Melissa is absolutely incredible. We came to her with a very colicky baby and feeding challenges, and she helped us narrow down a likely food sensitivity that made a HUGE difference in our baby's comfort. In the middle of working with her, we ended up doing a frenectomy, and she guided us through the recovery process every step of the way with so much knowledge, encouragement, and care. She was actually recommended by a renowned pediatric ENT who called her the "baby magician," and boy was he right! Her ability to assess what's going on and gently troubleshoot is truly amazing. We feel so supported and confident under her care, and our baby is so much happier because of it. I'm beyond grateful we found her and would recommend her a thousand times over to any parent needing lactation support! read more

Choosing Melissa Cole to help our son w/ his feeding challenges was one of the best decisions I've ever made. She didn't just meet my highest hopes & expectations--she exceeded them in every way imaginable, leaving a profound, life-changing impact on our family. Thanks to Melissa's expertise & unmatched dedication, we uncovered that our son's struggles went far beyond his tongue tie, which kept reattaching despite proper release & after-care. Melissa helped us identify other contributing factors & tailor our after-care approach, ensuring optimal wound healing. She is also highly skilled in wound care, assessment, & intervention in the event of reattachment--using a deeper technique to release the tongue if she notices new tissue growth. She has done this for us on multiple occasions, making all the difference in our son's progress. Additionally, she helped us identify other areas of concern that required prompt medical attention, ensuring we didn't miss a critical window for early intervention. She then took charge--placing referrals, following up, & being an ever-reliable resource. She was always just a text or email away, responding quickly--even during evenings, weekends, & holidays. I'll never forget reaching out in crisis around Thanksgiving when my son was struggling to eat. She responded immediately, offered feedback/advice, & consulted w/ his ENT that weekend to get us answers. By Mon, she had us on his schedule for surgical revision. Melissa's expertise didn't stop there. Her keen attention to detail & ability to see the bigger picture led to a groundbreaking medical discovery for our family--one that not only helped us better understand our own health but also gave us critical insight into our son's needs. Her observation helped us recognize factors that could impact his wound healing, which became invaluable for future surgical planning. What sets Melissa apart is that she doesn't just follow a one-size-fits-all approach--she looks at the individual in front of her. If she saw a concern, she told us about it, even if it went against conventional advice or prior recommendations we had received. Time & time again, she was spot-on. Her supplement suggestions, for example, weren't just based on what's typically recommended for all infants but tailored specifically to our son's unique needs. The same went for her referrals--some contradicted previous medical advice we had been given, but in the end, she was aways right & her option quickly became the one that mattered most. In summary, Melissa is a true expert, investigator, & advocate (not to mention, researcher) who goes above & beyond for the families she works with. She deserves 1,000 's for the incredible impact she's had on our lives. I truly cannot thank her enough. In fact, one time I even told her that she somehow got me feeling grateful for our son's reattachment BC had that not happened, we never would have found her. My only regret is, I wish we had found her sooner! I also wish she was dual-licensed as a pediatrician BC she would kill it & so that we don't have to stop seeing her Lastly, in case you're still not convinced, you should check out her post-frenotomy tongue stretching video on YouTube, which has 1.7M + views! https://youtu.be/2JMcbF85ehs?si=mDtOD9IZ7m0FiwHt read more

I'll just add on to all of the rave reviews about Melissa here. I sought her out when another lactation consultant had me on a triple feeding routine, which was particular brutal since I was a solo parent. I made two trips to Portland (from Salem) to see Melissa, both of which were well worth it, and continued with virtual appointments afterwards. I'm quite sure that without her, I would have given up on breastfeeding after a month or two, but I'm now going strong at month 10. She helped me see that breastfeeding did not have to be an all-or-nothing thing, and I did end up supplementing with formula, but managed to continue to nurse with increasing confidence (and decreasing pain and stress!) She also helped me navigate a nursing strike, starting solids, and returning to work. I always found her to be responsive, non-judgmental, and incredibly caring, all of which I so desperately needed while going through a lonely and challenging post-partum period. Additional note - the doctor who revised my daughter's tongue tie referred to Melissa as the best lactation consultant in the state, and one of the best in the country. Even if you've seen others, if you're left with any struggles at all, an appointment with with Melissa (in-person or virtual) is well worth it. read more

Melissa, at Luna Lactation, is an invaluable resource for feeding your baby! Melissa will bring a wealth of experience to your unique situation. She can provide insight on breastfeeding and formula feeding; always putting the baby's needs first. What really exceeded my expectations was how well Melissa followed up with us. She was available for questions as the situation evolved. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for expertise on nursing a baby. read more

I was about to give up on breastfeeding at 5 weeks--We had seen multiple other ibclc s, gone to craniosacral therapy, were using a nipple shield (with little success) and nothing seemed to be working. We saw Melissa one time and she immediately got him latched with no shield for the first time ever! She was very calm and kept everything really simple. After that one meeting he has been exclusively breastfeeding (4monthe our now) -- we couldn't recommend her enough! We really owe our breastfeeding journey to her! read more

