Nourishing Us - Tri Cities

I now realize that my announcement of not seeing clients probably felt more alarming then it needed to, as evidenced by the number of caring texts and messages I am receiving! And while I owe nobody an explanation of my "family leave", I will offer a little so that your human curiosity will be assuaged and I can limit any confusion or concern.

Cliffs notes: I am focusing on my family and I may or may not be back to my practice. All I know, is that I am closed for now, and it is a hard but good decision.

As of this month, I am taking time away from caring for your babies and families, so that I can care for my own family and myself.

We have had a number of family circumstances change after a very intense and productive 2025: Adrian--my husband--finished up a 5 year electrician program resulting in two state licenses, I finished up a 2.5 year mentorship (INCREDIBLE--and total answer to prayer), and sat for my board certifying exam in April to become an IBCLC--which I passed (90%--proud of that--thanks to all you offering me years of real life skills and knowledge!). Hooray for more letters! We became aunt and uncle (again), became licensed foster parents, and Adrian continues to pass his routine checking for cancer return exams---as of right now, no new life-threatening health excitement for him.

With our kiddos getting older, and now all school age, I find myself in a new season that needs more attention then I had anticipated (you "older" moms at Buckwheat Bottoms (my old storefront
I ran my "other life") always told me this---but somehow I could NOT imagine anything needing more attention then the baby and toddler phase). And I need time to prioritize health and wellness, time and attention for each member of our family, including myself.

I have spent the last 8 months working with a lovely counselor to further clarify what it is that I am seeking and needing right now...and how I can grow in and through this season. And here we are. I have the opportunity to take some breathing time and shift gears to stay-at-home mom mode. It is my favorite and most beloved position.

The ability to serve families will always be there, but these seasons of life will continue to relentlessly flow past.

And that's all. God is always making a way. He calls us into and through all seasons, some lovely, some hard, some we want to dive into, some we run from, and some we aren't even sure. But He is always making a way for us.

Thank you for your gracious support. I LOVE providing feeding support and care, and I cannot imagine it staying out of my life for long. So...we will just see what comes.

Always cheering you on,
Susan

Today!

Ready for Families! We will be here until noon today!

As of February 1, 2026, Susan will be on indefinite family leave and will not be seeing returning or new clients during this time. Please continue to advocate for the very best care for yourself and your family!

This Saturday! Come meet with us! It is come as you are and kiddos are welcome!

LLL (La Leche League) meeting tonight! Free open to all pregnant and breastmilk feeding families. 6pm.

Free support and help provided!

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month...and we have an INCREDIBLE remembrance event available in our community.

No RSVP needed...just come. Please share for families in our community who need to hear their little one's name, remember them, and their families and friends who need a chance to celebrate the beautiful lives we miss so much.

Saturday! Be there...and get your hands back!

Want to set yourself up for an amazing breastfeeding journey???

..it actually starts with prenatal care being TOP NOTCH...and really good childbirth ed...so that you can navigate anything childbirth may bring using evidence based care!

Locally we have some great childbirth ed options...and Tri Cities Pelvic Health does an amazing job helping you prepare for your incredible birthing!

I encourage ALL community members and families to share your concerns, worries, thoughts and successes in navigating healthcare and particularly vaccines for your family! This is an issue that can be controversial (and doesn't need to be!). Giving your honest oppinion and experiences is a great way to let our health district know what is and is not working! Anonymous survey! So you can say what you REALLY think. :)

🗣 Your Voice Matters! / ¡Tu Voz Importa! 💬
Help shape how we talk about vaccines and improve immunization services in our region.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Do you have school-aged children? We especially want to hear from you!
✅ Whether you're a parent, community member, or healthcare provider—your feedback matters.

🗣 Your Voice Matters! / ¡Tu Voz Importa! 💬
Help shape how we talk about vaccines and improve immunization services in our region.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Do you have school-aged children? We especially want to hear from you!
✅ Whether you're a parent, community member, or healthcare provider—your feedback matters.
📋 Take our short, anonymous survey and let us know what’s working—and what needs to change.
🔗 https://bfhd.wa.gov/programs_services/clinics/immunization_survey
🌍 Your voice helps us better serve you and keep our communities healthy.

¿Tienes hijos en edad escolar? 👧🏽🧒🏾 ¡Queremos escucharte!
Tu opinión es fundamental para mejorar cómo comunicamos información sobre vacunas y aumentar las tasas de inmunización en nuestra región.
✅ Ya seas padre de familia, miembro de la comunidad o proveedor de salud…
📝 Responde esta encuesta breve y anónima:
🔗 https://bfhd.wa.gov/programs_services/clinics/immunization_survey

Saturday!

This is no joke. Our monthly babywearing meeting is THIS Saturday! April 5th.
Come hang out, let your kiddos play and get hands on babywearing help.
If you're interested in volunteering it's also a great opportunity to see what we're all about.
We hope to see you there!

Sigh...nothing quite like those long newborn nursing sessions....

Kipensi and Bub are doing so well. The days are just full of the most beautiful moments with the whole family