Gray Eat, Speak, Play LLC

04/02/2025

🌿 Setting Up Your Breastfeeding Space? Start Here.
Whether you're preparing for your first baby or settling in with a newborn, having a cozy and functional feeding spot can make such a difference.

I just shared a new blog post with everything you need to know about creating a comfortable breastfeeding space at home—including a checklist for stocking a rolling cart (my favorite postpartum hack 🙌).

🛒 Plus, I included links to all the items I personally recommend as a lactation counselor and mom of two.

Read the full post here:
👉 https://wix.to/a9ST2fi

Have you set up your breastfeeding space yet? Drop your must-haves in the comments—I’d love to hear what helped you most! 💬

Get simple, practical tips for setting up a cozy breastfeeding space at home—including what to stock in a rolling cart to make nursing easier and more comfortable.

03/11/2025

Did you spot the “DOs” in the last reel? Here’s the answer! ⬇️

These small adjustments can make mealtimes easier, more enjoyable, and support your baby’s development:

✅ Eating together as a family: Babies learn by watching! Having meals together when possible encourages them to explore new foods and builds positive mealtime habits.
❌ Try to avoid: Feeding baby separately from the family all the time—bringing them to the table helps them feel included!

✅ Following baby’s lead: Letting baby take the lead in feeding helps them learn to regulate their hunger and fullness cues—an important skill for lifelong healthy eating!
❌ Try to avoid: Pressuring baby to eat a certain amount or rushing the meal—babies eat best when they’re in control of their intake.

✅ Encouraging self-feeding: Allowing baby to use their hands to explore and feed themselves supports motor skills, sensory development, and independence.
❌ Try to avoid: Always spoon-feeding or wiping their hands constantly—getting messy is part of the learning process!
👉 But I’m a mom too, and I totally get that there’s not always time for a big mess. Do what works best for your family while giving baby plenty of chances to explore!

Like always, this post is meant to educate and guide families in best practices—not to judge or criticize. Every family and baby is different, and my goal is to help you feel confident in your unique feeding journey!

👋 I’m Abbey, a feeding therapist and mom of two, here to help you navigate starting solids with confidence!

💡 Want more expert feeding guidance?
Join me for my Starting Solids With Confidence class—available LIVE every month or on-demand anytime!

📅 Comment “CONFIDENCE” and I’ll DM you the details!

03/06/2025

Did you spot the “don’ts” in the last reel? Here’s the answer! ⬇️

These two common feeding mistakes can actually make eating harder for your baby:

❌ Scraping food off on baby’s upper lip or roof of their mouth:
Babies need to learn how to use their lips to remove food from the spoon. Scraping food off for them takes away this learning opportunity!
✔️ Instead, hold the spoon near their mouth and let them come to it.

❌ Wiping baby’s mouth with the spoon after each bite:
Constant wiping can be overstimulating and make eating feel stressful for baby.
✔️ Instead, embrace the mess! Wait until the end of the meal to clean up, and let baby help with a wet cloth.

💡 Want more expert feeding tips?
Join me TONIGHT at 7:30 PM ET for my LIVE Starting Solids With Confidence class!

📅 Last chance! Comment “CONFIDENCE” and I’ll DM you the link.

03/06/2025

Hey mama! Can you spot the feeding “don’ts” in this video? 👀 Watch closely—there are TWO common mistakes happening here that aren’t best practice when spoon-feeding your baby. Drop your guess in the comments! ⬇️ I’ll reveal the correct answers in my next post—so be sure to check back! Want to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting solids so you can feel confident feeding your baby?Join me TONIGHT 7:30-8:30 PM ET for my live class, Starting Solids With Confidence. We’ll cover:✅ Safe feeding techniques✅ Choking vs. gagging✅ First foods & allergens✅ How to avoid picky eating later…and much more! 📅 Last chance to grab your spot (only a few left!)—comment “CONFIDENCE” and I’ll DM you the link.

03/05/2025

Are you ready to confidently start solids with your baby?

