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Breastfeeding Infant

Begin to Bloom

Specialized infant and pediatric feeding therapy & lactation support for the San Francisco Bay Area

Feeding your child was never meant to be stressful. For difficulties with the breast feeding, bottle aversion, transitioning to solids, picky eating, or dysphagia, we are here to help.

 

Begin to Bloom offers highly specialized feeding therapy and lactation consults from Kelly Andrasik McLeod OTD, IBCLC, the only dual credentialed occupational therapist and lactation consultant in the Bay Area.  

Reserve your spot today

About

Kelly McLeod, OTD, OTR/L, IBCLC

Kelly is the only dual credentialed OT and IBCLC in the bay area and brings an expert lens to infant and pediatric feeding issues, coupled with the highest level of lactation specialization (IBCLC) to Begin to Bloom. She is board-certified in neonatal and pediatric occupational therapy and has over 18 years of experience serving infants and children with complex feeding issues.  When she's not working with babies and families, she  can be seen chasing her three little ones around local playgrounds.

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Testimonials

"Kelly came to the home of my daughter and her husband to assist with some problems establishing breastfeeding for their newborn. She helped tremendously. Not only is she an expert on breastfeeding, she has a warm, supportive approach which is exactly what a new parent needs. She observed and mentored a nursing session while she was there. She was able to show my daughter techniques and make some specific recommendations, while continually reminding her that it’s okay to keep trying different things and that there’s plenty of time to work on improving the situation, thus dispelling some of my daughter’s stress and anxiety over her efforts to acquire this new skill. I highly recommend contacting her if you, like many new mothers, are experiencing some bumps in the road as you learn how to breastfeed your infant."

Mother of a lactation client


"When my identical twins were in the NICU and struggling with feeding and weight gain, Kelly's support was invaluable. She helped us understand the NICU system in a way families are rarely taught. Kelly brought clarity, confidence, and calm to stressful NICU decisions, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to any family - especially parents of multiples  seeking knowledgable, compassionate, and empowering advocacy."


Mom of twins born at 34 weeks


"Kelly is exceptional. She brings deep expertise in infant feeding along with the practical, compassionate perspective of a parent. She meets families exactly where they are, and I trust her assessments completely - she is my go-to resource for any feeding challenge."


Pediatrician and mom of two


"I cannot recommend Kelly highly enough. She was an invaluable resource during our son's stay in the NICU, guiding us through complex feeding challenge with expertise. Beyond her immense knowledge of infant development, Kelly has a remarkable ability to set realistic expectations and provide emotional support. She immediately put our family at ease, and her support made a challenging journey significantly easier."
 
Mother of a NICU graduate
 

“I have had the privilege of working alongside Kelly and can confidently say that her clinical expertise and judgment are exceptional. Families benefit immensely from her depth of experience, collaborative mindset, and thoughtful, evidence-based care. She is someone I recommend without hesitation and would trust wholeheartedly with my own children.”

Occupational therapist and mother
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