Lessons from Local Leaders:

Abbie Bridges

Bridging the Gap: How Abbie Bridges Is Transforming Infant Feeding Support for Families

In our latest podcast episode, we had the honor of sitting down with Abbie Bridges, founder of Bridges Lactation, a compassionate and deeply knowledgeable lactation consultant serving families across Maryland through home, office, and telehealth visits. As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Abbie provides evidence-based, judgment-free support to breastfeeding, formula-feeding, and combination-feeding families alike.

What makes Abbie’s story so compelling is how her own journey into motherhood helped her discover her calling. With a background in public health and medical anthropology, Abbie found herself drawn to infant feeding after giving birth to her daughter in 2021. Breastfeeding became not just a personal experience, but a gateway to helping others navigate the overwhelming and often misunderstood landscape of infant nutrition.

Empowering Parents with Confidence and Clarity

Throughout our conversation, Abbie shared the most common struggles she sees in her practice—from latch challenges to the emotional toll of perceived low milk supply. But more than just offering technical fixes, she focuses on empowering parents with confidence, reassurance, and the support they often don’t receive elsewhere. As she puts it, “Supported is best.”

Abbie is passionate about shifting the narrative from “breast is best” or “fed is best” to “supported is best”—meeting families where they are, with no shame or pressure. Whether a parent chooses to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or do a bit of both, her mission is to make sure they feel heard, informed, and empowered.

Real Support for Real Life

We also talked about the invisible challenges that impact infant feeding—like lack of parental leave, financial limitations, and mental health struggles. Abbie approaches every client holistically, designing tailored care plans that support not just the baby’s health, but the parent’s well-being too.

Her insights into consent, boundaries, and emotional energy during feeding were powerful. Abbie views feeding as a “dance between two people,” and believes in helping parents recognize their own needs and limits as valid—because healthy feeding starts with a supported caregiver.

From First Latch to Final Wean

Abbie offers full-spectrum care, including prenatal consultations, postpartum visits, return-to-work planning, and weaning support. She recently introduced lactation care packages that provide wraparound support through a baby’s first year—an exciting step forward in providing continuity of care for growing families.

When she’s not helping clients one-on-one, Abbie is building community through free support groups (with plans to relaunch soon), creative content on Instagram, and thoughtful resources on her website. Even in a system that can make lactation care feel complicated or inaccessible, Abbie’s commitment to advocacy, education, and inclusivity shines through.

A Heart for Healing and Growth

One of the most moving parts of our conversation was hearing Abbie reflect on clients who’ve come full circle—from discouraging first experiences to healing, empowered journeys the second time around. With every client, she brings not only clinical expertise but deep empathy and a genuine belief in the power of supported beginnings.

If you’re expecting, newly postpartum, or navigating the ups and downs of infant feeding, Abbie Bridges is the partner you want by your side. 

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