Ep. 9 Bridging the Gap: Speech, Bonding & Early Support with Debbie Ekland

Guest: Deborah (Debbie) Ekland, Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist & Founder of Bridge the Gap Speech Language Services Hosted by: Ana Munoz & Nicolle Maldonado Runtime: 53:20💬 Episode Summary What if support for your baby’s communication and bonding could begin before they’re even born? In this episode, we sit down with pediatric speech language pathologist Debbie Ekland, who’s spent over 14 years helping families feel empowered, connected, and supported through the early years and beyond.Debbie shares how a childhood injury inspired her career, why intervention and support can begin as early as pregnancy, and how her signature packages—Baby on the Way and Bundle of Joy—are giving families tools and confidence from the very start. We also clear up some common misconceptions about speech delays, explore when families should begin seeking help, and give parents practical tips they can start using now.Whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or raising a child on a waitlist for speech services, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered with knowledge and excited about what’s possible.🌟 In This Episode, We Cover:How Debbie’s own childhood experience led her into speech pathologyThe surprising truth: you can begin supporting communication prenatallyWhat the Baby on the Way and Bundle of Joy packages offer families in pregnancy and the first yearCommon misconceptions about speech delays and when to seek helpPractical tips parents can start using right now to support bonding and communication👑 Guest Bio Deborah (Debbie) Ekland is a pediatric speech language pathologist with over 14 years of experience and the founder of Bridge the Gap Speech Language Services LLC. Based in Melbourne, Florida, Debbie is passionate about helping families feel confident and supported from pregnancy through childhood. She offers evaluations, therapy, and parent coaching in a nurturing environment, with special packages designed for expecting and new parents. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to bridge the gap in communication and bonding, helping children and families thrive together.📲 Connect With Debbie Ekland Instagram: @bridgethegapspeechlanguage Website: bridgethegapspeech.com💖 Loved this episode? Subscribe & leave a review—it helps this podcast reach more birthing folks and providers in Central Florida.Tag us on Instagram @centralflbirthnetwork to share your favorite takeaway.Want to be featured or pitch a guest? Slide into our DMs or apply here.