http://www.arlingtonlactation.com/

Susan Howard, IBCLC, Falls Church, VA (2025)

10/14/2025

Bottle refusal shouldn't be a guessing game.

In my most recent Bottle Refusal workshop for professionals, Jocelyn mentions learning "concrete steps" to take with both happy bottle-feeders and refusers.

Having concrete steps can help untangle a lot of confusion surrounding bottle refusal.

You need strategies that consider the whole picture.

And my workshop walks through all kinds of bottle scenarios because it's never one-size-fits-all.

Sometimes it's about…

🍼introducing the bottle differently.

🍼tweaking what's already happening.

🍼understanding why a baby is saying "no" in the first place.

So, if you're an IBCLC needing practical, helpful bottle refusal strategies you could start trying out immediately...

This workshop is exactly what you're looking for.

And I have another workshop coming up on November 5th & 12th!

Sign up via the link in bio. 🍼

10/10/2025

Meet St. Agatha of Sicily…the patron saint of wet nurses!

I came across her story while researching historical lactation practices, and I learned her legacy still resonates today.

Agatha lived in 3rd-century Sicily, born to a wealthy family. And a powerful Roman official wanted to marry her.

She refused.

And he... did not take it well.

What happened to her was absolutely brutal. Her breasts were mutilated as a result. (As depicted in the painting by Francisco de Zurbarán in 1630)

But according to tradition, she experienced miraculous healing through a vision of St. Peter.

This is why she became the patron saint of wet nurses, breastfeeding mothers, and anyone dealing with breast health concerns.

For almost 2,000 years, nursing mothers have looked to her for strength.

And every February, Catania, Sicily throws one of the world's LARGEST Catholic festivals in her honor.

Even though Agatha never had the chance to breastfeed her own children, she represents the strength and determination that countless women harness as they navigate their nursing journeys.

The lactation field is ancient, honored work. And I love that her story reminds us.

So now you know!

Have you heard of St. Agatha? What other historical figures should I cover in this series? 💙

10/07/2025

This one made me smile.

Dianna took my on-demand continuing education course first, and what she learned there led her to sign up for my live bottle refusal workshop.

What stands out to me most in her testimonial is the mention of the intimate class size and real-time questions.

That's intentional. 💙

I keep my live workshops small so we can dig into the nuances, troubleshoot together, and have real conversations about the complex cases we all see in practice.

Education is learning together.

If you're an IBCLC looking for continuing education that goes beyond the basics, my live bottle refusal workshop might be exactly what you need. 🍼

And if you want to get a feel for my teaching style first, the on-demand course is available anytime.

Thanks for sharing this, Dianna. I'm glad a colleague pointed you in my direction!

10/06/2025

This week, a client told me her dentist insisted she "pump and dump" her milk after a routine procedure.

I was so annoyed with this misinformation.

So let me set the record straight. ✅

General anesthesia is compatible with breastmilk.

Once you're awake and alert, you can nurse or pump without discarding your milk.

Here's why:

Your body clears out these types of medications through your bloodstream, which means your body clears it from your breastmilk at the same time.

So, no need to pump and dump.

This is backed by current guidelines from the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.

The research is clear.

However, if your baby was premature or has health concerns, always speak with your pediatrician beforehand—they may recommend extra precautions just to be safe.

But for most families, there’s no need to delay getting the dental care you need because of misinformation about your milk.

Phew!

Anyone else get annoyed with misinformation? Tell me I’m not the only one.

10/01/2025

Hey IBCLCs!

I'm so excited to share...

🗓I'll be speaking at the NCBC Fall 2025 Lactation Conference on Friday, November 21st.

🕙(Taking place from 8am-4:30pm)

This conference is bringing together some incredible minds in lactation, and I'm honored to be presenting on a topic that's close to my heart:

🍼Exploring Bottle Refusal in the Breastfeeding Dyad.

Bottle refusal can feel like such a puzzle for families...

And sometimes for us as providers too…

So, if you need more clarity on bottle refusal, please join us!

And take note:

This is a hybrid event.

Whether you're in Fort Collins, CO or tuning in remotely, you can join us.

And if November 21st doesn't work, the recording will be available afterward.

If you're planning to attend (in-person or virtually), drop a comment below! I'd love to know who's joining. 💙

Link for registration and full details on my website and in stories.

09/30/2025

I just hosted a Bottle Skills for the Bottle Refuser workshop a few weeks ago, and I had a waterfall of incoming reviews!

Golnar participated and a few great words to share.

And what stands out to me most?

That she felt comfortable asking questions and truly learning.

Absorbing information, yes, but also applying it to her practice.

