I debated whether or not to share this experience, but ultimately decided to do so in hopes it helps other mothers--whether you're new, experienced, or somewhere in between--navigate their breastfeeding support options. I contacted this practice to request an **in-person** consultation. The first question I was asked was not my name or concern, but rather, "What insurance do you have?" I was then informed that **all initial consultations are conducted virtually**. Despite expressing multiple times that I was only comfortable with an in-person visit, I was repeatedly told to proceed with scheduling a virtual appointment and to check with my insurance about coverage. After setting an appointment, I again inquired about the earliest possible date for an in-person follow-up. I was told that most clients don't need in-person visits and that one might be possible the following week if they decided it was warranted. I felt dismissed and somewhat embarrassed for asking--despite my request being both personal and reasonable. For many, myself included, the idea of being partially undressed on a Zoom call is deeply uncomfortable, especially when discussing something as sensitive as breastfeeding. I also had concerns that a virtual visit might rely too heavily on generic recommendations, many of which I've already tried. Lactation consultants need to be present to help the mom maneuver their breast. This is supposed to be (to the extent a mother wants this) a hands-on experience. When I decided to cancel my appointment, **only then** was I offered an in-person visit the very next day. At that point, I no longer felt confident that this provider would prioritize or listen to my individual needs, so I chose to seek care elsewhere. While I do believe this practice could be a helpful resource for others, my personal experience fell short. From the initial focus on insurance over care, to the lack of flexibility or empathy regarding my comfort and preferences, it became clear this was not the right fit for me. I'm seeking support from someone who genuinely wants to help me meet my breastfeeding goals--not someone who sees me as just another appointment on the schedule. read more

I hesitate to write this review as I usually like to say nice things about people (particularly small businesses), but I feel as though even though it's been two+ years, I have to get this off of my chest. Reading similar reviews has been validating to my experiences, and I hope to bring similar feelings to other women. I was paired with Melissa through my insurance and she seemed like she'd be a nice fit. The ladies in my doula group had nice things to say about her and she had very positive online reviews, so I was optimistic. We had an intake session by phone a few weeks before my baby was born and she seemed nice enough, I was still optimistic. Unfortunately, when my baby showed up it was a different story. I delivered on a Friday so the lactation consultant at the hospital wasn't there for the weekend and I was having a bit of trouble figuring out techniques etc. After a few days, my baby started to drop weight and I was absolutely terrified. I contacted Melissa hoping she could help us, but instead all I received was a dismissive response (via text) stating that she could only see us in person several weeks into the future and the only appts that she had available more immediately were online. Not very helpful in a moment like that. I felt like my baby and I didn't matter to her at all - that we were just boxes on her to do list to be checked off when she felt like it. It was very hurtful. Fortunately, our maintenance man happened to be in our apartment fixing the heat and gave us some helpful tips from what he learned from his wife and their four kids that helped us get through the night (pleasant surprises in life :)). The following day, our pediatrician really showed up for us and luckily had a lactation nurse on staff whom saw us in person ASAP and it all worked out in the long run. I don't write this review to be mean, but once again rather to validate women who might have had similar experiences or may have them in the future. This seems much more important to write a review about than a mediocre restaurant. I'm glad to hear so many women have had positive experiences with Melissa, I just wish we were one of them. As I've seen Melissa write in response to similar reviews, we wish her the best. read more

Melissa was amazingly responsive and fit me in the same day I reached out. I was so skeptical about tele-health and really felt like there was no way we could address my latch issues without an in person visit, but I was so so pleasantly surprised at how efficient Melissa was over video. I was able to text anytime with questions or just as a sounding board for ideas. I always got a response within minutes. Highly recommend read more

I wanted to leave a review for Melissa because reading other reviews validated my experience and helped me feel less alone. I was paired through Melissa through my insurance and would not recommend her. I spent 45 minutes the night before the appointment filling out an intake form. Not a great process for sleep deprived moms, especially when you have a baby that's five days old. She asked me if I filled out the form at the beginning of our appointment, so she clearly did not read or review it beforehand. The appointment was virtual-only which made it nearly impossible for her to see my baby. Melissa asked about my breastfeeding experience and her tone was overall a bit condescending and dismissive. She asked me if my doctor had checked my son's mouth/tongue and when I answered no she said, "trick question, they never check it." She also told me that I shouldn't have given my son formula in the hospital and basically said I hadn't tried hard enough to breastfeed him the first few days. I started crying and she did adjust the way she was speaking to me, but overall I left our appointment feeling dejected and frustrated. I had a wonderful experience with the lactation consultant in the hospital and this was totally different. I wouldn't recommend Melissa and will be looking elsewhere for a lactation consultant. Edit: Melissa reached out and asked me to add that there was a technical glitch in my forms loading. read more

can't say enough positive things about Melissa Block. I had my son at 37weeks gestation. he was growth restricted and had a tongue tie. Melissa met with us literally a few hours after his birth and really helped me figure things out and get into a routine. when I later had problems with an oversupply/fast letdown preventing my baby from latching at all- forcing us to switch to bottles- I texted her at night and she responded within the hour with assistance. she then met with me first thing in the morning and literally within the call he was back to latching at the breast with no issues! haven't needed to use a bottle since. I would HIGHLY recommend Melissa, she really knows what she's doing, makes herself available for you, and is so positive and reassuring about the process. many thanks to her!! read more

