Expert Guidance for Complex Feeding Journeys
Melissa Cole, MS, IBCLC, PMH-C, is an internationally recognized lactation consultant, educator, author, researcher, and clinical herbalist with a passion for helping families feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout their feeding journey. As the founder of Luna Lactation & Wellness, she provides comprehensive, individualized care that considers the whole picture—from infant feeding and oral function to parental wellbeing and family goals. Drawing from decades of experience in maternal-child health, lactation, herbalism, infant feeding, and perinatal wellness, Melissa is known for blending evidence-informed practice, clinical expertise, and compassionate guidance to help families navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.
Melissa believes that every family deserves care that is as unique as their feeding journey. Her work is grounded in the understanding that feeding challenges are rarely caused by a single factor and that meaningful solutions often require looking beyond symptoms to understand the complex relationship between infant development, oral function, parental health, lactation and feeding physiology, family dynamics, and emotional wellbeing. Through careful listening, thoughtful assessment, and collaborative care, she helps families uncover the factors influencing feeding success and develop practical, personalized plans that build confidence, reduce stress, and support both immediate needs and long-term wellbeing.
Professional Credentials and Advanced Training
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
• Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C)
• Licensed Neonatal Oral-Motor Assessment Professional (NOMAS®)
• Certified in Beckman Oral Motor, Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI)
• Extensive advanced study in Craniosacral Therapy with Carol Gray
• Master of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism
• Bachelor of Science in Maternal Child Health and Lactation Consulting
• Clinical Herbalist specializing in perinatal, infant, and lactation-related care
• Former Adjunct Professor, Birthingway College of Midwifery
• Former La Leche League Leader and WIC Breastfeeding Counselor
Professional Leadership and Community Involvement
Melissa is committed to advancing the fields of lactation, infant feeding, oral function, and maternal-child health through ongoing professional engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and education. Throughout her career, she has contributed to professional organizations, educational initiatives, community programs, and advocacy efforts that support both healthcare providers and the families they serve. Her involvement reflects a dedication to lifelong learning, evidence-informed practice, and the continued advancement of compassionate, family-centered care.
Melissa Cole’s Curriculum Vitae
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.
