About Rumiko

I came to the Bay Area when I was nine months pregnant with my first baby, to join my husband who relocated for work. I had no immediate family or close friends who could help me and our new growing family. Soon after the birth of my baby, I looked to the La Leche League and received tremendous support which allowed me to get through the challenging first few months after giving birth. After this experience, I knew that I wanted to replicate the same support I received by becoming a La Leche League Leader. In 2003, I became a La Leche League Leader for the Palo Alto group. I also helped create the LLL Bay Area group for Japanese speaking mothers. Over the past nine years, I worked as a volunteer and provided support to over 1000 mothers on problem-solving common issues that arise immediately after birth. In 2011, I became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Currently, I am training to obtain the DONA international postpartum doula certification. 

Working for a mother and her baby brings me joy and happiness. I am also a strong advocate for the mother. I believe a mother knows her baby the best. I hope I can empower a mother through my services and help her become more confident in caring for her baby. There are times when breastfeeding becomes difficult due to various circumstances. As a lactation consultant, I’d like to help them go through these challenging moments by providing practical advice, information, and emotional support. Postpartum period is the first and the most challenging phase for a mother and her family. My role as a postpartum doula is to help, support, and assist the family welcome the newborn baby and transit to their new roles as new parents.  As a lactation consultant and a postpartum doula, I respect, encourage, and empower mothers and her family.  It is most rewarding for me to witness a mother and her family smile and enjoy their time with their newborn baby.

List of certifications/training:

・ International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
・ International Lactation Consultant Association, member
・ Certified Postpartum Doula (DONA)
・ Certified Educator of Infant Massage (Infant Massage USA)
・ CPR/AED for Adult and Pediatric, American Red Cross



                                                               Copyright 2013-2020, Rumiko Kawaguchi, All right reserved