I used North Shore Lactation for two babies and had a great experience both times. I was able to be seen very quickly which is so important in those early days and Melissa and her team are very responsive to emails. A care plan is emailed shortly after the visit as well as resources. Highly recommend Melissa and her team. read more

Melissa was so helpful working on my technique. we were worried our little one wasnt getting enough each feed and Melissa helped guide us through both a routine and signals to look for. read more

I will share my story below, but the important point that I want to get across is that my experience with Melissa was unprofessional and unhelpful and I cannot recommend her services (especially in comparison with some of the other wonderful IBCLCs with whom I've interacted). I scheduled with Melissa because my son was having trouble transferring milk and therefore had lost weight in his first week. Melissa was an in-network provider and I needed help. She only offered an online appointment, which gave no opportunity for hands-on observation or assistance. She told me there is nothing she can do in person that she can't do online. I filled out extensive paperwork beforehand sharing our details, and it was immediately clear that she had read none of it when we met. She told me that I "wasn't trying hard enough" to get him to the breast and that I was feeding him too much pumped milk bottles, when his doctor had insisted he gain weight. She provided absolutely no recognition (or observation) of the anatomical structural issue we were facing that was making it difficult for him to breastfeed- and so she provided no help for me to have him feed successfully at the breast more often. Despite all that I'd been putting into feeding him, she said that "alone in the wild, he would figure it out," discounting all of the attempts and approaches we'd already made in conversation with other specialists. Fast forward to now, my son has been diagnosed with micrognathia and potentially needs jaw surgery to pull his jaw and tongue forward. He is in feeding therapy. He has an actual structural condition preventing him from nursing, but Melissa would not know this, because she did not take the time to evaluate him, read the paperwork, listen to my concerns, or provide emotional support. Instead, she made me feel inadequate and ashamed. After she told me that my son had recently gained "way too much weight", I commented, "I thought you couldn't overfeed a breastfed baby", and her response was, "Well, you are not breastfeeding". What an incredibly hurtful thing to say to a new mom who is triple-feeding around the clock, sad, exhausted, and seeking support. Thankfully, with knowledge from nursing my first baby and guidance from other (wonderful) professionals prior to meeting with her, I knew her advice was not correct and I did not allow her to impact my decisions long-term. read more

Met with Melissa today for my first virtual consult. As a first time mom she made me feel supported in my breastfeeding journey by providing really helpful recommendations and suggestions for a successful breastfeeding experience. read more

Melissa Block was great! She helped me with latching and getting on a good routine with my daughter in just one session! Highly recommend North Shore Lactation. read more

Melissa and all of North Shore Lactation are the absolute BEST! From even before my son was born, the support and information I received was world class! Melissa allowed me to feel confident in trusting my body and my baby. I had always heard horror stories of breastfeeding and friends that had just given up trying altogether, but I knew what my goals were and Melissa helped me to make it happen. My son is growing exponentially and I cannot thank North Shore Lactation enough!!! I would highly recommend any of their consultants. They are with you every step of the way in person or virtually read more

My first telehealth appointment with Melissa was great. She provided so much information and many techniques to help me begin my breastfeeding journey with my twins. She was very supportive and patient with all of my questions. I look forward to future sessions and learning more. read more

We have had an excellent experience with Melissa & her team! All of the lactation consultants have been incredibly professional, responsive patient & kind as we've navigated the early days of breastfeeding. Sara, specifically, has been a HUGE help as certain challenges have arisen! Love the option to touch base via telehealth OR schedule an in-home appointment if further assessment is necessary. read more

NorthShore Lactation was so helpful to me when I was struggling with breastfeeding. I worked with both Sara and Melissa via Telehealth and in person and were incredibly responsive and helpful- the Telehealth option is great when you need assistance quickly! Highly recommend their services! read more

Nursing can be hard -- I had to stop early with my first baby, and with my second I had a better sense of what to expect but still dealt with painful latches. When baby was 2 months old I was really struggling and contacted Melissa for a home visit. She came over within a day of me contacting her. She really helped reassure me, and showed me a few tricks. I'm glad she was so friendly and easy to talk to. Thank you! (Still breastfeeding!) read more

Melissa provided very clear, professional and encouraging support. She is very resourceful and tries to help you in many aspects. She gives clear steps, explanations, sends all after visit documents promptly. Thanks to her we did first sound steps in our attempts to establish BF which I tried on my own for 5 weeks and was totally exhausted and lost. I only regret that I didn't contact Melissa earlier. Also I'm immensely greatful to Melissa for helping me to find the pediatrician that I could only dream about! I'd definitely contact Melissa again. read more