Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Abbey Gray. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Abbey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

A defining moment in my professional career came after an incredibly personal experience—facing breastfeeding challenges following an emergency surgery when my son was just five weeks old. It was a time of deep physical and emotional struggle, but it also gave me a new level of empathy and understanding for the families I support today.

I had been committed to breastfeeding as a certified lactation counselor, but when my first son was born, our journey took unexpected turns. Just weeks after giving birth, I had to undergo surgery to remove a grapefruit-sized ovarian cyst, along with one of my ovaries and a fallopian tube. The trauma of surgery, separation from my newborn, and a sudden drop in milk supply were heart-wrenching.

What I learned through this experience was the profound importance of support—having access to compassionate lactation consultants and donor milk, and giving myself permission to find alternative ways to nourish my baby without shame. This period changed my perspective on feeding, helping me to truly understand the emotional weight that parents carry and how vital it is to offer them a safe, non-judgmental space.

Today, my work as a feeding therapist and lactation counselor is informed by that experience. I don’t just offer clinical advice, but also compassion, knowing firsthand how difficult and unpredictable the feeding journey can be. I encourage parents to embrace their unique path and to let go of the weight of societal expectations. There are many ways to feed and care for our babies, and my role is to help families navigate their journey with confidence and grace.

Abbey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Abbey Gray, a feeding therapist, speech-language pathologist, lactation counselor, and mom of two littles. I’ve been in this field for over a decade, helping families navigate the often overwhelming world of infant and early childhood feeding. My focus is on supporting parents from pregnancy through early childhood, empowering them to confidently feed their babies and toddlers, whether it’s breastfeeding, bottle feeding, transitioning to solids, or navigating the challenges of picky eating.

My journey into this field started with my background as a speech-language pathologist, but it truly deepened after my own personal experience with breastfeeding challenges following an emergency surgery postpartum. That experience changed my perspective and gave me the compassion and understanding I needed to help other parents through their feeding struggles. I realized firsthand how crucial support is, not just in providing expert advice but also in offering empathy and a non-judgmental space for parents to navigate their feeding journey.

In my practice, I offer a range of services and resources, including virtual classes like Starting Solids With Confidence, which is available both live and on-demand, and personalized coaching to address specific feeding challenges. I also provide digital guides that cover everything from safe food preparation to introducing allergens and finding the right feeding gear. Additionally, I’m excited to announce the upcoming launch of my prenatal breastfeeding class in January, designed to support parents early on and empower them with the knowledge they need for a successful feeding journey. These tools are all crafted to make feeding your child less overwhelming and more enjoyable by providing practical, evidence-based guidance.

One aspect that sets me apart is my focus on balancing professional expertise with real-life parenting. As a mom of two, I understand the busy, sometimes stressful nature of raising young children. My advice is rooted in evidence, but it’s also realistic and tailored to the needs of each family. I aim to take the guesswork out of feeding so that parents can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying their babies.

What I’m most proud of is the positive impact I’ve had on families. I’ve been fortunate to help countless parents feel more confident, whether they’re dealing with breastfeeding difficulties, introducing solids, or managing picky eating. I believe what sets my work apart is the combination of professional knowledge and personal experience. I’m here not only as an expert but also as someone who’s been through it—who knows how difficult and unpredictable feeding can be.

The main message I want potential clients to know is that feeding your baby doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re in the middle of a challenge, I’m here to provide support, guidance, and reassurance. Through my courses, digital guides, and one-on-one coaching, I aim to empower parents to make informed decisions that feel right for their family and give them the confidence to enjoy this important stage in their child’s life.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe first-hand experience and compassion are essential for succeeding in this field. As a feeding therapist and lactation counselor, personally navigating the challenges of feeding with my own children has given me a deeper understanding of what parents go through. It’s one thing to know the science and techniques behind feeding, but it’s another to experience the emotional and physical hurdles yourself. Compassion allows me to connect with families on a personal level, offering not just advice but also empathy. This combination of professional expertise and lived experience helps me provide realistic, supportive guidance that truly resonates with parents.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my career came when I had to re-establish my professional community and referral sources after relocating—twice. My career began in Boston, where I initially built my network and established my practice. After six years, my family and I moved to Maine, and I had to start from scratch, forming new relationships with local providers, building referral networks, and integrating myself into the community. It was challenging but rewarding, as I developed strong connections that allowed my business to thrive.

Then, in early 2022, we moved again—this time to Atlanta. Once more, I found myself in a position where I had to rebuild my community, connect with new referral sources, and introduce myself to a new network of families and professionals. It was a significant shift, especially given the differences in each location’s culture and client base. But the process of building these connections has taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability in business. Each move has pushed me to grow professionally, expand my reach, and connect with more families who need support.

Establishing myself in Atlanta has been a journey, but I’m proud of the relationships I’ve cultivated and the new community that is growing around my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.grayeatspeakplay.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grayeatspeakplay
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grayeatspeakplay
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grayeatspeakplay

Image Credits

Siobhan Bogle, Maine Tinker Photography