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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The content on BirthGuide does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. The Complementary Care Directory is a paid membership directory. Members provide the information in their listings, which is not vetted by BirthGuide. The listing of an individual or entity in this directory does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by BirthGuide. By using this directory you agree to be bound by the BirthGuide Terms & Conditions of Use. If you do not wish to be bound by these terms and conditions, please do not access the directory.
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
Melissa Schiff, IBCLC
Craniosacral Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist, IBCLC
Melissa Schiff, IBCLC, LMT, CST
I’ve spent over a decade supporting families through my work as a La Leche League Leader and in private practice as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
When you work with me, you’re working with an experienced breastfeeding mom. I’ve faced my own breastfeeding challenges. With my first baby, we had just moved to a new state where I didn’t know anyone. I struggled as a new mom, unsure if what I was experiencing was normal. With no examples of breastfeeding in my family, I was trying to survive with a high-needs baby who gained weight slowly and nursed every hour. I spent hours on Dr. Google and was completely exhausted, but VERY determined to make breastfeeding work!
It wasn’t until I attended my first breastfeeding support group that I realized what I was going through was completely normal. I learned to trust my instincts and sought professional help and support from an IBCLC.
With my second baby, I felt more confident. Breastfeeding got off to a much better start, but after two weeks, my baby boy developed skin rashes, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Once again, I needed help. With my IBCLC’s support, we discovered the culprit. He cleared up, and breastfeeding became much easier. I nursed each of my children for over two years until they weaned themselves.
I am a lifelong learner of all things pregnancy, birth, babies, and breastfeeding. This is my passion! I became a La Leche League Leader in 2006 and have been helping mothers and babies ever since. As an IBCLC, I bring clinical expertise and have been in private practice since 2013.
My journey has led me to explore how babies feed with their whole bodies and how body tension can impact feeding. With my combined skills as an Infant CST Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist (CPMT), and IBCLC, I can assess feeding challenges holistically. By addressing oral function and releasing body tension through gentle bodywork and exercises, I help babies feed more comfortably, improve their overall function, and achieve better feeding outcomes.
Whether you are facing breastfeeding challenges, need help with infant feeding, or want to explore bodywork to support your baby’s health and comfort, I am here to support you every step of the way.
Melissa’s Advanced Lactation Training / Licensing / Continuing Education:
In addition to the IBCLC board certification and the many continuing education courses I’ve taken over the last 10years, I’ve completed very specialized training to expand my knowledge and clinical skills to serve you and your baby with the best care.
- School of Holistic Massage and Reflexology Massage Therapy School – Graduated – Massage therapy license with the state of Illinois
- Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist (CPMT) – Liddle Kidz Foundation® – Tina Allen
- Certified Infant Massage Teacher (CIMT) – Liddle Kidz Foundation® – Tina Allen
- Pediatric Fascial Therapy – Christine Holefelder, BS, LMT – 27-hour training
- Craniosacral Therapy (CST) Foundations – Beames CST Training Center
- Infant Craniosacral Therapy (CST) Level 1- Beames CST Training Center
- Infant Craniosacral Therapy (CST) Level 2 – Beames CST Training Center
- Infant Craniosacral Therapy (CST) Level 3 – Beames CST Training Center
- Infant Craniosacral Therapy (CST) Level 4 (Completed all 4 Levels!) – Beames CST Training Center
- Holistic Functional Lactation: A year long intensive training with a two-week residency and Capstone project, completed in Summer of 2023 – Intuitive Parenting Network – Jennifer Tow
- A Moveable Feast! – In-depth course on reflexes, rhythmic movements, trauma, and their impacts on birth and infant feeding – Doula My Soul – Bryna Sampey
- Rhythmic Movement Training International (RMTi)- Level 1 and 2 – Reflexes and rhythmic movements- Thrive- Elizabeth Hickman
- IBCLC Master Class: Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad: Intensive advanced lactation clinical skills “IBCLC will be able to reference a compendium of effective exercises and tools for facilitating oral habilitation, sucking and body movement. The learner will be able to use multiple strategies to confidently educate families on the use and reasoning behind the care plan developed for infants with complex feeding difficulties.” – Intuitive Parenting Network – Jennifer Tow, Bryna Sampey, Sandra Coulson, Sharon Vallone
- Oral Functional Assessment of the Breastfeeding Dyad – Intuitive Parenting Network – Jennifer Tow
- Myofunctional 12 Week Training Course – MyoMentor – Sarah Hornsby
- TOTS Training – Chrysalis Oralfacial
- Gut-Brain for IBCLCs: “A Master Class open to IBCLCs who wish to improve both literacy and clinical efficacy when supporting breastfeeding dyads presenting with complex challenges such as food intolerances, gut dysbiosis, metabolic disorders, eczema, reflux and related issues.” – Intuitive Parenting Network – Jennifer Tow
- Plugged Ducts & Mastitis: A Holistic Approach to Care – Intuitive Parenting Network – Jennifer Tow
- Pumping and Feeding Gear – Babes in Common
- Hands Off! The Virtual IBCLC: Effectively Support Breastfeeding Dyads Remotely – Intuitive Parenting Network – Jennifer Tow
- TummyTime!™ Method Professional Certification Training – Michelle Emanuel