Friday, July 30, 2010

Our Customer Service is Right on Target!









We pride ourselves in providing every Mom, Dad, Family Member or Friend with the best customer service and support available!


As one of our Moms said in our recent customer survey:
“The Pump Station™ is more of a community than anything
else and I feel firmly a part of that community!”

How would you like to be part of that Community?

We want to offer all of our Pump Station Families who spend more than $500 in any of our stores a 5% discount for all your purchases for the rest of the year!

Hey New Parents, Welcome to our Community!

Sign up for:

•Introduction to Breastfeeding
•Baby Care
•Happiest Baby on the Block Baby Care Class
and also receive a 5% discount for all your purchases for the rest of the year!


Offer valid in stores through December 31st, 2010. Pumps, rentals, consultations and classes do not apply. Discount not valid on any sale merchandise.
(Click here...)

Here is more of what our moms said about us:
“I love visiting your store because there is a comfortable and clean place to feed and change my baby.”


“The education and the store have been an amazing resource for our new family. Without it, I doubt I would still be successfully breastfeeding my five month old.”

“I love your selection. I know it’s carefully selected and I don’t have to worry if it is a quality product or not. I also like the staff and think everyone is super helpful!”


“Excellent products, services & classes! Thank you for your brilliant support!”


“I think your lactation educators are AMAZING! i did a consultation with Corky early on, and then have called numerous times to get help from the educators and they are phenomenal! truly truly wonderful!”


“Not really covered in this survey was lactation consultation with Wendy Haldeman, which was a lifesaving experience, 10 stars, perfect, a steal, wish I'd seen her before leaving the hospital.”


“I love the Pump Station - it's a unique, special, and extremely beneficial place that drastically helped me in the early months of motherhood.”


“Love the HOLLYWOOD location! The staff is great!”


“I got so much out of the breast feeding support groups. When my daughter was five days old we brought her to the Pump Station and Valerie taught us how to wear the baby pouch (for me) and the ergo (for my husband). As a result, I've never used a stroller -- ever. It was a great gift! i love spending money at the Pump Station because I value the service you provide so i like thinking my dollars are supporting the spread of the philosophy; I love all the people at the Santa Monica location...Carol is fantastic at recommending classes and accommodating requests. Julie Wright's Mommy & Me class changed my life. I also loved Barb's massage class. Cynthia Epps food class was exceptional.”


“I was so lonely and isolated after my baby was born. It was so great to have a place I could go to not feel so alone. That ment the world to me. I do not mind paying a little more because there is so much free support that comes with every thing you buy at Pump Station.”


“When I was pregnant, I took classes at another center. Once I discovered the Pump Station, I wished I had availed myself of its resources earlier!”


“Love Erin and Emily at Westlake!! So nice and helpful always. It would be nice if the clothing section had some more variety with more affordable prices. Also, maybe some cooking demonstrations with some equipment like the babyfood maker.”

“When I went to the store, I am amazed that a lot of the products that I had bought online because of high reviews are available in the store. It seems like whoever is in charge of the inventory makes sure that the store stock the most popular baby items.”

“I love the Pump Station because you carry items for nursing moms that can't be bought anywhere else - like pump parts and nursing wraps. The quality of the products you carry surpasses other stores like Target and Babies R Us.”


“The Pump Station is more of a community than anything else and I feel firmly a part of that community.”


“I always feel better after having visited!!”

“Emily & her staff are always super helpful & always seem genuinely glad to see us.”


“The worker, sorry I forgot her name, was so helpful from the moment we walked in. She made me feel very comfortable. I am 36 & 1/2 weeks pregnant with my first baby and even though I don't know much at all about certain supplies I need, she never made me feel, for lack of better words, dumb. I will definitely be back and tell my friends.”


“Excellent products, service and classes! Thank you for your brilliant support!”


“The ladies in the clothing store were great and helpful in helping me find a good fitting nursing bra.”


“clean, comfy, quality products, friendly personnel”


“Breastfeeding classes gave me confidence and put me at ease. I took Corky's class and she is amazing”


“As a first time mom, I always know I can rely on the Pump Station to have the Best answers to all my questions. :)”


“Love what you do - thanks for all the helpful resources!”


