Melissa Kotlen is a former writer for Verywell Family covering breastfeeding. She's an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Registered Lactation Consultant (RLC). She maintains an active private practice, teaches prenatal breastfeeding classes at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, runs a weekly breastfeeding support group, and has lectured on lactation topics at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Melissa is also the proud mother of three beautiful children.
Over the last nine years, Melissa has assisted hundreds of women on breastfeeding issues in private, classroom, mother's group, volunteer, and hospital settings. Prior to entering private practice, Melissa completed her training and clinical work at The Mount Sinai Hospital. She was an expert reviewer for The Essential Breastfeeding Log (Ballantine Books) and her breastfeeding expertise has been featured on CBS News and in American Baby, Parents and Parenting magazines, in addition to online at newenglandfineliving.com, bostonmamas.com, houstonmom.com, workingmother.com, and babybunching.com. Melissa has also appeared on national television and radio programs, including major network affiliates in Phoenix, Tampa, and Minneapolis.
She is currently the Chief Lactation Advisor at MommaWork, a company that partners with corporations to provide support for working parents.
Melissa has a BA in French and English from Skidmore College. She is board certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.
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