Comment “SIGNUP” to join the growing group of parents who stopped Googling for answers and trusted me—a feeding therapist and mom of two—for expert guidance and confidence in starting solids.

📲 Swipe through to see what other parents are saying about their success after taking my class!

📅 Join me TOMORROW, THURSDAY 3/6 from 7:30-8:30 PM ET for my Starting Solids With Confidence livestream class!

✨ What you’ll learn:
* When and how to introduce solids
* Dos and don’ts to avoid common mistakes
* Approaches to feeding: baby-led weaning, purees, or a mix
* First food ideas, safe allergen introduction, and choking hazards
* How to stay calm with gagging and reduce picky eating risks

💬 PLUS, there’s a LIVE Q&A where you can ask me all your questions in real time!

💥 BONUSES:
* The next 3 people to sign up will receive my Feeding Gear digital guide for FREE ($15 value).
* All attendees will be entered to win access to all of my digital guides ($45 value)!

Can’t make it tomorrow? No worries! Join me next month or access the on-demand version to learn at your convenience.

02/28/2025

Are you ready to confidently start solids with your baby?

Comment “CONFIDENCE” to join the growing group of parents who stopped Googling for answers and trusted me—a feeding therapist and mom of two—for expert guidance and confidence in starting solids.

📲 Swipe through to see what other parents are saying about their success after taking my class!

📅 Join me NEXT THURSDAY (3/6) from 7:30-8:30 PM ET for my Starting Solids With Confidence livestream class!

✨ What you’ll learn:
* When and how to introduce solids
* Dos and don’ts to avoid common mistakes
* Approaches to feeding: baby-led weaning, purees, or a mix
* First food ideas, safe allergen introduction, and choking hazards
* How to stay calm with gagging and reduce picky eating risks

💬 PLUS, there’s a LIVE Q&A where you can ask me all your questions in real time!

💥 BONUSES:
* The next 3 people to sign up will receive my Feeding Gear digital guide for FREE ($15 value).
* All attendees will be entered to win access to all of my digital guides ($45 value)!

Can’t make it next week? No worries! Join me next month or access the on-demand version to learn at your convenience.

02/06/2025

Is food “just for fun” before one? Let’s bust this myth!

🍼 Nutritional needs shift around 6 months. Iron and zinc stores start to deplete, and solids help bridge the gap.

🍴 Babies build essential feeding skills. Chewing, swallowing, and self-feeding all develop between 6-12 months, setting the stage for lifelong eating habits.

👶 Early exposure can reduce picky eating. Offering a variety of textures and flavors now can help minimize aversions and promote adventurous eating later.

Waiting too long to introduce solids can lead to nutrient deficiencies and missed opportunities for skill-building.

I’m Abbey, a feeding therapist, lactation counselor, and mom of two littles. I’m here to help you navigate your baby’s feeding journey with confidence and ease.

Follow for expert tips on starting solids and making mealtimes stress-free and joyful.

01/08/2025

Are you ready to confidently start solids with your baby?

Comment “CONFIDENCE” to join the growing group of parents who stopped Googling for answers and trusted me—a feeding therapist and mom of two—for expert guidance and confidence in starting solids.

📲 Swipe through to see what other parents are saying about their success after taking my class!

📅 Join me TONIGHT from 7:30-8:30 PM EST for my Starting Solids With Confidence livestream class!

✨ What you’ll learn:
* When and how to introduce solids
* Dos and don’ts to avoid common mistakes
* Approaches to feeding: baby-led weaning, purees, or a mix
* First food ideas, safe allergen introduction, and choking hazards
* How to stay calm with gagging and reduce picky eating risks

💬 PLUS, there’s a LIVE Q&A where you can ask me all your questions in real time!

💥 BONUSES:
* The next 3 people to sign up will receive my Feeding Gear digital guide for FREE ($15 value).
* All attendees will be entered to win access to all of my digital guides ($45 value)!

