Begin to Bloom
with Kelly Andrasik McLeod OTD, IBCLC
About
Kelly Andrasik McLeod OTD, OTR/L, IBCLC
Kelly is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of Begin to Bloom with over 18 years of experience. She has served medically complex infants and their families, at large teaching hospitals both within the San Francisco Bay Area and in Portland, Oregon.
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Kelly holds a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her doctoral work advanced breastfeeding outcomes for medically fragile neonates, strengthening her expertise at the intersection of neonatal care, feeding therapy, and lactation support.
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As a mother of three who has navigated feeding challenges firsthand, Kelly brings both clinical excellence and deep empathy to her work. She understands the emotional weight of early feeding journeys and supports families in feeling confident, informed, and empowered at every step.
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In addition to her clinical practice, Kelly has served as an invited speaker at national and international conferences and has taught physicians, nurses, and occupational therapists. She is recognized for advancing breastfeeding outcomes for medically fragile infants with greater ease, comfort, and success.
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Kelly is board-certified in pediatrics through AOTA, a Certified Neonatal Therapist, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
Our Why
When an infant has complex medical, feeding, and developmental challenges, care cannot happen in silos. While working with Begin to Bloom, you and your baby will receive skilled support from a practitioner who is an Occupational Therapist (OT) and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). This dual certification brings two critical specialties together into one highly integrated approach.
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Begin to Bloom was formed to provide increased availability of feeding therapy and lactation support within Redwood City, Palo Alto and the surrounding communities.​ Recognizing that feeding challenges and lactation needs are often met with long wait lists to be seen, especially when medical issues are involved, Begin to Bloom offers families another option to access expert occupational therapy and lactation support in a convenient, family-centered setting.
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By combining advanced clinical expertise with compassionate, individualized care, the practice ensures that every infant and parent receives the support they need to thrive during these critical early months.