Melitta is 100% the reason why I'm breastfeeding my 6 month old and love it so so much. For the first two months of my baby's life, he simply refused to latch. He didn't have a tongue tie, he just hated breastfeeding. I did too. Every single day I came so close to quitting because it was truly making me miserable. Well, I had two visits with Melitta, and she changed everything. She's warm and knowledgeable and not at all dogmatic about breastfeeding. I truly felt that she was there to help me to whatever I wanted to do and didn't have any agenda of her own. She was really observant about me and my baby's situation and was able to provide me with more than just random tips that I had already heard about how to be successful, but more like a paradigm shift in the way I think about breastfeeding. It's hard to explain, but she somehow took the pressure off and gave me a renewed confidence and openness at the same time. She also talked to my baby in a way I've never heard anyone talk to a baby before. She would look him in the eyes and say in a plain, kind voice things like, "Okay, now we're going to try something different, and you might find it frustrating, but that's okay." Hearing someone talk to a baby like a real person and treat them with respect left a really big impression on me and has influenced the way that I parent. I'm really in awe of how much Melitta has done for me. In the early days, I thought breastfeeding was the worst thing ever and I spent most of my waking hours thinking about how awful it was. Now it's easy, fast, convenient, and a huge source of joy for me and my baby. read more

Melitta was incredibly helpful with figuring out breastfeeding with our twins. Kaiser also offered LC services, and she was super clear about when she thought it would be helpful for her to visit and when she thought we should wait another few days. She was supportive and knew when I just needed to cry and let it out, and she gave me the most clear and helpful feedback for things to try to build my supply as well as how to be realistic about what my body was able to do. I recommend her to all my friends! read more

Melitta is a wonderful person who was very helpful for us in some regard after our son was born in 2013. She was awesome for things like bathing, how to set up the changing table, and being moral support. Since that time though, I've taken a lot of baby education classes for cranial sacral therapy for babies and I've learned a lot more that I wish I knew back then. Number one, my son had a clear tongue and lip tie that I didn't know about, and it made breastfeeding not work. Melitta helped with some interventions like the nipple shield, the tube taped to the breast, and some supplements, but from what I understand now, he really couldn't get a good latch without having surgery. I wish I had gotten another opinion from a different lactation person who might have caught the tongue tie. Also I felt that I didn't get enough education on how to pump, so that didn't work out either. If you try to breastfeed and it isn't working, research tongue tie (dr. Gaheri has a lot of info on his website) to make sure your baby doesn't have it. And if you have to use formula, the best one we found was Baby's Only, which is marketed as a toddler formula but has the same nutritional profile as baby formula. Apparently there is another German brand that is pretty clean also. Seriously, taste the other conventional formulas before giving them to your baby; they are disgusting. Lastly, I had post partum depression and anxiety, and everyone in my mom's support group who had that too, also had problems breastfeeding. I wish I had gotten more support and different opinions during that difficult time. So my advice is, if you are having issues breastfeeding that persist, get more support from a person who is not just a lactation consultant, but someone who is IBCLC as they have much more training. read more

When I first met with Melitta, both baby and I were hurting: baby had lost too much of her birth weight and I found breastfeeding painful. Thanks to Melitta's lactation consultant home visits, I learned proper latching (so breastfeeding wouldn't hurt), baby soon exceeded her birth weight (Melitta composed a supplementation plan for the initial weeks since fed is best), and I increased my supply (Melitta recommended specific galactagogues as well as a feasible pumping schedule). Followed Melitta's advice and now baby is gaining weight and I no longer need to top her off with formula. read more

