Melissa Tsoi Cheng

BS, IBCLC, CLES

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I began my journey in the lactation field after a roller coaster of challenges while breastfeeding my son. After taking a handful of prenatal classes, like many other expectant parents, I thought I was “ready”.  But after giving birth and leaving the hospital, it was a whole other story. I left feeling wholly unprepared, faced with generational, cultural, and general misinformation. Breastfeeding was extremely challenging, and when my son was readmitted to the hospital with severe jaundice due to poor feeding, it was traumatic. I felt like I failed my first job as a mom. As a first generation Chinese-American, I struggled to find culturally sensitive lactation support, a space where I didn’t have to explain or defend my cultural postpartum practices. As I reflected on my experience, I recognized that what I was going through was not unique, and there were likely other new parents looking for support from someone who shared their lived experience. 

When my son was born, I was working  in the fashion industry as a merchandising executive. On top of the initial breastfeeding issues, as a new mom, I also grappled with the guilt of returning to work with a newborn at home, and had to advocate for everything I needed in order to pump at work and battle LA traffic to get home in time to breastfeed my baby before bedtime. Who knew finding a clean space with a locked door and covered window to pump at work was going to be such a big project? 

When the pandemic hit and our office shut down, I took the time to consider what my priorities were as a new parent. I reflected a lot on the things that happened to us in the hospital, the information I did or didn’t receive about breastfeeding, and the misguidance from my own family members around feeding my baby. I was inspired to make a change, and this combination of experiences influenced me to pursue this work in maternal health and informs my practice today.

Having faced this physical and emotionally trying time myself, I offer a non-judgmental approach to lactation care. My role is to accompany you on your unique journey and to support your breast/chestfeeding goals, whatever they may be. In pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, so much is happening within and to your body. My goal is to offer you tools and knowledge of how lactation works within the context of your body, and to assist you in coming up with a feeding plan that can nourish your baby while protecting your mental health. 

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), my priority is to create a safe, judgment-free space where we can explore evidence-based information to help you navigate breast/chestfeeding obstacles you may encounter. I have a holistic approach to care, and am open to working collaboratively with health care team members (pediatricians, OBs/mid-wives, pediatric dentists and ENTs, OT, chiropractors, etc.). 

I believe in evidenced-based care and strive to stay up to date on lactation-related studies and resources. Through individual consultations, and private or small group classes, I help educate and empower parents and  families to reach their lactation goals. I welcome every type of family who is interested in: breast/chestfeeding, inducing lactation, facing lactation challenges, and/or looking to explore alternative feeding options in a safe and supportive space. I respect that every family may look different; whether you are embarking on this experience alone, with a partner, or with other support persons, I am honored to be a part of your village.