Susan Howard, IBCLC

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Falls Church, VA
Susan Howard, IBCLC

Nurse. Lactation Consultant. Mentor. Lactogeek. Baby Bottle whisperer.

03/31/2026

I love a handwritten note. It always warms my heart a little 💙

03/30/2026

What's one of the biggest (and unpleasant) surprises parents face right before returning to work after maternity leave?

Bottle refusal.

Many babies happily take a bottle when it’s first introduced around 3–4 weeks. Many parents assume the box is checked and all will be well.

But when the bottle isn’t offered again for weeks or months, babies often lose the skill. Then, right before you head back to work, the baby refuses the bottle completely.

It's one of the most stressful things.

And I see it as an IBCLC all the time.

But, the solution is really simple and practical:
Once your baby has been introduced to a bottle, keep the skill fresh with small, regular practice.

It doesn’t have to be a full feeding. (I call it a skills bottle) Just an ounce in the bottle every other day can help maintain familiarity.

A little consistency now can make returning to work or daycare much less stressful later.

So, if you’re preparing for that transition and want guidance, I'm always here to help 💙

03/25/2026

I found this special note recently, and it makes me smile!

Becoming a new mom can be overwhelming, and I'm so grateful I can help families breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to breastfeeding. 💙

03/23/2026

This is called an O-ball, and it's a great tool for building bottle skills 🍼

It's wonderful for a baby who is 3-4 months old and already grabbing toys and bringing them to their mouth.

Here's how it works: you thread a bottle ni**le through one of the smaller holes on the O-ball. The baby can hold the ball, bring it to their mouth, and practice sucking on the ni**le without needing to take a full feeding.

While they play with the ball, they're learning the mechanics of bottle feeding without all the pressure.

And don't worry: sucking on an empty ni**le does not make your baby gassy!

You might hear the sound of air moving through the ni**le hole, but they are not swallowing that air. It's just the sound of suction.

This is one of the strategies I use when we're working on bottle refusal with breastfed babies. It helps them build comfort and competence with the bottle without the stress of feeding time.

Have you tried the O-ball? Let me know in the comments.

03/20/2026

Have you ever reused a beverage container to transport bottles?

They work perfectly!

Have you ever found a creative, practical way to transport your bottles to daycare (or anywhere else)?

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

03/16/2026

I've been sprinkling in posts about what to do with your leftover breastmilk bags, and now I'm putting them in one place for you to save for later...
..and I came up with a bonus idea that's at the end 💙

Happy Monday!

03/13/2026

Breastfeeding mothers have always needed clothing that works for breastfeeding. And throughout history, women have always had to get a little creative.

In the 1890s, nursing corsets had buttons at the breast that released for easy access while maintaining the structured silhouette of the Victorian era.

By 1902, undergarments were designed to disconnect and expose the shoulders, making breastfeeding easier without removing the entire garment.

In 1916, the nursing waist blouse became popular, blending function with the fashion of the time.

Through the 1930s to 1950s, wrap-front dresses, shirtwaist styles, and house dresses weren't always marketed as nursing wear, but their designs made breastfeeding much easier when needed.

Today, we still love being functional, discreet, and in style. Modern nursing clothes blend in with our current styles with hidden panels, crossover tops, and designs that work for feeding without announcing it!

What's your favorite nursing-friendly piece? Let me know in the comments.

03/11/2026

This year, I'm releasing a few new courses for IBCLCs 💙

My tried and true course, "Bottle Skills for the Bottle Refuser" is enjoyable, informative, and immediately applicable to your practice. And it counts for 4 L-CERPS!

Be the first to know about any new IBCLC courses coming up this year and fill out the contact form below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYFFQaPPR_vka1kkac5QHayGCjG9ykY_LOGBN6WM-Nbl_w9Q/viewform

03/09/2026

The ideas for leftover breastmilk bags are kind of endless...

Here's one to try:

Did you know they work well as a to-go sauce packet? Perfect for a lunch at work.

Stay tuned for more practical lactation ideas 💙

In the meantime, do you have any great ideas for these? Feel free to chime in below.

03/07/2026

What was the SAF-T-BRA?

During World War II, when millions of men left for military service, women stepped into factory work. Which meant operating heavy machinery, working in shipyards, and handling dangerous equipment. And for the first time, safety officers realized that women's bodies needed different protection.

Enter the SAF-T-BRA.

This was a rigid plastic breastplate worn under overalls to protect breasts from impact, flying debris, and machine parts. It was developed by Wilson Goggles, an industrial safety company, and marketed as part of a wider set of protective gear for women workers.

The SAF-T-BRA was presented alongside close-fitting denim uniforms, covered hair, sturdy shoes, and no jewelry—all part of a push for "safe clothes for women workers."

While it did help with safety, surviving images suggest it was stiff, hot, and uncomfortable. It was likely worn over a regular bra, adding bulk under already heavy workwear.

Still, the SAF-T-BRA was an early example of breast-specific personal protective equipment. It wasn't perfect, but it acknowledged that women's bodies needed different protection in industrial settings.

Did you find this as interesting as I did? Let me know in the comments 💙

03/05/2026

Happy IBCLC Day! 💙

Today we recognize and celebrate IBCLCs everywhere—lactation consultants who provide skilled lactation care to expectant parents, families, and babies.

Becoming an IBCLC isn't easy. The requirements reflect the depth of knowledge and skill needed to support our families well.

Here's what it takes to become an IBCLC:

-Complete 14 health science courses
-Finish 95 hours in lactation-specific education
-Spend 300-1,000 hours in directly supervised lactation-specific clinical practice
-Follow the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs
-Pass the IBCLC exam
-Recertify every 5 years to stay current with evidence-based practice

It's a long road to travel, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I really didn't get here alone. I'm so thankful to all my mentors who guided me through the process, and to the families who have trusted me over the years. Every consultation, every question, and every challenge has brought me to where I am today.

I have the best job in the world! Thanks for being part of it 💙

Address

Falls Church, VA
22042

Website

http://www.arlingtonlactation.com/

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