Because of Melitta I was able to breastfeed my three children. I credit her with helping me and my children to enjoy the proper care, nourishment and bonding that's so critical in the postpartum, infant and even toddler times of life. Breastfeeding is the hardest skill I have ever had to master. I could have given up at so many different points along the way, one child after another. But Melitta calmly, intelligently and non-judgmentally made it possible each time. I've had two children with tongue ties (maybe three) -- one which was posterior and extremely hard to spot -- and she was the only person who caught it. The many professionals at the hospital(s) as well as a home-visit nurse turned out to be wrong where Melitta was right. At the same time, Melitta does not push "breastfeeding at all costs" if the baby simply needs nourishment the mother cannot provide; there is no stigma to using formula when needed. She has an intuitive talent with infants and is an apt listener and observer with parents and their extended families. She coached my partner and other relatives about how to support me and literally feed me during those early weeks so I wouldn't lost my mind from sleep deprivation. Plus, her sense of humor made the challenges of new parenthood tolerable and solvable, including otherwise excruciating moments of projectile vomiting, newborn weight loss, cholestasis, early delivery, hemmorhoids, potential infant allergies, tongue tie and other latching problems, as well as maternal engorgement, mastitis, low supply or over-supply. Melitta's deep experience in the community means she can refer you to to the right places to quickly and painlessly take care of a tongue tie or an infection, connecting you with peer groups or other resources including sleep training professionals, and suggesting alternative therapies such as crainosacral. She shares the latest research and is knowledgeable in herbs and other supplements to support overall health during nursing and the postpartum period. She's also a gifted massage therapist, which informs her w ork with mother and child. I've recommended Melitta to many parents and will continue to do so. read more

As a postpartum mum I was feeling pretty exhausted, my body felt congested and I was really missing being able to do prenatal yoga. Its early days so I still have to take things easy but I really needed some help easing my aches and pains. My doula recommended Melitta (who is also a doula, postpartum doula and lactation consultant) and I'm really glad she did. As I was only 10 days postpartum she came to my home which was gret! She recommended that I feed my baby first so that lying on my stomach would be more comfortable and as such I got the bonus of positive feedback and some lactation advice. The massage itself was done on my bed and was a full hour of fabulous deep tissue, soothing and relaxing heaven! She has great hands. I felt like a new person the next day! I wish I could do this weekly!! read more

Best advice I can give is hire Melitta and have her come after your first night home (or sooner). She helped us navigate not only breast feeding but newborn sleeping and other topics that new parents need help navigating. She immediately seemed at ease at our home and took care of me as a new mom navigating with post partum recovery and breast feeding. We got on a really good routine and sleeping schedule because of her advice and tools. She helped with swaddling, mobs wraps, tummy time, etc. just having her available to answer little and big things put us in a confident position and at ease with our newborn making our transition as a family enjoyable and calm. I can't imagine the first many weeks without her support. And I feel stress free knowing she will be there again to help transition back to work with feedings and pumping, etc. or in between if something changes. read more

Melitta is magic. Do yourself a favor and call her. I had the fantasy that breastfeeding would be easy. So hiring Melitta, with her combination of lactation expertise and postpartum doula services, was a safety net. Best insurance policy ever. Start with a marathon delivery, add insufficient milk supply, throw in a nasty case of mastitis two weeks later and you'll start to understand why I would get a little giddy every time Melitta came to our house. She made me and the baby work (with gentle insistence, creative problem solving, endless understanding, nonstop knowledge) to get better at nursing. And then she would let me rest, make me a snack, take care of the baby, chat with me, make me feel human and connected. Melitta has a knack for reading the mood and responding with support. No judgment - just encouragement. She was also great at previewing what was next by mentioning what would be our reality in a couple weeks and that was so helpful as our baby's needs evolved and as I recovered from delivery. I think of Melitta with endless appreciation daily. Eight months later, I'm still breastfeeding because of her. read more

Melitta is a savior. Without her during the weeks after my daughter was born, I think I would have gone mad. Every need I had, she anticipated and met. She offered to take the baby while I showered or napped, prepared food without asking where anything was, did the laundry, organized all the new baby stuff around the house, taught me breastfeeding tips, and helped both my husband and I get into a routine as new parents. Going from a two-person household to a three-person one overnight comes with many unanticipated changes, and Melitta does an excellent job of easing the transition. Even if you have family and friends who offer to help out, hiring Melitta is a must. Anyone who already has kids (even your own mom) forgets what the newborn phase is like. Melitta knows what you need, because she deals with newborns and their parents all the time. If you are grappling with whether or not to hire a post-partum doula (specifically, Melitta), it is soooo worth the money. read more

