Melissa Schiff, IBCLC, RLC

Throughout my pregnancy I've been wanting to visit a lactation consultant. Unfortunately, when I contacted my insurance provider a few months ago, there was literally ONE lactation consultant that they would cover. How is it possible in the city of Chicago and it's environs that BCBSIL will provide coverage for a single lactation specialist?

Somehow I got a tip about Melissa, for which I'm so thankful. She works with an organization called The Lactation Network and through them I am able to get BCBS to cover appointments with her. She offers prenatal appointments, which is what I particularly wanted though I plan to visit her after birth as well. Luckily, with the Lactation Network, I believe I can visit her six times with insurance coverage.

I can sometimes beat myself up about things... and that is why I wanted to see a lactation consultant before breastfeeding. I wanted to know what to expect, and what "normal" looks like for breastfeeding, so that I knew what to look out for and to not feel like a failure. Melissa walked me through what early days of breastfeeding look like. For example, I didn't realize that in the first few days babies only eat about a teaspoon of colostrum per feeding (I know I would have thought this was too little, and a problem on my end!). She also explained that about four ounces per feeding is about all a baby will need at any point, and that they work up to eating that much over the first few weeks of life. She showed me the basics of hand expressing, and gave me supplies to express before I enter the hospital if I'd like to take it with me there just in case there's any difficulties breastfeeding whilst there. We also went over infant hunger cues, which was incredibly helpful, and a couple of good positions for feeding. We discussed options for breast pumps, which was very helpful because I didn't really have any idea what I should be looking for in one and now I think I know which one I'll get. She helped me determine what size flange is going to be best for me (I would have been way off; it's smaller than what usually comes with it and I wouldn't have known the difference). She also explained some of the pros and cons of different bottles and nipples and how the shape and flow of different ones might impact nipple preference. She also shared that the pacifier you choose could impact success in breastfeeding to some extent, as the orthodontic ones that are a bit more flat cause the baby to change the shape and motion of their mouth which can make breastfeeding difficult and painful. Very helpful since I made adjustments to my registry when I got home to account for what I learned.

She has lots of props to aid in practice of technique, infant holding, and so on. She also works with a milk bank and can help set you up to donate excess milk or, if you need to purchase, she can do that too. Her office is located in a pretty boring, nondescript building that looks like a banquet hall so don't miss it. Her space is warm and lovely, though! When you enter the parking lot you'll go to the back and enter there rather than from the front, where there's little parking (plenty in back, though).

I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Melissa. I left my appointment thinking about how I could become a lactation consultant, which is something I did consider when I was an undergraduate but didn't pursue. But the opportunity to be of help to women who need it is a calling that I'm glad Melissa answered. She has some Saturday appointments as well which I appreciate so much. I would HIGHLY encourage any soon-to-be breast/chestfeeding parent to visit her, even if your insurance won't cover it; having been there, I know now that it would have been worth it paying out of pocket to meet with her because it was so valuable. Prenatal consultation will help give you the confidence you need to do something that no one teaches you, but you're expected to just naturally know how to do. You might be saved from lots of tears, fussy baby, or simply learn things that will make the whole experience of breastfeeding that second-nature thing that so many seem to think it is.

#1400

Melissa was extremely helpful! I am so glad I had an appointment scheduled. She was able to provide helpful tips to get a better latch, help with engorgement and various positions. She also gave us exercises to do to help relieve tension in the babies mouth! I would definitely recommend Melissa to any breastfeeding moms!

Melissa is absolutely wonderful! She is extremely knowledgeable and helped me and my newborn daughter immensely with her tongue/lip ties. She knew exactly what to look for and walked me through every step of the way. She has been a huge support and has been accessible to me through this entire process. She is a baby whisperer, teacher, therapist, guru on all things baby and breastfeeding all in one and I couldn't be more thankful that I found her! I will be using her for every baby going forward! Thank you Melissa for your support and guidance, I can't tell you how much is means to me during this time with my baby!

I had a wonderful experience with Melissa! I went to see her after my three-month-old suddenly began refusing to nurse and she gave me a lot of insight and strategies to help bring my breastfeeding journey back on track. Melissa was really reassuring, understanding, patient, and gentle. I loved that she also helped me with pumping and finding the right flange size and even went so far as to find and send me the shopping links for the appropriate flanges. She really cares about the whole process of breastfeeding and was brilliantly insightful. I would recommend seeing Melissa if you have questions, or problems or just want to know how to help improve your nursing/pumping. Even if you're not having any problems I have no doubt an appointment with Melissa would be well worth it!

I don't have enough stars to give Melissa and her company!! I had a pretty terrible experience in the hospital with the LC I worked with, and was leery to have another one come into my home and possible give me the same advice I had already received In the same way I received it.

But from the moment I met Melissa it was different! her presence is so calming and she listened to me ramble on through tears without judgement about my experience. She was able to provide me with some great tips and calm my fears about not providing enough for my daughter. My goal was not to BF 100% of the time as I have low supply, but to know that if I needed to I could feed my daughter and do so with less pain and anxiety. Her follow up is outstanding and she is so easy to reach.

she created a Care plan specific to me and my life and family and everything felt realistic and achievable.

I cannot say enough, you will not regret getting the extra help and will enjoy the experience on top of that! thank you Melissa!

Motherhood is hard enough but when your little one has trouble breastfeeding, it makes it even tougher. After many tears, my husband found Melissa Schiff of Makana Breastfeeding through research and I am beyond thankful he did. Melissa is genuine and extremely knowledgeable. She offered her experience and tips/tricks on how to proceed on our journey. Not only that but she also took the time to listen to my concerns and validated what I was experiencing. After applying all we learned from Melissa, happy to report baby is doing wonderfully and thriving!
I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of breastfeeding support.

Melissa was excellent! She was very thorough in her assessment and answered all of my questions thoroughly. I felt very heard and validated. She took her time with the assessments and we spent two hours in her office! In addition, she let me borrow her scale to do weighted feeds at home which saved me the cost of renting one! I'm so appreciative of her services and will be working with her again in the future. Highly recommend!

Melissa was so helpful in addressing my breastfeeding issues and reassuring me that I was on the right path. She listened to my struggles and thoughtfully developed an action plan with me. With her guidance, breastfeeding transformed from a completely painful to a powerfully positive experience.

Melissa was great to work with in regards to a painful latch. She was the first lactation consultant to listen to our concerns rather than just talk over us. She provided helpful tips and tricks for latching, how to use my pump, and tummy time. My husband and I both left the appointment beyond pleased and thankful for the help! I highly recommend Melissa for any breastfeeding concerns/questions!!!

Great overall experience. Melissa was super professional, knowledgeable and helpful, very encouraging. She came out to the house and set up right in our living room. Proper covid precautions were taken. It was a big overall help. Followed up at her office which also was a comfortable environment. So glad I took the step to make the call!