Rumina does one thing and does it very, very well.  Sisters Amanda and Dawn, the women behind Rumina, have created perhaps the most simple and versatile piece of clothing for any nursing mother’s wardrobe: the Nursingwear Hands-Free Pump&Nurse Tank.  The tank appears to be just another typical staple in many women’s closet.  Unassuming and classic, it is also a nursing top for easy breastfeeding, as well as a support for hands-free pumping – but it looks like a regular tank!  Brand new Mom for the second time, Dawn has taken some time to answer some questions about what her experience has been like so far since the birth, and shares some exciting news about an award Rumina has recently received.  AND, Amanda and Dawn are offering a substantial giveaway to one lucky Leaky!  See below…

TLB:  Dawn, as a new mom again, what are the best ways those that love you have shown their encouragement and support and help in this time of transition?

Dawn:  My family instantly being there when needed even though each has a very busy life has allowed me to enjoy this last pregnancy and our little girl so fully.  The timing for this child coming into this world was not ideal. My husband and I have two businesses as well as a full time job so having Beth come 3 weeks early really threw off our ability to meet our obligations.  Luckily my family was a god send.  My mom and sister really took the lead with Rumina so I can enjoy this last pregnancy and delivery.  They also flew to Kentucky for a big tradeshow we had to attend.

Also, we do not live near any family, which makes “surprises” such a challenge.  I was admitted to the hospital for 4 days to be monitored and get fluids then bed rest for another 3 days while they tried to hold off delivery until the 37th week.  My family really came through; while my sister and mom were at the tradeshow, my aunt rearranged her busy schedule as an attorney and came down to be with my son when I was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital.  Since we didn’t know from day to day if we were going to have the c-section, my cousin came up to be with Bryce for the actual delivery.  She has four kids at home and owns a business as well.  I am so blessed to have so many loving and supportive women in my life!

TLB:  How is the experience with your second child different then the first with regards to nursing?

Dawn:  What a difference experience and education make!  As you know, my story on why I created Rumina stems from my son and I not having very successful nursing experience.  This led me to exclusively pump and there was not a hands-free pumping garment on the market that worked for my body.   This time around I am much more confident and comfortable with having a newborn.  Plus, I am a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association.  This invaluable education set me up for breastfeeding success. Especially with the evidence-based research on skin-to-skin contact in the Operating Room.  The hospital I delivered at is Baby Friendly but the one thing they do not practice is having c-section moms have skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth.  They usually  take the baby away to the nursery while the mom finishes surgery and recovery.   Using evidence-based research and having conversations with the Labor & Delivery Nurses, Lacatation Consultants, the OB, Pediatrician, and Anesthesiologist, I was the first person at CHOMP to be allowed to have my baby girl to be put on me immediately following birth!!!!  It was amazing to see my little girl who was not quite 37 weeks actually scoot around my chest and root for my breast!  I have seen that with vaginal births but not c-sections at 37 weeks!  I am happy to report that I had my little girl skin-to-skin for 12 hours with only a few minutes away from me in all that time.  I attribute this skin-to-skin and my confidence in myself to our breastfeeding experience being so good this time around!

TLB:  After you have a new baby, when do you start pumping to build up a freezer stash for when you’re back in the office?

Dawn:  I have to admit, I’m very fortunate and have it a little easier than most when juggling work and nursing.  Even though I travel up to Palo Alto, which is about 1 hour and 1/2 from home, regularly for meetings, I primarily work from my home office.  This will give me much more flexibility for nursing and pumping.  I will start pumping at the end of November and introduce the bottle at that point, keeping my fingers crossed everything goes well with nursing.

TLB: Any new news with Rumina you would like to share with Leakies?

Dawn:  Yes! We are so excited to share that this week Rumina’s Hands-Free Pump&Nurse Tank received the Mom’s Choice Award for Honoring Excellence! We are thrilled about this award! We know moms look for distinguished awards, like the Mom’s Choice Award, when looking at which quality and reputable products to purchase. Moving forward, Rumina’s packaging will proudly display the Mom’s Choice Award Honoring Excellence seal!

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