Melitta was just, simply, wonderful. And a total lifesaver. My wife was really struggling and overwhelmed with the whole breastfeeding/pumping process. We stumbled across Melitta in a class and asked for her help. She was caring, supportive, and nurturing, and her help and guidance was without a doubt a lifechanger for us. I highly and strongly recommend Melitta, even if you think you've got things figured out. We wouldn't have survived without her help. read more

It is a gift to work with Melitta. We have been working with her for the last month since the birth of our first child and have come to adore Melitta both as a coach and a friend. She came to the hospital the day after our daughter was born -- highly highly recommend the hospital visit -- and helped us get on track right away. Then she came to our house several times to trouble shoot on breast feeding but also on caring for an infant in general. She gave me much needed napping breaks and when I would emerge from a deep sleep, the baby would be happily snoozing, the house picked up, laundry changed, special tea brewed, and delicious snacks were on the counter. She even gave me a massage! We didn't expect the flood of infant knowledge she has shared with us and feel it has been critical for understanding our daughter and our new role as parents. Every time we meet with Melitta she shares some nugget of information that proves invaluable. And the way she interacts with our daughter is priceless -- she's fearless and tender at the same time. We are now working with Melitta on an as needed basis and feel she is our go-to when we are lost or frustrated. Hire Melitta in whatever capacity you can and you will be happier, more balanced, better equipped parents as a result! read more

Melitta is a fantastic doula. As a first time mum I was a bit nervous about how to care for a new baby. She put me on the right track, particularly with breastfeeding, and gave me so much great advice that really worked. I can't thank her enough for all the help. I have a calm, happy baby thanks to her. I highly recommend her. She can be found through sfdoulagroup.com read more

As others have shared, Melitta is caring and extremely good at what she does. She helped us a year ago when our twin girls were needing to regain their birth weight. Melitta was able to guide us in our sleep-deprived states with just the right amount of information to be successful at breastfeeding and pumping (gave us everything on paper because she probably knew we needed things written down!). I cannot recommend her enough and am only now writing this review because it has been a very busy year (!). I just searched on Yelp! for her info to forward to someone and wanted to be sure to give her another well deserved 5-star rating. A year ago, her rate was also about 50% less than other IBCLCs. If you need any help at all with your pregnancy, new baby and/or breastfeeding, PLEASE CALL HER! Lastly, I had breastfed my older child for two years prior to the twins, so I even sort-of knew what I was doing, but her help was still invaluable especially because of her experience with twins (and all things postpartum!). read more

Melitta saved my butt many a time the first months after delivering a baby. Her nurturing presence and wealth of wisdom about newborns was such a comfort to have in our home. From lactation knowledge to how to put on a wrap to referring us to a nanny service to even a massage if you need one! We are blessed to have met and worked with Melitta in welcoming our baby those first harrowing but blissful months. read more

My husband and I agree that working with Melitta as a post partum doula and lactation consultant was the best decision we made (after deciding to get pregnant). If you think at all that you may need extra help, definitely work with Melitta. Five stars is not enough. Her goal is to make things easier for you from answering your questions, giving helpful but not dictatorial advice about your baby, making sure you eat, cleaning up the house. Our daughter was so comfortable with her and Melitta just has a calming touch and knows babies (she teaches the infant care class at CPMC). She has been doing this for many years and has seen everything and is very knowledgeable about all the latest research so it is very reassuring as first time parents. Melitta is such an amazing resource and there is no way I could have successfully breastfed without her expertise and knowledge - at one point I was breast feeding, pumping, bottle feeding and my husband was finger feeding waiting for my milk to fully come in, but after a few days we did it and ever since then our daughter is a great breast feeder. She is also so fabulous working with new parents and all the anxieties that come with it that are heightened by sleep deprivation. My husband and I felt very confident with her recommendations, trusted her advice and so appreciated how she made everything easier but also taught us so many helpful things about our daughter. Melitta goes out of her way to take care of the entire family - to bringing over slings, mobi wraps and swaddles for us to try, helping us figure out our daughter's cues, literally putting me in bed so that I napped, answering the same questions over and over again patiently (I am very type A and had a hard time adjusting to the fact that there are no absolutes with babies just guidelines), making healthy breakfasts for our family, and so many more things. She came the first afternoon we came home and every day for the first week and then gradually we cut back but Melitta was always available by email or phone and would check in on us as well. Melitta was always on time and very flexible with scheduling times and she knows exactly how much time we needed with her. We ended up using her longer than some of her clients, but we did not have family help and found even just 2-3 hours of Melitta's time a few times a when our daughter was 5 weeks old was so helpful. We are so thankful that we found her and it made the tough but wonderful first weeks with our first baby go much smoother. I love how relaxed and confident we feel as parents and a lot of the credit goes to Melitta and her care and guidance in working with us. We cannot recommend her highly enough and will miss working with her now that our daughter is 9 weeks old. read more

