I'm a native New Yorker turned Charlotte mom, pediatric Occupational Therapist, Certified Lactation Counselor, wife, and mother of four.
My own journey into motherhood inspired Mama & Babe.
When my husband and I moved to Charlotte in 2008, I was pregnant with our first child. With little family nearby and no paternity leave, I experienced firsthand the uncertainty that can come with feeding, recovery, and caring for a newborn. Even with professional support, I often left appointments wishing someone had looked beyond the immediate concern and truly supported both me and my baby.
As our family grew, so did my passion for helping mothers feel seen, informed, and confident during one of life's biggest transitions.
With more than 20 years of experience as a pediatric Occupational Therapist and additional training as a Certified Lactation Counselor, I created Mama & Babe to provide the kind of care I wish I had received—personalized, compassionate, in-home support that looks at the whole picture.
Through an Occupational Therapy and lactation lens, I help families navigate feeding, infant development, maternal recovery, regulation, and the everyday challenges of life with a new baby.
My approach is proactive, evidence-based, and deeply personal. My goal is to be your person waiting in the wings—offering guidance, reassurance, and practical support before small concerns become overwhelming.
Because when mothers feel supported, babies thrive.
It would be an honor to walk alongside you and your baby during this special season.
You were never meant to navigate early motherhood alone…
Hi, I’m Melissa
Why Mama & Babe?
In a season filled with conflicting advice, overwhelming information, and constant opinions, it can be difficult to know what truly feels right for you and your baby.
My goal is to provide trusted, evidence-informed support you can feel confident in — a consistent source of guidance as you navigate feeding, development, regulation, and the transition into motherhood.
Through an occupational therapy and lactation lens, I look beyond isolated symptoms to understand the full picture of what may be impacting you and your baby. Feeding challenges are rarely just about feeding alone. They can affect sleep, regulation, bonding, recovery, confidence, and the overall rhythm of daily life.
Together, we gently work through the physical, developmental, sensory, and environmental factors that may be creating stress or barriers for your family.
Whether you need support with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, oral-motor function, positioning, infant regulation, developmental concerns, or simply feeling more supported in the early postpartum period, my role is to help you feel less alone and more confident in understanding your baby’s needs.
Think of me as a steady partner in your corner — someone to help quiet the noise, offer compassionate and individualized guidance, and support both you and your baby in finding a rhythm that feels more connected, sustainable, and supported.
Because early support matters — not only for feeding outcomes, but for the well-being of the entire mother-baby relationship.
Whether you're an Expectant Mom or your bundle of joy is already here, I am ready to support you. Book your breastfeeding support package below:
Ready to Talk?
Send us a quick message below, and you will be contacted to schedule a brief discovery call within one business day.
