Luna Lactation: About Us

International Board Certified, Registered Lactation Consultant (IBCLC, RLC). The IBCLC is the only board certified healthcare professional that specializes in the clinical management of lactation. The IBCLC certification is the gold standard for lactation qualifications. Click here to learn about this credential or read more about our professinal standards on the IBLCE web site .
La Leche League Leader since 2004, active member since 2001. For information or to find an LLL support group in your area click here.
Breastfeeding Counselor for WIC/County Health Department 2006-2010
Faculty at Birthingway College of Midwifery , teaches advanced clinical lactation skills classes and more, 2011-present
Thousands of hours providing direct breastfeeding support to many, many families
Active with several breastfeeding coalitions and organizations
A deep committment to keeping up to date through evidence-based continuing education, conferences, peer-review and on-going study
Over 15 years experience studying and working with holistic and integrative health care, including extensive herbal and craniosacral therapy studies
American Heart Association - Adult/Child/Infant CPR certified

Affiliations

International Lactation Consultant Association, member (ILCA)
United States Lactation Consultant Association, member (USLCA)
Oregon Washington Lactation Association, member (OWLA)
International Association of Tongue-Tie Professionals, founding member (IATP )

American Herbalist Guild, member (AHG)
La Leche League Internatonal, Leader and member (LLL)
Nursing Mothers Counsel, affiliate member (NMC)
Birth Support Network Member (BSN)

Personal Bio

Melissa Cole lives in Vancouver, WA with her husband and three children. She is passionate about all things birth, baby and breastfeeding. Some of her other interests include: natural living, textile/fiber arts, gardening, Japanese culture, herbs, holistic medicine and life learning.

Before persuing a path in lactation, Melissa lived and studied in Japan. She was also a language instructor for almost a decade. From this background in culture and education sprung a deep love of supporting and educating families.

During her free time Melissa can probably be found immersed in a lactation related book or conference ...she really is passionate about lactation, to say the least! She can also be found working in her garden, working with herbs, camping with her family, quilting/crocheting and in general, just being a homebody.