My wife and I cannot recommend Melitta enough! She was enormously helpful to us as a lactation consultant, and is as knowledgable and experienced as she is kind and compassionate. Five stars aren't enough! read more

Melitta helped us when we were totally lost. We couldn't have done it without her. She was like the baby boob whisperer. She even got the baby to drink from the bottle after weeks of torture refusing it. She is an incredible expert and you would be lucky to spend time with her. read more

Melitta is a fairy godmother for parents with a newborn! In this world where communities are not as close knit and family is spread far and wide for many of us having support from Melitta was priceless. She is pragmatic, knowledgeable, patient, and unassuming. Not only is she a very competent lactation consultant + postpartum doula. She's also a trained massage therapist. It's the three most valuable things a new parent could ask for. If we are blessed enough to have another child we will absolutely be seeking out her support again. read more

Melitta came recommended by a friend who said she was single-handedly responsible for my friend's milk coming in. I used her both as a lactation consultant and for a postpartum massage and was not disappointed. She was easily available by email and phone, came to my home twice, offered great advice and insight, was down-to-earth and practical, and overall was just what I needed. Her support and encouragement helped me relax, enjoy my baby, not put too much pressure on myself, and get me to exclusively breastfeeding. read more

My husband and I had the opportunity to work with Melitta with our first child over the past few months. I can't imagine going through the first six weeks without her. She provided incredible guidance that allowed us to gain confidence and get on a healthy track much sooner than I would have expected. She was great with our little one and definitely helped me keep sane during those first weeks. We will continue to work with Melitta as we enter new phases. I would highly recommend Melitta! read more

Melitta was and continues to be a tremendous help to me, my husband, and our newborn son as we navigate the first weeks of being new parents. Our son was 3.5 weeks early and had challenges with breastfeeding (latching). As a result it was difficult for him to gain weight which was a source of stress for my husband and me. Melitta has a calm, supportive demeanor and it's clear that she cares about us and the wellbeing of our son. Melitta came to our home which I particularly liked as it allowed us to learn and work through the challenges in the comfortable environment. She was and continues readily available for questions via email or phone and follow-up visits. I'm so happy we've been able to work with Melitta as the techniques she's taught us have improved our son's breastfeeding by leaps and bounds. Breastfeeding was very stressful for me in the first weeks but I'm happy to say that this has changed. In addition to breastfeeding techniques, Melitta also provided some tips for cradle cap and diaper rash which was much appreciated. I highly recommend Melitta and her services enough! She is knowledgeable, supportive, and professional. read more

Melitta really helped us stay sane and focused those first few weeks after we had our little one. She came in, encouraged us when we were feeling a bit hopeless. Nursing was more challenging than we thought - and she gave us tips, never made us feel bad when we had to temporarily supplement. In the end we have a very healthy breast fed baby and will cherish the time Melitta came and made us feel like everything would be OK. read more

Melitta really looks after you, makes sure you're eating well and have everything you need (including sleep!) She does all this without being intrusive or overbearing, and she even keeps in touch afterwards to make sure everything is ticking along. I'm very, very grateful for her help. read more

