Melissa Zwart

You'd think on your third baby breastfeeding would be a breeze, but I felt isolated, alone and not myself. After just a week of going through the motions and believing I could do this alone I reached out. I contacted my gynae for help, and I was given Melissa's number. I wish I was given it the moment I left the hospital. With two other kids my ability to solely be a new mom was hard, and I could feel myself wearing down. Melissa made me feel not only like I was doing a good job, but she reminded me that I was also a women, and a mom to 2 other's that needed me. Her assistance, her compassion, her understanding and her willingness to listen to my story and how I was feeling really made a huge difference. She helped with latching, she introduced new feeding positions that I wouldn't have tried on my own but best of all, late at night when I felt alone and like throwing in the towel she was there. I could send her a message and she would so gladly talk to me, offer more advice, share videos and give me tips to get through the difficult patch. My journey wasn't a long one, but Melissa didn't push me or make me feel less of a mom for deciding to mix fed. She encouraged me to do what's best for me, and that a happy mom means a happy baby. I continued to breastfeed for 3 months after realising I couldn't take the heat, but this was longer than I expected and would never have been able to without her help. I couldn't recommend the services of a lactation specialist more, especially Melissa. A true women, one of a kind!

Melissa has helped me tremendously with my breastfeeding journey. She is always willing to answer any questions you may have and selflessly shares her knowledge with you regarding the many things a first time mom may not know about breastfeeding. Melissa was particularly helpful to me when I needed to start expressing milk for my little girl. And came to see me in the weeks leading up to my return to work to discuss the way forward like how to safely store my pump parts, my milk and the legislation regarding breastfeeding at work. When I ended up in hospital recently with a broken ankle, Melissa sent me a lovely info-graphic and words of encouragement to continue my breastfeeding journey once I'm back home with baba. Thanks to Melissa I have been able to exclusively breastfeeding since my little girl was born. Furthermore, Melissa is joy to be around and every visit felt like a coffee date with a friend. Thank you for being an amazing healthcare provider & confidante.

As a first time mom I thought that breastfeeding would come naturally, needless to say I was shocked and overwhelmed when it didn't. Baby was super fussy on the breast and most days we would both land up in tears, at my wits end I called in Melissa to get some expert advice and give it one last go! Melissa was amazing she helped me find a feeding position that suited my baby( I had tried all the ones from the hospital as well as off the internet) Melissa come with fresh new insight and it worked amazingly! Over and above the breastfeeding assistance Melissa helped provide settling and bottle feeding techniques for baby! She constantly checked up on us which was a great support system to have. I would highly recommend Melissa.

I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, my second, and was determined to breastfeed because my experience with my first daughter was not as successful as I had hoped. When I went for my first clinic weigh-in with my newborn , I was shattered to learn that she hadn’t gained the required weight. I tried brewers yeast and prescribed anti nauseous medication, which has a known side effect of increasing milk supply, but nothing worked. I was heart broken, despondent and depressed. It was then that I met Mel, and so thankful that I did. She was patient, caring and attentive. She explained to me that my two medical conditions, hypothyroidism and PCOS would have a negative effect on my milk supply, but Mel did not discourage me, she came along side me and really was my cheerleader. She celebrated with me during the little achievements and held my hand when I experienced the lows. I think what makes Mel unique is that she helps from a place of personal experience as she walked that challenging journey as well, so she could identify with my hurt and strong desire to breastfeed. And if you’re wondering, I did, with Mel’s help, breastfeed my daughter after much persistence. I’m so thankful to Mel for walking that incredibly trying, yet satisfying journey with me.I have learnt so much from Mel and have got to know more about myself than I ever have