Pura Vida Lactation & more, LLC
Feeding & Lactation Support for Babies in Baltimore & DC
Your baby's feeding challenges deserve more than a Google search.
You deserve someone who comes to you.
Whether you're navigating breastfeeding struggles, a NICU homecoming, a suspected tongue-tie, or a toddler who won't eat — I bring clinical expertise and genuine care directly to your home. Because the best support happens where your family feels safest.
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Meet Cristi
MS, CCC-SLP · CLC · CIMC · CBWS · TOTs Trained
I’m a licensed speech-language pathologist, certified lactation counselor, and NICU feeding therapist with over 14 years of experience in feeding clinics, schools, and Level III and IV NICUs across Baltimore and the DC area — caring for medically complex newborns from their earliest days.
I built Pura Vida Lactation & more, LLC because families deserve more than a one-and-done visit. I come to you — whether that’s your living room, your daycare, or wherever feeding happens — because real progress happens where your family feels safe. Your baby, your body, and your feeding journey are met with clinical expertise, genuine care, and no judgment. One of the most important parts of my work is bringing a positive spin to even the hardest feeding days.
When you work with me, you get more than a lactation consultant. You get a NICU-based SLP, feeding therapist, lactation professional, and fellow mama who sees your whole story — and stays with you through it.
Every stage brings new questions.
You don't have to answer them alone.
How It Works:
Let's Talk
Text me or choose a time below for a quick call so I can learn more about your concerns and goals.
Create YOUR Plan
We’ll discuss your feeding goals, complete a formal evaluation, and determine the best support for your family.
Ongoing Support
Move forward feeling confident, supported, and clear on how to nourish your baby and support healthy development.
My Services:
Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Support
Tongue-tie and lip-tie (tethered oral tissues, or TOTs) assessments start with oral motor function, not just a quick look. In some cases, targeted pre-release work improves feeding enough that a procedure isn't needed. In others, it sets your baby up for a smoother recovery.
Speech Therapy
From first words to clear articulation and robust language, therapy provides tailored, play-based sessions for children ages 0-7, focusing on early language development, sound production, and school readiness. Schools can also request screenings with standardized assessments to ensure every child's speech needs are met effectively. (Complete form below!)
Looking for a trusted SLP partner for your program? I offer contracted screening services for daycares, private and public schools, and early childhood programs, with parent consent, to help identify children who may benefit from further evaluation or therapy services. Flexible, affordable, and designed to fit your program's schedule. Reach out to learn more about partnering!
My travel radius:
Proudly serving families in Baltimore City and County, Howard, and Harford Counties, and southern York County, PA, as well as the Washington, DC area.
In-home visits within 40 minutes of Baltimore, MD are included at no additional cost. For visits beyond that, a travel fee applies based on drive time:
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41-50 minutes: $50
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51-60 minutes: $75
Billing/insurance:
Pura Vida Lactation & more, LLC is a private-pay, out-of-network practice — meaning I don't bill insurance directly. As a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, I provide Superbills upon request, and many families are surprised to find that their insurance reimburses a substantial portion of services. It's always worth a call to your provider to ask about your out-of-network benefits.
Every insurance plan is different, and you are responsible for contacting your insurance company to confirm whether feeding therapy services are eligible for reimbursement under your plan. To make that easier, I've included a list of helpful questions to ask in the FAQs section.
Payment plans are available when appropriate — reach out directly to discuss what works best for your family.