Melitta began working with us as soon as we brought our twin boys home from the hospital - they were born 9 weeks premature and were still 4 weeks premature when they came home. Melitta was superb in the way she took care of both me and the boys. I loved listening to her talk to them like little people, holding them close to her and chatting to them like they were healthy, little men. At the time, I was so worried about them that just listening to her made me feel more confident. Melitta's expertise as a lactation consultant was put to the test when I developed thrush. She made good recommendations for natural solutions, and when that didn't take care of it, told me what kind of prescription ointment to get from my doctor. Her support of my breastfeeding was so well rounded. While she fully embraces breastfeeding as the best for babies, she brings a level of practicality to her doula care. She helped me get rid of the guilt in giving my boys a bottle of formula -- advising me that the in the long run, my health and the importance that my boys get a full feed was paramount. Melitta always fixed me healthy snacks at every pump or breast feeding session, encouraged me to nap, shower, make a phone call or two and just generally helped me feel some semblance of normalcy in an otherwise otherworldly experience. Working with Melitta was an empowering experience -- she made me feel like I was more than capable of handling caring for my boys and she gave me great tips and skills to do so. read more

Melitta is fantastic. I'd second all of the other reviews here. If you are having any issues with feeding whatsoever, you should give her a call. She came and spent two hours with us and our newborn boy after we had struggled for a week with his feedings. Her advice was invaluable - including "diagnosing" him immediately with a short frenulum, which the hospital lactation consultants did not check for. Very sweet woman with a golden touch with babies. read more

Melitta was an absolute lifesaver for my husband and I. We were in the process of moving cross-country with a very fussy 6-week old and Melitta provided him with wonderful care when we were in desperate need. I didn't know much about infants, and learned so much from Melitta about how to care for our fussy little guy - and she was the first to suggest our son be checked for a medical condition that our doctor had initially missed. I was VERY sad to lose her when we left the area, and would recommend her to anyone who needs postpartum help. I don't think I've ever written a yelp review before, but Melitta deserves these 5 stars and then some. read more

I called Melitta for lactation consulting when my baby was around two weeks old and I was having issues getting him to latch and feed properly, on top of experiencing extreme nipple pain. A very emotional (and physically painful!) situation for a new mom. Melitta was the FIFTH lactation consultant we saw, and by far the best one. Having her come and see us in our space, with the chairs, pillows, etc. we use was infinitely helpful for us in my delicate, sleep deprived, hormone-crazed state. Her manner was calm, encouraging and non-judgmental. Just what I needed then, and oddly enough not what I experienced with other LCs we saw (through Kaiser). She's been available to us for follow up phone calls and emails since then at no additional charge. I love this woman! read more

Melita is a gem. She did some postpardum doula work and lactation consulting during a rough time just after our son was born. He was very colicky, and she had many great ideas on how to help. She is super knowledgeable in these fields and a joy to be around. She is loving and has a witty way of communicating with babies. It is fun to watch. I would highly recommend her. read more

We are so happy that we found Melitta. She worked with us primarily as a lactation consultant, but she also gave us some general newborn/new parenting advice. Some of her suggestions helped us go from needing to soothe our baby for 20+ minutes to being able to put her down and help her go to sleep in less than 5 minutes! As a lactation consultant, she was a great fit for our parenting and personality styles and helped us quickly get our baby back on track when she wasn't gaining weight. Her approach was very positive, relaxed, and practical. After hearing from some of my friends about lactation consultants who seemed almost militant in their approach, we were so happy when Melitta suggested things like continuing to let her sleep big chunks of time at night (because we have to sleep to be able to take care of her!) and just focus on feeding her more during the day and doing things to stimulate milk production. Melitta taught us so much about how to manage milk supply and now we have the tools and confidence to navigate through future concerns that may arise. read more

I called on Melitta for help with lactation when my twin boys were about 2 weeks old (they came 5 weeks early, so basically they were still preemies). She was wonderful. I can't believe I've waited 3 years to write this - if you need lactation help from a lovely person who really knows her stuff I highly highly highly recommend Melitta. read more