As you know that I’m a huge advocate of breastfeeding and have invented NursElet to solve the genuine struggle of breastfeeding mothers, I was always asked why don’t I show NursElet at California Breastfeeding Coalition where possibly I could meet industry key members, WIC directors, health care participants, lactation activists, other businesses and hospital staff from registered nurse to pediatrician from all over the United States to reach more breastfeeding mothers to support them.
I’m a woman owned (frankly one woman) and SLEB certified (Small, Local and Emerging Business) from Alameda county. Tiny but mighty. I know how much breastfeeding mothers LOVE their NursElet that now we sell to more than 35 countries worldwide. I knew that we need to reach more mothers to simplify their breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding is not just good for mothers and babies, it’s good for employers, too! Mothers who enjoy the support of a breastfeeding-friendly workplace are likely to have more job satisfaction and show higher productivity.
Plus according to California law,
“Every employer, including the state and any political subdivision, shall provide a reasonable amount of break time to accommodate an employee desiring to express breast milk for the employee’s infant child each time the employee has need to express milk. The break time shall, if possible, run concurrently with any break time already provided to the employee. Break time for an employee that does not run concurrently with the rest time authorized for the employee by the applicable wage order of the Industrial Welfare Commission shall be unpaid. (Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 720, Sec. 1. (SB 142) Effective January 1, 2020.)
CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE 1030-1031″.
There are numerous benefits of breastfeeding as we already know and hence AAP recommended to breastfeed newborn exclusively for 6 months. However, lack of support, breastfeeding mothers are stopping way earlier than anticipated time frame.
This is the first time we’re exhibiting at this event and let alone out of town. It was definitely out of comfort zone but tell me who decides the comfort zone? I believe, we need to take measurable risks and try new things to our full potential with purpose. Every year, CBC hosts this event, usually in Northern California and Southern California alternate year. This year it was in DoubleTree by Hilton, Sacramento. The event was from January 21-23, 2020.
We live in Fremont, CA so I decided to drive by car to Sacramento. This was the first time, I drew my car without my husband this far! I was telling myself, woman can go to space, Sacramento is nothing compared to it. I left around 3 in the afternoon from home. It was Martin Luther King, Jr. day so it was a public holiday and not much traffic on the way to DoubleTree. I reached there around 5.
Ambience was so welcoming. The place looked so familiar when I reached there. I was helped by DoubleTree staff and they all were so amazing. I went to the reception and mentioned my name that I had a reservation for 3 days. Gloria from DoubleTree called me a few days back that they’ll take care of my stay. I hadn’t gotten the chance to meet Gloria however Kasi and Maddy took care of everything. Kasi also offered me warm chocolate cookies, I noticed that no hotels I stayed prior offer something special for their guests in the very first meeting. Thanks, Kasi, so sweet of you!
Kasi showed me where my room was located along with parking on the map. Meanwhile, John had sent me a message was there anything I needed help with. I tried to look for an elevator as I had 2 bags and mannequin for show. I replied John saying yes, I needed help as I wasn't able to find out elevator in dark area. Hello, winter! And he sent John. Yes, there were two Johns I was communicating with. John showed me the elevator and also helped me to get dolly. He was so generous.
As soon as I entered the room, I saw an envelope and chocolate strawberries on table. I had to call my kids to show them that their mama can have it or not! But OMG!! Did you ever see those kind of treat when you enter the hotel room? I haven’t! I was kind of tired carrying bags and planning for show for few days, these chocolate strawberries made my night. I’m conscious of what I eat however I ate them for my dinner because they were so delicious. Thank you for the envelope and treat. Room was airy with two beds and with a balcony. Yay!! Best out of both worlds, business trip and solitude. What will you ask for when you got out on a business trip?
I have made many friends and met WIC agency members, hospital staff and lactation consultants. We could easily access the ballroom to attend seminars. There was a beautiful stage decorated with stars and banner to promote happy and healthy breastfeeding. I have enjoyed learning and listening breastfeeding policies and rights from experts.
I love that inside the hotel, there was a restaurant and Starbucks. On that day, dinner was by own however next day after exhibition, we had a gala night where everyone dressed in beautiful formal dresses and danced while enjoying taking red carpet photos. Employees were making sure that each guest receive the food what they requested either veg or vegan etc. Drink was also serving if in case someone wants to enjoy it.
Next day, we had an advocacy day to State Capitol of California. It was an honor to meet Senator Hannah Beth Jackson and few legislator and chief-in-staff members to talk about breastfeeding policies.
This was my very first business trip staying at DoubleTree by Hilton and exhibiting for CBC at the same time. I’m so grateful that how Hilton made this whole experience so much easier.
If you’re planning for your next business event, or wedding reception, or taking some days off from your routine with family, I would say Hilton should be your choice. Top notch customer service and seamless care made my trip so memorable. I was thinking that to exhibit like this was out of comfort zone however now I can proudly say, when is the next event? This is a new normal! Hope you consider making your stay at Hilton.
With gratitude, Rupal