Job summary
The Infant Feeding Clinical Advisor is a clinical expert and the lead practitioner responsible for driving forward and supporting the continuous improvement of Infant Feeding and relationship building in the perinatal period. The role supports close parent-baby relationships, breastfeeding promotion, safer formula feeding practices, and equitable outcomes for mothers and infants.
The post holder will lead in the clinical area, acting as an Infant Feeding resource, providing expert infant feeding knowledge and support to the on-going development of all staff, demonstrating commitment to best practice and challenging staff if best practice is not being demonstrated.
For the purposes of this role, the perinatal period includes antenatal care through 6 weeks postnatal, in line with NMC frameworks.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work closely with the multi professional team, providing leadership, clinical expertise and family focussed care and support. The post holder will lead and manage team of B4 Infant Feeding Supporters and provide clinical support to the Transitional Care service on the postnatal ward.
About us
Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.
We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.
We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.
If you haven't heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probation.
Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will liaise closely with the BFI Co-Ordinator to support the implementation of Infant Feeding Strategy for retaining the BFI full accreditation status with drive to achieve and maintain Gold Award status.
Management and Leadership
Work in partnership with Midwifery managers and relevant stakeholders to ensure a co-coordinated approach to breastfeeding support
Ensure effective partnerships with primary health care colleagues, statutory and voluntary agencies
Provide evidence based information to women and staff to facilitate best practice and support decision making
Make direct referrals to other support agencies where appropriate
Collaborate, contribute and implement new ideas, embedding practices and approaches to clinical care of mothers and babies followed by audit and evaluation, ensuring care is evidenced based and effective as part of the Infant Feeding Team
Lead on breastfeeding promotion and support the development of guidelines and protocols
To support the implementation of the Infant Feeding Strategy for retaining BFI full accreditation status
Foster an active role in risk management with infant feeding incidents and readmissions- analysing trends, completing and writing up reports, feedback to staff with both positive and learning development needs to enhance service improvements. Disseminate the findings by presenting at relevant meetings and sharing learning with the team.
Be an exemplary role model for the support of breast feeding practices within maternity
Encourage engagement in action planning and service development from the wider maternity team and support the implementation of the actions.
Able to demonstrate both the abilities and skills to promote, support, protect and normalise breastfeeding in line with trust Infant Feeding Policy.
To be personally compliant with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
To demonstrate proven change management skills
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will liaise closely with the BFI Co-Ordinator to support the implementation of Infant Feeding Strategy for retaining the BFI full accreditation status with drive to achieve and maintain Gold Award status.
Management and Leadership
Work in partnership with Midwifery managers and relevant stakeholders to ensure a co-coordinated approach to breastfeeding support
Ensure effective partnerships with primary health care colleagues, statutory and voluntary agencies
Provide evidence based information to women and staff to facilitate best practice and support decision making
Make direct referrals to other support agencies where appropriate
Collaborate, contribute and implement new ideas, embedding practices and approaches to clinical care of mothers and babies followed by audit and evaluation, ensuring care is evidenced based and effective as part of the Infant Feeding Team
Lead on breastfeeding promotion and support the development of guidelines and protocols
To support the implementation of the Infant Feeding Strategy for retaining BFI full accreditation status
Foster an active role in risk management with infant feeding incidents and readmissions- analysing trends, completing and writing up reports, feedback to staff with both positive and learning development needs to enhance service improvements. Disseminate the findings by presenting at relevant meetings and sharing learning with the team.
Be an exemplary role model for the support of breast feeding practices within maternity
Encourage engagement in action planning and service development from the wider maternity team and support the implementation of the actions.
Able to demonstrate both the abilities and skills to promote, support, protect and normalise breastfeeding in line with trust Infant Feeding Policy.
To be personally compliant with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
To demonstrate proven change management skills
Person Specification
Essential and Desirable
Essential
- Midwife or Nurse with current NMC registration
- Midwifery/Nursing diploma/ degree or degree in related subject/Demonstrable experience
- A recognised training/qualification in breast feeding support
- Mentorship in practice
- Evidence of continuing professional practice and education
Desirable
- Significant demonstrable experience in an infant feeding role
- Unicef BFI Breastfeeding and Relationship course
- Tongue tie practitioner
Person Specification
Essential and Desirable
Essential
- Midwife or Nurse with current NMC registration
- Midwifery/Nursing diploma/ degree or degree in related subject/Demonstrable experience
- A recognised training/qualification in breast feeding support
- Mentorship in practice
- Evidence of continuing professional practice and education
Desirable
- Significant demonstrable experience in an infant feeding role
- Unicef BFI Breastfeeding and Relationship course
- Tongue tie practitioner
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).