Penelope Bridgeman, IBCLC, has been with Atrium Health since 2020. She’s a lactation consultant at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Charlotte Pediatrics in Matthews.

Penelope became a lactation consultant after having “wildly different” feeding experiences with each of her 3 children. She loves what she does and says, “Seeing these mothers and babies meet their feeding goals and gain all the benefits of breastfeeding is truly one of my greatest joys!” 

A big misconception about breastfeeding is that if it comes naturally, it should come easily – but Penelope says that’s not the case. “Breastfeeding is a new skill for babies and moms, and the experience will be different with every baby. Although a woman’s body is designed to feed their baby, that does not mean it will fall into place without any road bumps. After practice and learning, the skill will get easier for both mom and baby.” 

When she’s not supporting her patients, you can find Penelope playing the piano or outside hiking, camping and fishing.