About the founder of Luna Lactation
Melissa Cole, MS, IBCLC, PMH-C is an internationally board-certified lactation consultant, neonatal oral motor assessment professional, clinical herbalist, and perinatal mental health-certified provider with over two decades of experience.
As the founder of Luna Lactation & Wellness, Melissa provides clinical lactation consultations, mentorship for healthcare professionals, and education worldwide on topics ranging from infant feeding challenges to integrative perinatal care. Her approach bridges tradition and science, empowering families and providers alike with practical tools, clinical insight, and compassionate guidance.
Melissa is an international speaker, researcher, published author, and a mentor to clinicians seeking advanced training in lactation and perinatal health. She is passionate about creating inclusive care spaces that honor the diverse experiences of families.
Before entering clinical practice, Melissa’s background was in education, language, and cultural arts while living and studying in Japan. This experience deepened her cross-cultural awareness, communication skills, and creativity—strengths that continue to serve her well in supporting diverse families with sensitivity and care.
Experience and Qualifications
- International Board Certified, Registered Lactation Consultant (IBCLC, RLC), IBCLC#L-15109. The IBCLC is the only board certified healthcare professional that specializes in the clinical management of lactation. The IBCLC is the gold standard for lactation credentials. Visit the IBLCE website to read about our professional standards.
- Oral Motor Professional: Licensed Neonatal Oral-Motor Assessment Professional through NOMAS®., License #201312, certified Beckman Oral Motor Therapist
- PIOMI (Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention) Certified
- Bachelor of Science degree in Maternal Child Health and Lactation Consulting
- Master’s of Therapeutic Herbalism
- Clinical herbalist with over two decades working with botanical medicine; specializing in women’s, pediatric and lactation botanicals.
- La Leche League Leader 2004-2016, 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
- Adjunct professor at Birthingway College of Midwifery , taught advanced clinical lactation skills classes and more, 2011-2017
- Thousands of hours providing direct breastfeeding support to many, many families
- Active with several breastfeeding coalitions and organizations
- A deep commitment to keeping up to date through evidence-based continuing education, conferences, peer-review and on-going study
- Over 20 years experience studying and working with holistic and integrative health care, including extensive herbal and craniosacral therapy studies
- TummyTime!TM teacher – TummyTime! TM is vital for babies and helps them develop, grow and thrive.
- American Heart Association – Healthcare professional CPR certified
Affiliations
- International Lactation Consultant Association member, 2008-present (ILCA)
- United States Lactation Consultant Association member, 2008-present (USLCA)
- Oregon Washington Lactation Association member, 2007-present (OWLA)
- International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals, 2010-2017 (IATP)
- Natural Institute of Medical Herbalism member, 2020-present (NIMH)
- American Herbalist Guild member, 2010-present (AHG)
- Nursing Mothers Counsel professional affiliate member, 2009-2017 (NMC)
- Birth Support Network member, 2009-2017 (BSN)
- Baby Blues Connection professional member, 2012-present (BBC)
- La Leche League International, 2001-2016 (LLLI)
Publications
- Belmonte, M., Cole, M., Copple, S., Daniel, A., & Freeman, E. (2025). Supporting Patients Through Stillbirth Care: Toolkit for Health Care Professionals. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/-/media/project/acog/acogorg/files/pdfs/programs/immunization/supporting-patients-through-stillbirth-care-toolkit-for-health-care-professionals.pdf?rev=23e56aa67e06490b94c84977de64dd1d
- Cole, M. S., Anna. (2024). Low Intake in the Term Human Milk-Fed Infant; Parental and Infant Considerations. In K. S. Wambach, B. (Ed.), Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Cole, M., Ligh, R. Q., & Liddicoat, M. (2023, October 27). Navigating post-frenectomy wound care. Decisions in Dentistry. https://decisionsindentistry.com/article/navigating-post-frenectomy-wound-care/
- Ghaheri, B. A., Cole, M., & Mace, J. C. (2018). Revision Lingual Frenotomy Improves Patient-Reported breastfeeding Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study. Journal of human lactation: official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association, 1(890334418775624), 0890334418775624.
- Ghaheri, B. A., Cole, M., Fausel, S. C., Chuop, M., & Mace, J. C. (2016). Breastfeeding improvement following tongue and lip-tie release: A prospective cohort study. The Laryngoscope, n/a-n/a. doi: 10.1002/lary.26306
- Cole, M. (2014). Placenta Medicine as a Galactogogue: Tradition or Trend? Clinical Lactation, 5(4), 116-122. doi: 10.1891/2158-0782.5.4.116
- Cole, M. (2012). Lactation after Perinatal, Neonatal, or Infant Loss. Clinical Lactation, 3(3), 94-100.
- Cole, M., & Ghaheri, B. (2012, 11/19/12). The basics of tongue and lip tie: related issues, assessment and treatment, from http://theleakyboob.com/2012/11/the-basics-of-tongue-and-lip-tie-related-issues-assessment-and-treatment/#comment-48837
- Cole, M., & Ghaheri, B. (2012). General Information about Frenulum Procedures for the Infant.
