Crystal Melody IBCLC, RLC, BS, CHW is a type-A Program Planner and Project Manager working in Human Services by day — in the rest of her life she is a mother, a writer, and an artist. She is a tattooed, flighty, potty-mouthed Sagittarius mom of 6 phenomenal children navigating adolescence and early adulthood — the inspiration for her work and life.

Blending lived experience, professional knowledge, research, and parenting philosophies, her writing and art explore motherhood, intentional parenting, and navigating trauma inside a family. Known for her honest perspective and storytelling, she creates spaces where parents feel seen and less alone in the chaos of raising children while growing alongside them.

Through her platform, Unconventional Motherhood, she invites audiences into discussions about healing from trauma, building healthy connections within our families, parenting authentically, and embracing the imperfect reality of parenting.

Crystal has been supporting families through the perinatal period for nearly 2 decades. She is a former birth doula and placenta encapsulation specialist, has been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 2018, is a licensed Community Health Worker (CHW), and is trained in holistic nutrition, western herbalism, and childbirth education.