be accepted.
We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Selection will be based on the skill, ability, experience and qualifications. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview or other applicable testing where required.