THE YODA OF BREASTFEEDING! There are not enough good things I can say about Melissa Cole. This is my second baby I have come to Melissa with breastfeeding troubles (totally different problems with each baby) and even within one session she has not only addressed the problem and helped solve it, but has calmed me and made me feel confident in my breastfeeding journey. With my first child she is the reason I made it through to breastfeeding long term and with my second it looks to be the same case. With my second I live out of state and did a virtual appointment and she was just as competent, warm and caring as in person. I was amazed. My husband and I have dubbed her the "Yoda of Breastfeeding" (really all type of baby feeding!) and trust me, she earns the title. Do not hesitate to go to Melissa with any issues (bottle feeding too) whether in person or virtual. Thank you Melissa for being so magical for our family. read more

I was experiencing ongoing nursing issues with my 2mo and was told from several people he needed a frenectomy, something I truly wanted to avoid because of the invasiveness of the post surgery massages. I was visiting Portland when I felt as though my milk had been drying up, in a panic I called a handful of lactation consultants a couple of days before we traveled back home. Melissa Cole responded to me promptly and was charitable enough to squeeze me into her schedule the following day. She is kind, honest and knowledgeable. She pointed us in the right direction, when I feared all my newborns issues were stemming from a tongue tie she shed some light on the possibility of it being tummy issues! I took home some of her herb tincture and baby seems to be improving. God bless you Melissa! read more

As a first time Mom, I really had no clue what was normal when it came to breast feeding. I mean, the entire concept - keeping a human alive with milk from my body - continues to baffle me, not to mention the logistics of it all. Furthermore, the internet is a seductive siren that lures me in, only to plunge me into a spiraling vortex of horror stories and soapboxes. Enter Melissa Cole and Luna Lactation. In our first consultation, she was able to put to rest all of my concerns, teach me some super effective tips and tricks, and point me toward trustworthy resources. Above all this, it was Melissa's compassion and personalized support that really put me at ease - it was clear she had the knowledge and patience to tackle any feeding concerns, no matter how unique. If you're looking for a comfortable place to have all of your questions answered (from the seemingly silly to the complex), this is your spot. And my son? He thanked her with a full on poopie blowout, which is a 5-star review in his book! read more

I was in a place of desperation when I was referred to Melissa and were it not for her expertise, care, and counsel would not be breastfeeding now. Melissa treats my son as a valued, unique little human and truly listens to my concerns and experience to provide a personalized plan that has evolved over time to fit our needs. She is incredibly responsive via email when questions come up between visits and has been able to refer other medical professionals for related issues and we have been extremely satisfied with both. Her office is as warm and welcoming as she is and she has taken COVID precautions seriously which I appreciate as well especially with a young baby. I have and will continue to recommend Melissa to friends in need and personally wouldn't consider seeing anyone else! read more

Melissa is a true professional! She was so kind, patient and diligent regarding our needs. Her office is clean and super inviting. She problem solves and follows up until there is a solution found. I recommend everyone I know to make an appointment with her. She made our nursing experience a positive one and I always and continue to feel so very confident in her expertise. Please consider making a visit to Luna Lactation for any and all nursing needs. Thank you Melissa, you are a true gem. We need more medical professionals like you. read more

Melissa was a god send!! I had my baby two weeks early and she decided she wanted to sleep until her estimated due date. I could not get her to eat enough and at her 3 day midwife visit she had lost more than 10% of her birth weight. I had made a commitment to breasfeeding but was at a loss when it came to giving my baby enough to eat. I was a sleep deprived first time mother that was terrified I was starving my baby. I thought I could do it on my own but quickly realized I needed help. My midwives recommended Melissa and I called her one morning in tears. She was at my house ready to help just a couple hours later. Her time spent with me was the best money I spent since having my baby. She put my mind at ease and gave me back my confidence. She stayed with me until I felt sure of my ability to breastfeed and she covered all the bases. She examined my daughter and me and made sure there was no physical reason we were having issues. She showed me how to help my baby latch and she showed me how to put together and use my breast pump and was able to supply me with some accessories I needed. She was sweet and understanding and incredibly empathetic. She had all sorts of advice and tips that I have used since. I also felt like I could call her with any questions and she was able to continue helping me over the phone with questions that popped up later. I have been able to exclusively breastfeed and my daughter is up to a very healthy weight and thriving. I have recommended Melissa to my friends who are new moms and she had been able to help them as well. I am so grateful to be able to breastfeed my daughter and I really enjoy it now. It has been so important for her health and is a wonderful way to bond. I can't thank Melissa enough for her skill and compassion. read more

Forever grateful for Melissa's knowledge, approachability and encouragement! Such a calming presence during an emotional and overwhelming time for me as a new mama. We had an in-person and virtual visit with her, both of which were incredibly helpful. She is communicative via text and email which also makes you not feel alone on your journey post visit. I can't thank her enough for all of her help in the first few weeks of my breastfeeding journey. My daughter just turned 9 months old and is still nursing like a champ! Thank you Melissa! You are amazing in every way! read more

