Today we’d like to introduce you to Arlene Tenorio
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
At age four I witnessed child birth alongside my mother, a dedicated midwife in the Philippines. She would bring me to deliveries, where I saw firsthand the miracle of life. Those early experiences left an imprint on my heart and sparked a lifelong passion for caring for babies and their families.
That passion led me to begin my nursing career in 2010, serving the Riverside County community in Medical-Surgical, Telemetry, Hospice, and ultimately, returning to my passion in Mother-Baby care. Seven years later, I joined Scripps in San Diego, drawn to its unwavering commitment to compassionate care, where every patient is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background. A year later, I expanded my role as an educator, becoming a clinical instructor for the Maternal-Child population at California State University San Marcos. Teaching has allowed me not only to share my knowledge but also to shape the next generation of nurses who will carry forward this vital work.
Despite working two jobs, I wanted to do more—something that could create a lasting impact beyond the hospital walls. For over a year, I reflected and prayed on how I could contribute in a meaningful way. That’s when the vision was born.
As a nurse, I witnessed the undeniable benefits of skin-to-skin bonding—how it stabilizes a newborn’s vital signs, enhances breastfeeding, and fosters an unbreakable emotional connection. Yet, I often saw parents hesitate, despite education and encouragement. I asked myself: Would more parents embrace this practice if it were easier, more aesthetically appealing, and if their modesty was protected? This question led me to develop a patent-approved Baby Bonding Cover, designed to support and empower parents during these sacred first moments. The response from families has been overwhelmingly positive, and seeing my vision come to life in a way that truly supports new parents has been incredibly fulfilling.
My journey has been shaped by a deep-rooted passion for maternal and newborn care, a commitment to education, and a desire to make a tangible difference. I am excited to continue advocating for the importance of skin-to-skin bonding and discovering new ways to support families during their most transformative moments.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. This journey has been anything but easy. When I first envisioned the Baby Bonding Cover, I had never even touched a sewing machine, let alone understood the complexities of product development. In my mind, it seemed simple—roll out fabric, cut it, sew it together, and voilà! But I quickly learned that bringing a product to life was far more intricate.
I encountered countless roadblocks—attorneys telling me that patenting clothing was nearly impossible, manufacturers rejecting my project because it was too small, and the financial burden of funding everything myself. Each setback could have been the end of the road, but I refused to give up.
At my core, I am a nurse with a heart for service, not a businessperson. Navigating the business world has been an entirely new challenge—one that I now realize is a lifelong learning process. But with my husband’s unwavering support and by the grace of God, we pushed forward. And today, I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. We secured our patent and trademark approval, found a reliable manufacturer, and now operate with no revolving business debt—a milestone that once felt impossible.
I never imagined that a little girl from the Philippines, who once watched her mother bring new life into the world, would one day create something that could touch so many families.
This journey has tested me in ways I never expected, but every challenge has only strengthened my commitment to helping families bond with their newborns. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade these struggles for anything—they’ve shaped not only this product but the mission and purpose behind it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Hemton Life. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our business is deeply rooted in faith, family, and a passion for serving parents and newborns. We believe in the holistic healing power of skin-to-skin bonding and are dedicated to making it accessible to every parent and every newborn—regardless of culture, background, or setting. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower parents to embrace this incredible bonding experience with comfort, confidence, style and ease.
What do you do, and what sets you apart?
What truly sets my brand apart is that it was created by a nurse who deeply understands the real-life challenges parents and hospitals face when trying to facilitate skin-to-skin bonding moments. Unlike traditional blankets or hospital gowns, the Baby Bonding Cover is thoughtfully designed to serve both hospital functionality—including use in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU)—while also allowing parents to personalize their birthing experience.
This cover isn’t just another baby product—it’s a solution to a real need I’ve witnessed firsthand through years of bedside care. It allows parents to hold their baby skin-to-skin while feeling secure, covered, and comfortable, no matter the setting. With both medical expertise and practical experience, I designed it to be safe, effective, and aesthetically appealing, helping families embrace one of the most powerful and transformative moments of early parenthood.
What are you most proud of brand-wise?
I’m incredibly proud that this brand was built with purpose and heart. It’s more than just a business—it’s a mission to educate, support, and empower families beyond the hospital setting. Seeing parents confidently embrace skin-to-skin bonding because they feel comfortable and secure using the Baby Bonding Cover has been the most rewarding part of this journey.
Our brand has remains true to its values—promoting inclusivity, education, and family-centered care. One of the most fulfilling moments has been hearing from parents and healthcare professionals about how this product has positively impacted their bonding experience with their newborn.
What do you want readers to know?
I want readers to know that skin-to-skin bonding is for every parent—moms, dads, foster/adoptive/ intended parents alike. My goal is to remove any barriers that might prevent families from experiencing this powerful connection with their newborn. The Baby Bonding Cover is designed to make that possible by providing a simple, stylish, and practical way to embrace this special time.
For expecting parents, healthcare professionals, and those looking for a meaningful baby product that promotes a healthy start, the Baby Bonding Cover is more than just a cover—it’s a tool that fosters love, health, and strong bonds.
Our cover is an approved medical product covered by Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). We are an online store ready to ship to the domestic USA.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
As a new and growing company, we are constantly learning, refining our brand, and expanding our reach. One of the most valuable resources has been the opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals and organizations that share our passion for maternal and newborn care.
In 2024, we were honored to be invited as an exhibitor at the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) conference, where we had the chance to showcase and educate others about the Baby Bonding Cover. The response was overwhelmingly positive—nurses shared how much they wished they had access to this product in their hospitals and how they would have loved to use it with their own babies. Moments like these remind us why we started this journey and fuel our passion to continue advocating for skin-to-skin bonding for all parents.
Beyond product development, we are committed to community education and outreach for the San Diego and Riverside County. I have provided education at health and wellness events, expecting parent classes and volunteered at a foster agency to teach basic newborn care, incorporating the importance of skin-to-skin bonding. As our company continues to grow, we will remain committed to our mission: to empower parents, educate healthcare providers, and make skin-to-skin bonding a seamless, supported experience for all families.
Pricing:
- $65.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hemtonlife.net
- Instagram: @hemtonlife
Image Credits
Jen Nicole Photography
