About
Dr. Melissa Hardy is a board-certified pediatrician and Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Specialist who brings both clinical expertise and personal insight to her work. She grew up in Chanhassen, MN, completed her undergraduate education at the College of St. Benedict in St. Cloud, and earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota. She completed her Pediatrics residency at the University of Minnesota, notably beginning it with her own eight-week-old daughter at home. During residency, she also became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Dr. Hardy sees newborns, supports lactating parents, evaluates tongue tie, and manages jaundice. She performs medical ear piercings in the Twin Cities through home visits. She co-created Juna Pediatrics DPC alongside Dr. Haggerty. Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine named her a Top Doctor Rising Star in 2024, 2025, and 2026. She is passionate about addressing parent guilt and normalizing the full spectrum of early parenthood experiences.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
College of St. Benedict, St. Cloud, MN
Medical School
University of Minnesota
Residency
Pediatrics, University of Minnesota
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Hardy right for?
Dr. Hardy is a strong fit for new parents seeking a pediatrician who also holds deep expertise in lactation and infant feeding. Families navigating breastfeeding difficulties, tongue tie, or newborn jaundice benefit from her dual specialization. Parents who want a physician who takes infant and parent wellbeing seriously, without adding to parent guilt, will connect well with her approach. She is also the physician to see for in-home medical ear piercing in the Twin Cities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Hardy specializes in pediatrics and breastfeeding and lactation medicine. Her clinical focus includes newborn care, tongue tie evaluation and treatment, jaundice management, and lactation complications including low milk supply and feeding difficulties.
Yes. Dr. Hardy holds the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential, which she earned during her pediatrics residency at the University of Minnesota.
Yes. Dr. Hardy performs in-home medical ear piercings throughout the Twin Cities at a cost of $127. She uses sterilized needle technique as the primary method and follows strict hygiene protocols. First lobe piercings are available for children over four months old.
Dr. Hardy earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota and completed her Pediatrics residency there as well. She received her undergraduate degree from the College of St. Benedict in St. Cloud, MN.
Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine recognized Dr. Hardy as a Top Doctor Rising Star in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Dr. Hardy primarily sees newborns and infants, along with their birthing parents during the postpartum period. She is especially well suited for families dealing with breastfeeding challenges, feeding complications, or concerns about newborn health and development.
Doctor profile last updated April 10, 2026