Katherine Hayward
HARKNESS
Summary
Proactive Lactation Consultant with extensive experience in implementing breastfeeding support services and the Baby Friendly Health Initiative. Expert in one-on-one consultations, policy development, and educating healthcare professionals, bringing analytical problem-solving skills and a commitment to quality care, cultural sensitivity, and informed patient support.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Lactation Consultant
Western Health
09.2014 - Current
- Implement governance of the Breastfeeding Support Service and infant feeding practices
- Assist healthcare professionals in developing breastfeeding policies and protocols for optimal infant nutrition.
- Implement the ongoing development of the Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) and monitor compliancy
- Increase breastfeeding success rates through one-on-one consultations, addressing individual concerns and challenges
- Provide emotional support to families experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding, contributing to increased resilience during the postpartum period.
- Conduct childbirth education classes on breastfeeding techniques and benefits, leading to a more informed patient population.
- Work closely with pediatricians to address complex feeding issues in infants with medical needs
- Manage scheduling and coordinate appointments effectively, ensuring timely access to lactation support services for patients in need.
- Serve as a resource for nursing staff by providing ongoing education on lactation topics, fostering a knowledgeable workforce.
- Continually improve knowledge, skills, and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs.
Clinical Midwife Specialist
Djerriwarrh Health Services
07.2013 - Current
- Participate in all aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care, domiciliary and special care nursery including in charge shifts.
- From 2017 - areas of focus are postnatal care, domiciliary and special nursery.
Lactation Consultant
Coburg Dental Practice
05.2022 - 07.2024
- Pre-procedure assessment of infants
- Post- procedure observation of infant, and breastfeeding support
- Provided emotional support to families during a stressful procedure.
- Casual work - holiday relief
Lactation Consultant in Private Practice
Nourish Lactation Services (self Employed)
08.2013 - 09.2020
- Utilized evidence-based practices to develop personalized care plans for each mother-infant dyad, promoting optimal health outcomes.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented interventions, adjusting care plans as needed based on progress toward desired goals.
- Develop paperwork and client resources
- Triaged referrals, arranged appointments and follow up care.
Lactation Consultant
Melton City Council
07.2014 - 06.2019
- Utilized evidence-based practices to develop personalized care plans for each mother-infant dyad, promoting optimal health outcomes.
- Home visits, office visits and operating the drop in service for mothers with breastfeeding challenges.
Registered Nurse Midwife
Djerriwarrh Health Service
04.2005 - 07.2013
- Participated in care of women in antenatal clinic, birthing, postnatal care, domiciliary, and special care nursery.
Registered Nurse Midwife/Lactation Consultant
Werribee Mercy Hospital
02.1995 - 04.2010
- Participated in all areas of maternity care - antenatal and postnatal care, birthing, domiciliary and special care nursery.
- Participated in care of women with breastfeeding challenges in the Lactation Day Stay.
- Participated in relieving shifts, and short term contract with Lactation Services.
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Royal Childrens Hospital
03.1990 - 12.1994
- Coordinated daily activities of a 27 bed paediatric ward specializing in gastroenterology and thoracic medicine.
- Supported staff to provide evidence based care for paediatric patients from newborn to age 16 years.
- Served as a positive role model for junior nursesby demonstrating exceptional clinical skills, professionalism, and ethical behavior at all times.
Midwife
Malvern Nursing Agency
05.1987 - 06.1988
- Provide nursing care to adult and paediatric patients in a variety of Melbourne tertiary hospitals.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Flinders Medical Centre
10.1985 - 10.1986
- Provided all aspects of patient care in an adult unit specializing in ophthamology and gastroenterolgy - surgical and medical.
Education
Postgraduate Certificate - Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
International Board of Lactation Consultant Exam
International Office USA2000
Postgraduate Certificate - Midwifery
Royal Womens Hospital
Melbourne VIC1987
Graduate Certificate - General Nursing
Royal Childrens Hospital
Melbourne, VIC10.1984
Certificate IV - Training And Assessment
First Choice Training
2013
Skills
Ability to work independently
Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize and meet deadlines
Excellent analytical and problem solving skills with a high level of attention to detail
Excellent time management skills
Show a caring but professional manner in all aspects of work
Have a commitment to quality and the provision of quality care
Ability to practice with unconscious bias to support families choices
Ability to make decisions and form professional judgements of the provision of care to families
Ability to show cultural sensitivity and work in partnership with women and families
Flexible and adaptable
Act with due diligence
Timeline
Lactation Consultant
Coburg Dental Practice
05.2022 - 07.2024
Lactation Consultant
Western Health
09.2014 - Current
Lactation Consultant
Melton City Council
07.2014 - 06.2019
Lactation Consultant in Private Practice
Nourish Lactation Services (self Employed)
08.2013 - 09.2020
Clinical Midwife Specialist
Djerriwarrh Health Services
07.2013 - Current
Registered Nurse Midwife
Djerriwarrh Health Service
04.2005 - 07.2013
Registered Nurse Midwife/Lactation Consultant
Werribee Mercy Hospital
02.1995 - 04.2010
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Royal Childrens Hospital
03.1990 - 12.1994
Midwife
Malvern Nursing Agency
05.1987 - 06.1988
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Flinders Medical Centre
10.1985 - 10.1986
Postgraduate Certificate - Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
International Board of Lactation Consultant Exam
Postgraduate Certificate - Midwifery
Royal Womens Hospital
Graduate Certificate - General Nursing
Royal Childrens Hospital
Certificate IV - Training And Assessment
First Choice Training
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