“I used to go to TPS all the time right after i had my first baby and I'll probably be back that often after i have my second (end of august).”


“The Pump Station was my savior when I was a new parent! Thank you!”


“Love the pumpstation and always recommend it to friends”


“The Pump Station really touches every new mothers life in such a wonderful way. We really couldn't do this without you!”


“I love the Pump Station and used to go there all the time (for both shopping and classes) when my first son was first born. I am now expecting my second child and have gone back to the Pump Station for some essentials already.”

“I love the Pump Station and recommend it to all my pregnant friends.”


“Thanks for being such a great store. You saved my milk supply so that I was at least able to breast feed for a few months.”


“The Pump Station really helped me get through the first 4 months. I learned so much & felt the staff was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable & willing to help.”


“You are a wonderful haven for nervous new mothers!!”

“I don't get to the store so much anymore but when I did I really welcomed the sense of community there”


We value and respect our clients greatly and want to make improvements to better service them. That’s why we want to hear from you!


Take 2 simple steps and get 10% off!
Step 1: Take our Survey
Step 2: Print out the last page

Bring the print out to any of our locations by August 6th and get 10% off your purchase! Not applicable on pumps, rentals or consults. May not be used on sale merchandise.

Click here to take survey!

www.PumpStation.com

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Nap Nanny: Tips for Safe Use

Due to recent reports concerning the Nap Nanny we’d like provide a few pointers on using the Nap Nanny safely.

Information and Video provided by Nap Nanny:

The Nap Nanny is a portable recliner designed by a mother to increase comfort and improve infant sleep for babies with colic, reflux, gas, colds, earaches, flu & other special needs. The Nap Nanny is also great for feeding twins, reading books or for babies who do not like to sleep on their backs.

For safety reasons, the Nap Nanny® should never be used inside the crib, bassinette, or play yard. It should only be used on the floor. The American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as the Consumer Product Safety Commission, recommends nothing be placed in the crib other than the baby. Also it should never be used on an elevated service, nor soft surfaces like a pillow, bed, or cushion.
It should only be used on the floor.


Make sure to connect the Velcro straps to the plastic D-rings located on the foam structure. This must be done EVERY time you take off and replace the Nap Nanny® cover.

The Nap Nanny® is ideal for helping babies sleep, but we also want them to be safe. For this reason, we recommend the Nap Nanny® be used for overnight sleep, feeding and play time for infants that are 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) or above, as long as they fit comfortably and have adequate head and torso control.

The Nap Nanny® has no top end weight limit. However, once your infant can sit up or becomes too active you should no longer use it for sleep. Sitting up usually occurs somewhere between five and eight months of age, however all babies develop differently.

Watch the Demonstration video on proper use.



Buy Now


Video Demonstration

Friday, July 23, 2010

Baby Names?

Here at the Pump Station thought we'd add a little light hearted fun to the end of your week. Of course as a Mom, the week never ends. Today we ran into a funny little article called "The 33 Worst Celebrity Baby Names." The names are as funny as the commentary provided by Catherine Connors

Of few of the highlights include:

Tu Morrow daughter of Rob Morrow (tv Numb3rs)You just know that this name came up during a drunken pre-conception conversation. The tragedy is, they never thought of a better one. We just hope the kid likes that song from Annie, because people will be serenading her with it forever.

Zuma Nesta Rock daughter of Gwen Stefani (band No Doubt)and Gavin Rossdale (band Bush)
Sure, "Zuma" is the name of a beach in a Malibu. That's lovely. But it's also a computer game. And the diminutive form of a term for a bad gastrointestinal condition. And, for anyone who remembers the '90s, a much-mocked malt beverage. No, wait: that was Zima.

Moxie CrimeFighter daughter of Penn Jillette (Penn and Teller)
Job descriptions just don't work as proper names. And what are odds that she'll actually grow up to be a crimefighter? Slim.