Can’t make it tonight? No worries! Join me next month or access the on-demand version to learn at your convenience.

01/04/2025

Look for these key signs to feel confident your baby is getting enough milk:

1️⃣ Wet and dirty diapers: By day 5, your baby should have 6+ wet diapers and 4+ yellow, seedy stools in 24 hours.
2️⃣ Baby’s behavior: Watch for rhythmic sucking, soft “k” sounds when swallowing, and a relaxed, satisfied baby after feeding.
3️⃣ Comfortable breastfeeding: Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt! If your baby is latched well, your ni***es won’t feel pinched, and your breasts should feel softer after feeds.

These are just a few key signs. Want the full guide with even more signs and troubleshooting tips? Comment MILK and I’ll send it to you for FREE!

Hi, I’m Abbey—a lactation counselor, feeding therapist, and mom of two little ones. I help parents navigate their feeding journeys with confidence and joy. 💕

12/23/2024

Feeling stuck on what to feed your baby? Let me make it easier for you!As a feeding therapist and mom of two littles, I know how overwhelming starting solids can feel. That’s why I’m sharing some of my favorite first foods to set your baby up for success at mealtimes: 🥑 Avocado – Packed with fiber and healthy fat. Serve as large slices for baby to pick up and bite, or mash it into guacamole. 🍠 Sweet Potato – A nutrient powerhouse with vitamins A, B6, C, and more. My go-to prep: rinse, poke with a fork, rub with coconut oil, and microwave on “baked potato” setting. Cool, peel, and serve in strips or mashed. 🐟 Salmon – Full of omega-3s for brain development. Cook thoroughly (145°F), check for bones, and serve in strips or blended with water, olive oil, or yogurt. Fish is an allergen, so watch for reactions. 🫘 Black Beans – A great source of protein and iron. Mash, squish, or puree for an easy-to-eat texture. ✨ Want 100+ ideas to make starting solids easier?Comment “FIRSTFOODS” and I’ll send you my First 100 Foods Checklist to take the guesswork out of what to offer next. Hi, I’m Abbey! I’m a feeding therapist, lactation counselor, and mom of two, here to help you feel confident on your baby’s feeding journey from day one. Follow for more tips on first latch, first bite, and beyond!

12/15/2024

Hey, mamas! Want to feel confident and prepared for breastfeeding? Here’s the ONE thing you can do to set yourself up for success: Take a breastfeeding class! 🤱✨

With my Breastfeeding With Confidence course launching soon, you’ll:
✅ Learn how to get the right latch and comfortable positions
✅ Know the signs that your baby is getting enough milk
✅ Troubleshoot common challenges like milk supply or mastitis
✅ Feel prepared whether you’re expecting or navigating postpartum

✨ Want support now? Comment “TIPS” and I’ll send my FREE breastfeeding tips to help you feel confident from day one!

👋🏼 I’m Abbey Gray, a lactation counselor, feeding therapist, and mom of two littles (fun fact: I’m breastfeeding currently, too)! I help parents navigate feeding challenges with confidence and joy. Follow me for more tips, support, and encouragement on your feeding journey! 💕

11/22/2024

Starting solids is such an exciting milestone, but it can also be confusing! Here are 4 common mistakes to be aware of:

1️⃣ Overusing purees or finger foods exclusively – A balanced approach that includes both purées and finger foods helps your baby explore textures, builds feeding skills, and can prevent picky eating. Yes, you can absolutely do Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) while including purées as part of a varied feeding plan!

2️⃣ Pushing for solids before your baby is ready
3️⃣ Creating a distracting mealtime environment
4️⃣ Making mealtimes a battleground

Want to know how to avoid these and other feeding mistakes? Comment “MISTAKES” for my free guide packed with tips to help you make feeding smoother and stress-free!

Hi, I’m Abbey! I’m a feeding therapist, lactation counselor, and mom of two. My mission is to help parents like you feel confident and joyful about feeding your little one. Follow for expert advice and practical tips to support your feeding journey! 🫶🍽️