Melissa is a savior!! I was so traumatized by my 5 month olds nursing strike, and to make matters worse it was during the COVID-19 shelter in place. I was hesitant that a virtual visit would be beneficial, but it was the best thing I could have done. Not only did Melissa comfort me in the fact that "more was going right than wrong", but she identified some digestive issues and reflux, acknowledges that pumping more was not a good choice for me, and recommended herbs to manage my postpartum anxiety. When our appointment was done, Melissa continued to be in contact and was easily accessible when I had a question, concern, or even a hard moment. She truly repaired my relationship with breastfeeding! I could not be more thankful for her ongoing support. read more

I went to see Melissa at Luna Lactation when I was ready to quit breast feeding my son. He had a severe tongue tie that had been treated when he was 11 days old, but at 8 weeks we still were struggling. I felt like we'd tried everything, including craniosacral and working with other lactation consultants. I went back to the doctor who treated the tongue tie and he encouraged me to see Melissa. I am so glad I did - she's the magic that brought everything together. Breast feeding is now a joy. She performed craniosacral therapy on my son which he responded to incredibly well, plus she was able to figure out the small missing links that were keep breast feeding from being comfortable. I am so grateful for her help - and so is my son! read more

Before my baby was born in 2015, I thought nursing was something natural (society and movies fool us sometimes), but I've found that it isn't for some moms and for some babies. I suffered 3 months with sore nipples. Every time I had to nurse I felt anxious and I didn't enjoy it at all, neither did he. I nearly gave up, but I knew breast milk was the best thing for him. So, I made some research online, found Luna Lactation at Yelp and gave her a try. That was the best decision I could ever have taken. Melissa not only helped me to find a good position to breastfeed, but also told my baby had a tongue tied (that was corrected right away with a simple procedure at the Oregon Clinic) and also that I was depressed. That's how I learned the word holistic. Solving those three problems ended the case. I nursed my baby for 13 months and he's a healthy, happy toddler now! Thank you, Melissa!!! read more

Even if you are not having nursing issues, you should still see Melissa--her comprehensive approach to baby wellness could benefit anyone! I went to her desperate for answers about digestive issues and was so impressed with her kind, gentle manner and knowledgeability. The previous 2 lactation consultants made errors in their diagnoses that she spotted immediately. Mamas, don't hesitate to get help! read more

I came in with one pointed question and left feeling so much more confident, knowledgable and amazed at how much Melissa knew and shared. Couldn't be happier with my decision to work with her. read more

Melissa is great at what she does, thorough, compassionate and a wealth of knowledge. She's been a fantastic support through our tough feeding times, checking in nearly daily. She's far and away the best lactation consultant I've worked with. Particularly if you have a complex feeding issue and it seems like no one else is helping, give Melissa a ring. read more

She's the best in town because she specializes in complex cases.. She was my fourth lactation consultant and my last. She has a thriving brick and mortar. Moms come to her practice; that's how good she is!!! My first baby had issues latching and I gave up after a bout with mastitis. I did not have a lactation consultant (bad idea). Four years later my daughter was born with latching issues. After bottle feeding for three months, she was diagnosed (atypical) tongue tied. My ENT released the tongue tie and sent me to Melissa. I was desperate... I begged him to send me to the BEST LC so I could retrain my daughter to BF!!! Before the diagnosis I had mastitis and three abscesses drained by a breast surgeon. I stopped lactating on that breast. I did not want just any LC, I wanted the best. After the tongue tie release and two visits with Melissa, my daughter was able to latch on (3-6 weeks post surgery). We are fully breastfeeding on both sides today at 8 months!!! Thank you Melissa!!! read more

Melissa is wonderful. After seeing three other lactation consultants for help breastfeeding our four week old son and being told that we very likely may have to resort to pumping and formula, Melissa was our last ditch attempt to get our son to nurse. I was so upset from our lack of success with our other consultations that I nearly cancelled the appointment thinking "what's the use" in seeing yet another consultant. I am so thankful we kept the appointment, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.. After a series of training tricks our son learned to breastfeed. He is now four months old, thriving, and exclusively breastfed. The feeling of not being able to nurse your own child is painful. There were days that I did not believe it was possible to get to where we are. Melissa's patience, experience, and expertise are outstanding. I cannot say enough wonderful things about her! read more

With our second baby, I knew I needed more support than I'd received with our first. I went to meet with Melissa during my pregnancy and was blown away at how quickly I felt safe with her and truly supported. She has been consistently quick to respond to questions or concerns and I always leave interactions with her feeling calm and more in control of our multi-issue nursing journey. I'd especially recommend her for any issues with tongue or lip tie. Melissa is a truly a godsend to the nursing mama. read more

I have used Melissa's services at Luna Lactation for both of my newborns and her help has been absolutely invaluable. She helped us diagnose a tongue tie on each of my children. My comfort in nursing was so much better after having the tongue ties released at her recommendation. I keep Melissa's cards with me to give to all my expectant mom friends! If you're looking for help with anything nursing related, Luna Lactation is the place to go! read more

After three unsuccessful visits to the LCs at Legacy, each with a different wrong diagnosis, Melissa finally identified the problem and offered a thorough care plan to fix it. She is amazing! She is more knowledgable about infant feeding than even our pediatrician and has been an invaluable resource. We are so lucky to have found her. I highly recommend her to any new mom. read more