That's what it's all about. 🍼✨️

Creating educational spaces where lactation professionals can grow, ask the hard questions, and walk away with skills they'll use immediately with families.

When you invest in learning, you're investing in every family you'll work with.

And that ripple effect?

It's everything 💙

Thank you, Golnar, for taking the time to share your experience!

09/26/2025

Head lice treatment in the 1920s-1930s... was quite the process! 👶

I came across this fascinating illustration while diving deeper into historical childcare practices.

The recommended treatment involved kerosene, sweet oil, and even vinegar soaks…

Methods that seem so foreign to us now.

What strikes me most is how thorough and methodical the approach was, even with the limited understanding and resources available at the time.

Parents were doing their best with what they had.

It's a reminder of how much our knowledge and treatment options change based on the knowledge we have at the time.

So now you know!

Did this surprise you?

If so…

What else should I cover in my history series? 💙

09/24/2025

Hey IBCLCs! 🌸

I'm heading to Tampa in November to teach a bottle refusal workshop at the ILCA pre-conference event, and I wanted to share why this topic means so much to me.

Bottle refusal can feel overwhelming for families…

And sometimes for us as providers too.

But when we have the right tools and understanding, we can guide parents through this challenge with confidence.

At this in-person workshop, we'll dive deep into:

🍼 the root causes of bottle refusal

🍼 explore practical strategies (like angles, side positions, etc)

🍼 how to support families

🍼 and more!

I love these sessions because it means we can have those meaningful discussions that help us all grow as practitioners.

If you're planning to be in Tampa for ILCA, I'd love to see you there.There's always something special about learning together in person. 💙

Mark your calendar for November 7th - pre-conference workshops.

Will you be there? If so, comment below!

09/23/2025

I love it when IBCLCs find clarity!

This testimonial comes from Dr. Uma K., who enrolled in my latest Bottle Skills for the Bottle Refuser Workshop. 🍼

She says:

"This course was clear, practical, and immediately applicable to my practice. It offers a thorough deep dive into bottle refusal, connecting all the puzzle pieces in a way that truly makes sense. I highly recommend it!"

There's something so satisfying about those "aha" moments when all the pieces finally click together.

That's exactly what this workshop was designed to do!

When we understand the why behind bottle refusal, we can provide better support plans for our bottle refusal families. 💙

09/17/2025

Are you ready to level up? 🍼

If you’ve already taken my 4-hour course, Bottle Skills for the Bottle Refuser (for professionals)...

I created another course just for you:

✨ Advanced Clinical Skills for the Bottle Refuser ✨

Together, we’ll dive deeper into bottle refusal and build on what you’ve already learned.

Join the class if you…

🍼 Want to level up your bottle refusal knowledge

💬 Love personalized discussions & engaging visuals

🧠 Are ready to “wow” your bottle refusal families with helpful, expert knowledge

If that sounds like you, join me on Monday, September 22nd. 🗓

Sign-ups close midnight on Sunday, September 21st!

Secure your spot soon, I only have 16 spots left 🤍

09/17/2025

I love a handwritten note ✍️

Don't you?

There's something special about taking the time to put pen to paper.

This beautiful testimonial comes from a mom reflecting on her maternity leave ending and the incredible community she found through our local feeding support group. 💙

And here’s something just a little amazing…

How she mentions the friendships and connections that formed because of our group!

I think I love that the most.

Yes, I'm here to help with your feeding challenges…

But watching women support each other through the beautiful chaos of early motherhood?

That's exactly what happens when we create safe spaces for moms to connect.

These are the moments that remind me why I do what I do.

Building a village, one feeding relationship at a time 💙

09/11/2025

My consultations took me around the world!

🇮🇸 Iceland 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 🇺🇸 Northern California 🇺🇸 North Carolina 🇺🇸 Virginia (local client)

Five different families, four different time zones…

But the same universal truth:

Every parent deserves to feel supported and confident in their feeding journey.

I find it a little amazing how feeding challenges don't recognize borders.

Whether you're navigating breastfeeding concerns, bottle feeding struggles, or just need someone to help you sort through conflicting advice…

These experiences connect parents everywhere.

Technology has made it possible for me to sit with families virtually and work through challenges in real time.

Distance doesn't have to be a barrier to getting the support you need. 🗺️

So, no matter where you are in the world, we can figure out your feeding journey together. 🤍

Message me anytime.

Susan Howard, IBCLC

10/14/2025

10/10/2025

10/07/2025

10/06/2025

10/01/2025

09/30/2025

09/26/2025

09/24/2025

09/23/2025

09/17/2025

09/17/2025

09/11/2025

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