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Parent Lactation Educator
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Bakersfield, CA, 93301
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 26.76-39.81 HOUR
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Position Summary:
The Parent and Lactation Educator is responsible for in-depth knowledge of the application of theories and concepts related childbirth, postpartum, and human lactation counseling and education. The educator ensures the promotion of patient oriented health care and serves as a patient advocate. The educator acts as a positive change agent by facilitating nursing philosophy in the Maternal Child Health Module.
Job Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
- Education level necessary to obtain required licensure and certifications.
Special Skills:
- Requires logic and understanding to analyze problems and determine course of action
- Basic math, clerical, and computer skills for data collection and analysis
- Skillful in communication and interpersonal relationships, ability to explain technical information, ability to present information to patients, groups, and respond to their questions with accurate appropriate information
License and Certifications:
- Registered Nurse and Certified Lactation Educator/Counselor or Registered Lactation Consultant or Certified Childbirth Educator or Certified Lactation Educator/Counselor or Registered Lactation Consultant or Integrated Lactation Counselor
- BLS (AHA)
Preferred Experience:
- At least two years clinical experience providing lactation support preferred
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital includes 385 general acute beds, 48 licensed critical care beds, 13 state-of-the-art surgical suites, and a full-service Emergency Department with an Accredited Chest Pain Center and Nationally Certified Stroke Center. In addition, we offer a beautiful Family Care and Birthing Center, the Lauren Small Children's Center including the area's only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Family Care Center, a Level II NICU, the Sarvanand Heart, and Brain Center with Kern County's first Bi-Plane Interventional Suite, the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbarics, and many more services. Memorial Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and is home to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House. Memorial Hospital is a member of Dignity Health and is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1956. Click here to learn more about Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.
One Community. One Mission. One California
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Frequently asked questions
In Bakersfield, a Parent Lactation Educator plays a pivotal role by offering personalized breastfeeding guidance, addressing common challenges, and promoting infant nutrition. They empower new mothers with evidence-based techniques, fostering confidence and healthier outcomes throughout the postpartum period.
To work as a certified Parent Lactation Educator in California, obtaining certifications like the Certified Lactation Educator/Counselor (CLEC) or becoming a Registered Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is essential. Additionally, holding a nursing license (RN) and completing BLS training enhances your qualifications for clinical roles.
Effective Parent Lactation Educators excel in empathetic communication, problem-solving, and technical knowledge of lactation science. They combine clinical expertise with interpersonal skills to tailor support, making breastfeeding education accessible and impactful for diverse family needs.
Catholic Health Initiatives integrates compassionate patient advocacy with a holistic nursing philosophy, focusing on maternal-child health. Their Bakersfield facility offers advanced resources and a community-centered approach, allowing lactation educators to foster meaningful connections and deliver high-quality care.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, the emphasis on patient-oriented health care and a multidisciplinary maternal-child team enhances collaboration. This environment encourages lactation educators to engage deeply in patient advocacy and continuous learning, distinguishing it from other regional employers.
Bakersfield shows a growing need for lactation educators due to expanding family health services and community awareness. However, demand remains balanced, offering steady opportunities without the intense competition seen in larger California metros, making it favorable for qualified candidates.
While Bakersfield is moderately spread out, most healthcare facilities, including Catholic Health Initiatives, are centrally located. Many lactation educators benefit from manageable commutes, which supports maintaining work-life balance, an important factor for professionals in this nurturing field.
Parent Lactation Educators in Bakersfield earn between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. This range reflects local cost of living and demand, positioning the role as a well-compensated healthcare specialty within the region.
The hospital prioritizes credentials such as Certified Lactation Educator/Counselor (CLEC), Registered Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and relevant nursing licenses. BLS certification is also mandatory, ensuring educators meet clinical safety standards while delivering specialized lactation support.
Absolutely. Catholic Health Initiatives offers a comprehensive maternal-child health environment, providing lactation educators access to advanced clinical cases and interdisciplinary teams. This experience broadens expertise, opening pathways to leadership roles or specialized healthcare education positions.