Welcome to Pura Vida Lactation & more, LLC! I'm Cristi Garfield — a NICU Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Lactation Counselor, Certified Babywearing Educator, and Certified Infant Massage Coach with over 14 years of experience supporting families from birth through early childhood.

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Originally from the Philadelphia suburbs (GO BIRDS! 🦅), I completed my Master's at Loyola University Maryland, then made my way through Philly and DC before landing back in Baltimore — where it all began, and where I'm proud to now call home.

 

I've worked across acute and subacute hospitals, outpatient clinics, early intervention, and school-based settings — but my heart found its home in the NICU and pediatric feeding world, where I discovered just how much families need one trusted person in their corner. Even with my clinical background, my own breastfeeding journey with my now six-year-old daughter and four-year-old son opened my eyes to just how hard this really is — and how much the right support matters, regardless of what you think you know.

 

When I'm not in the NICU or supporting a family in their home, you'll find me chasing my kids, cheering on my husband's basketball teams, cooking, walking the dog, hitting the YMCA, or heading back to Philly to see family and friends. Those who know me would say I'm the friend who checks in just to say hi — and shows up when it counts.

 

I can't wait to be that person for you. 🤍

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