Pilot Inspektor son of Jason Lee (tv My Name Is Earl)
Speaking of job descriptions — Pilot Inspektor isn't even a real job. Neither is Pilot Inspector, for that matter. Plane Inspector is a real job, but that's like two steps above DMV worker in the glamour department

Kal-El of Nicolas Cage (Valley Girl, LEaving Los Vegas, The Sorcerer's Apprentice )
Do celebrities actually think their children have superpowers? Sometimes we wonder.
[The original story of Superman was born Kal-El on the planet Krypton]

Bogart Che Peyote son of David "Puck" Rainey (MTV's Real World: San Franciso)
Using the names of revolutionaries and drugs in your kid's name is one thing. Using the common term for slobbering all over that joint you won't share is quite another.

Fifi Trixibell, Peaches and Pixie daughters of Bob Geldof (band Boomtown Rats) and Paula Yates (tv The Big Breakfast in UK)
Didn't Paris Hilton use these names for her little dogs?

Audio Science son of Dallas Clayton and Shannyn Sossamon (tv Moonlight / How to Make It in America)
Sounds like it would have been a really cool class to take in college. As a name, though . .

Rebel, Racer and Rogue sons of Robert Rodriguez (movie:director/producer/ writer Dusk 'til Dawn, Sin Cit, Spy Kids)
Suggested names for Robert Rodriguez's next child: "Rapscallion.""Rabble-Rouser." "Racketteer." "Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot."
[The writer of the article missed his other son Rocket]

Camera daughter of Arthur Ashe (professional tennis player) his wife is a professional photographer
"Camera" is so generic. Why not "Nikon"? Or "Canon"?

Kyd son of David Duchovny (tv X-Files, Californication) and Tea Leoni (movie The Smell of Success)
Doesn't this just invite people to speculate that you, as parents, a) just didn't care enough to actually name your kid, and b) can't spell?


Please add comments about of some of your favorite names.

Do you have any friends with unique names?

Also we'd love to hear any stories about your little one's name and why you chose it.

Read the full article at... The 33 Worst Celebrity Baby Names

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Hollywood Pump Station New Hours

Effective Sunday, July 25th our Hollywood store will no longer be open for business on Sundays. We will however, continue to offer full services in our other stores.

Hollywood

1248 Vine St.
Hollywood, CA 90038
(323) 469-5300

Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:00am-6:00pm
Sat 10:00am-5:00pm
Sun Closed


Santa Monica
2415 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 998-1981


Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:00am-6:00pm
Sat 10:00am-5:00pm
Sun 11:00am-5:00pm


Westlake Village
Village Glen Plaza
2879 Agoura Rd.
Westlake Village, CA 91361
805-777-7179


Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:00am-6:00pm
Sat 10:00am-5:00pm
Sun 10:00am-2:00pm

ASL reduces Tantrums: what is your baby trying to tell you?

What does my baby want? Why all the crying? Are you hungry? Do you want to be able to communicate before they learn to talk? Many babies can learn to sign even at 6 months. If your little one is already waving good-bye and can hold a rattle, start signing!


Baby Sign Language Basics
Baby Sign Language Basics (ASL)

25% OFF until 7/26/10

Baby_Sign_Language_Flash_Cards
Baby Sign Language Flash Cards (ASL)

25% OFF until 7/26/10
Edushape Mini Rainbow Shaker
Edushape Mini Rainbow Shaker


Why learn to sign? Baby signers cry less often since they are understood better. Once they can sign even a few words their frustration is reduced. Less frustration means less crying, less crying leads to less tantrums, which results in less stress for not only the baby, but your whole family. Even Fido will be happier. Although tantrum and stress reduction alone is a pretty big benefit, baby signers also learn to talk sooner. The 2-way communication helps to create stronger parent-child bonds.

The benefits don't end there. Signing increases your baby's self-confidence and helps self-esteem. Signing babies are often more interested in books and better readers. Studies have shown that 8 year olds that learned to sign at an early age can have IQ's 10-12 points higher.

How does this work?
Let's take the sign for "more," for example. You might give your baby a few spoonfuls of cereal and then stop. Then you would ask, "MORE? Do you want MORE?" (making sure to emphasize the word as you sign) Do it enough and your baby will catch on. You can use that same technique to teach that same sign in other contexts. For example, "more" of a book… "more" tickling. Just start the activity and then stop, always asking your baby if he wants "more."

From Extraordinary Benefits Result when you Teach Sign Language To Your Hearing Baby
By Diane Ryan



For the best results start signing between 6 months to 3yrs, but it is never too late to start. Like any new skill signing will take practice and repetition. Your baby will recognize signs before they can sign back, but soon you'll be having mini conversations. Think how much easier life would be even if they only learned 4 signs: Eat, More, Milk and Change (diaper).

If you're in Santa Monica (310) 998-1981, or Hollywood (323) 469-5300, CA look for our "Learning Little Signs" and "Sign & Sing with Little Treblemakers " classes. Call today for new class dates and times!



Complied from:
Sign Language - Start Baby Signing - By Nancy Cadjan, Updated April 28, 2009

Using Baby Sign Language with Your Baby - By Jamie Berke, Updated July 14, 2009

Original Baby Signs Study - from babysigns.com

Monday, July 19, 2010

Get 10% off if you tell us what you think!






We value and respect our clients greatly and want to make improvements to better service them. That’s why we want to hear from you!

Take 2 simple steps and get 10% off!
Step 1: Take our Survey
Step 2: Print out the last page

Bring the print out to any of our locations by August 6th and get 10% off your purchase! Not applicable on pumps, rentals or consults.

Click here to take survey!

www.PumpStation.com

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Vital Baby's Award Winning Products on SALE

Vital Baby is a well known, multiple award winning product in Europe and it's now available in America at The Pump Station. We are excited and delighted to share their BPA FREE, LATEX FREE and PVC FREE Baby products with our Pump Station family! See the range of products that combine breast and bottle feeding to a suction bowl with real sticking power.

ON SALE at 20% OFF through this Sunday, July 18th


Vital Baby 8 Mini Press and Pop Freezer Pots
Mini Freezer Pots


Vital Baby Un-believ-a-bowl
Un-Believ-A-Bowl


Vital Baby 3 Stage Trainer Cup
3 Stage Trainer Cup



"At Vital we listen to what mums and dads want and believe that baby deserves something special. That is why we decided to reinvent our brands, Vital Baby® and Vital Baby® Nurture™, to be fun, innovative and safe by using new technologies and materials that are 100% BPA free across the range.

With our many years of experience and in conjunction with our team of baby experts and feedback from our highly valued consumer panel, we have been able to develop a range of new and innovative BPA free products that actually solve the problems that mums and dads face. From products that help to combine breast and bottle feeding to a suction bowl that actually sticks down we have thought of everything to make feed time a fun and enjoyable experience for all the family."

Dean Tollman, Director


see more items on sale this week from Boob Design, Manhattan Toys, Medala and more...

Friday, July 9, 2010

Precious Prints this weekend! July 10th, 11th

Precious PrintsCome create a unique and priceless keepsake of your newborn or child's hand/foot for yourself, your spouse or the grandparents! How long do clay prints actually last? Forever! Many colors and designs are available to make the print special for you and your little one.

We are at the Pump Station this weekend. Get more than one and get a jump start on Holiday gifts too!

Precious Prints will be at the Pump Station in Santa Monica this Saturday, July 10th from 1:30-4:30

AND

in Westlake this Sunday July 11th from 11:30am-3:00pm

The clay used is non-toxic and completely safe for children of all ages. Precious Prints offers over 40 designs - check out the website at www.clayprints.com for a sneak preview. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are always welcome.

Call Kristan today at (310)802-8013 to create your keepsake!





Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Mommy Me with Elyse Eberstein starting in July

Class Description:A highly interactive experience, with an emphasis on mindful parenting and a relational approach to optimizing your baby's development through your relationship, this group meets weekly for 90-minute classes throughout your baby's first year. The approach to parenting is individual; access the wisdom of your instincts and heart, while calming your new mom worries about "getting it right." Find new and supportive friendships with other moms and have fun, as you learn songs and play designed to nurture attachment and learning. Topics presented will reflect the needs of each group, and will include guidance for regulating your baby's sleep routine, feeding and developmental play.

Each week we will be covering subjects such as safety, soothing methods, sleep, teething, developmental play, feeding and much, much more.

Instructor Bio: Elyse Eberstein, CLE, MSW received her Masters in Social Work at USC with an emphasis in Children and Families and her Lactation Educator Certification from UCLA. Elyse has been working with parents and children since 2000. Her experience as a mother of 2 children has led her to supporting other mothers.

Dates & Times: Thursdays 9:15-10:45am

Registration required:
Call our The Pump Station Hollywood Store at (323) 469-5300 This 8 week class is $320

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Nutition & Snacking for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms

#1 - Boost your metabolism by up to 3% by drinking 8 glasses of water every day.

#2 - Keep your metabolism up and your blood sugar stable by eating an afternoon snack like lactation cookies or Bellybars. Bellybar is a delicious, healthy way to beat those afternoon energy slumps. And, after giving birth, eating an afternoon snack is an important way to keep satiated and help shed the baby weight.



All Natural Belly Bar Chews
Citrus on Board Bellybar Chews


All Natural Belly Bar Mellow Oat (Oat Graham and Yogurt)
Belly Bar - Mellow Oat


All Natural Belly Bar Baby Needs Chocolate (Chocolate Toffee Crisp)
Belly Bar - Baby Needs Chocolate


#3 - Grab a banana! Not only do they taste great, but the potassium in bananas helps you retain less water - which for moms-to-be means that your hands and feet are less swollen. Ah, relief!

#4 - Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a better mood, have shinier hair and better skin?! Well, you can get closer to this nirvana by eating some walnuts. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids which are essential in your diet, especially when you are expecting.

#5 - Reach for fiber! Fiber can help you stabilize blood sugar, decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease and prevent constipation, a common complaint among expecting moms. Fresh or dried figs are a great source of fiber as well as potassium, iron, and calcium - all very important nutrients for women in all stages of life.

#6 - Stock up on calcium, and a great source is low-fat yogurt. Calcium helps prevent osteoporosis and helps burn fat. Getting your calcium is essential for all women, but is particularly important for expectant and breastfeeding moms.

#7 - Burn calories without going to the gym. Just because you don’t have time to go to the gym doesn’t mean you can’t burn calories. All physical activity counts! Use this as motivation next time you have to walk the dog, take out the garbage, clean the house or cook dinner.

# 8 - Decrease cholesterol levels, feel more satisfied with your meals and get younger looking skin by cooking with olive oil. Fat is an essential part of a healthy diet, and olive oil is high in the healthy monounsaturated fats.

#9 - Feel less bloated and less dehydrated by ditching the diet soda. (Note: Caffeine intake should be limited in moms-to-be.)

#10 - Improve your mood and get your antioxidants by indulging in dark chocolate. Antioxidants protect against oxidation which is thought to cause cancer and heart disease. Eating chocolate in moderation will leave you feeling less deprived making you less likely to binge on junk food. And, for you expectant moms, new studies from Europe show that consuming chocolate during pregnancy has a positive impact on a baby’s behavior – and may help make a "happy baby"!

See more items like:
Mother's Milk Herbal Tea, More Milk Special Blend and Goat's Rue.

All in The Pump Station's Nursing Health & Comfort department.

Read the full article: 10 Things You Can Do Just for You from Jodi Citrin.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Keep the Family Safe this 4th of July

This Fourth of July, families everywhere will fire up the grill, pull out the sparklers and camp out to see fireworks. But all of those activities can be dangerous.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that about 5,000 Americans were sent to the emergency room during the Fourth of July holiday in 2008 due to injuries related to fireworks.

What can we do as moms and dads to help keep our kids safe, so we can enjoy the day worry-free? Below are a few tips to make your Fourth of July BBQ and fireworks fun and safe from Burn MD, Safety Chick and The Pump Station.
  • Purchase non-toxic glo--jewelry for toddlers. Not for child under five years - they may chew on them.

  • Wear sun screen and keep babies head and necks covered with hats. You could wear one too.
    For kids who hate hats have a "Best Funny Hat contest"

  • Keep lots of drinking water handy

  • Establish a three-foot "keep-away zone" for children around grills.

  • While grilling avoid loose-fitting clothing and pin up long hair.

  • Watch firework events from a distance, they are way too loud for little ears. Babies especially have ultra sensitive hearing.



California Baby SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick
California Baby SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick


Flap Happy Hats
Flap Happy Original Flap Hat



JJ Cole Essentials Blanket


complied from:

»Firework safety this 4th of July

»Fourth of July Dangers




Safety Chick
Burn MD
MomLogic
Pregnancy and Baby