Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Postpartum Doula

1. It takes a village.
Historically, women of the families have always supported one another through the emotional dynamics of pregnancy and birth. Now, we sometimes live far away or don’t have the traditional family support to lean on. A doula comes into your growing family to share the transitional journey and helps to support you on an emotional, physical and educational level. She can connect you with resources to create your own customized village of professionals and experiences to help your little one’s development get off to a great start. From Mommy-and-Me support groups to specialized referrals, your doula is well-connected to an entire village of baby specialists and can help you anticipate future needs.

2. Every new team needs a coach.
Both you and your baby are learning a new skill. Although breastfeeding is natural, it is a learned skill and good coaching can help to make this experience successful and gentle for you and your babe.  Our postpartum doulas are experienced in lactation education and support.  They can help you establish an effective deep latch – and they can refer you to The Pump Station & Nurtury’s lactation specialists, should you need extra support. Your doula can also educate you on all aspects of breast pump usage and milk storage practices, as well as formula guidelines, sterilization, and bottle feeding options.

3. YOU Deserve a break today – or tonight!
A postpartum doula works 8-12 hour day or overnight shifts with your family beginning the day you bring your baby home up through the first few months of life. Daytime support provides an excellent educational opportunity for hands-on demonstrations in calming or soothing a newborn. Having overnight support helps mom get cumulative sleep during the time period when her prolactin levels are highest, thus giving her optimal benefit in producing breastmilk. Nighttime care also helps keep your family or daytime support team healthy and rested to better support you the next day.  A trained newborn expert, your doula works with you to support your parenting choices and suggest solutions to make you a happier, more efficient parent. They can help establish patterns and routines to help your family track baby’s needs and create balance and rest for all!

4. Because babies should come with a personal instruction manual…but they don’t.
Based on the AAP recommendations and your personal style, your doula will help you establish safe practices with the latest safety-approved standards and products. Doulas stay current on trending baby care topics and pass their knowledge and experience on to your family. Doulas work to customize support for your family, and create a routine that will build healthy practices leading to successful childhood development through nutrition, brain development, and healthy sleep routines.

5. Extra hands=Extra love for baby and the whole family!
Every family needs a spare hand with a new baby in the house! Through their professional experience, a doula can help you understand and respond to your baby’s cues and individual needs which is so helpful as every baby is unique. Doulas assess the family’s needs and will jump in to help with whatever the top priorities are for the moment (which may range from baby care, baby laundry, nursery organization, meal preparation to light household tasks) or just be an empathetic ear to share your story. Extra hands=peace of mind because you know baby is in good hands!

Resources:
Before Baby Visits
Postpartum Doula Services
Sleep Consultations

Finding a nanny – Where do I even start?

by Lindsay Heller, PsyD

It’s time to start thinking about what your childcare situation is going to look like. As a new parent you may be feeling very anxious about this process.  Where should you even start? Ask a friend? Look online? Call an agency?

You may also be feeling scared when you think about leaving your child in someone else’s care.  These are all normal fears, and they can be alleviated by becoming more informed about the process and your options.

Process. Let’s highlight that word for a moment. This is a process for both you and your baby. As you learn more information and takes steps towards choosing the best care situation for you and your family, you will become more comfortable and at ease with your child being in the care of someone other than yourself. The most important thing to remember is have patience with this process. Avoid rushing this process so that you make good, informed decisions for your baby.

Did you know?

• While it is good to learn about the process of hiring a nanny, you don’t need to actually start your search until 3-5 weeks of your nannies start date.
• No one regulates nanny agencies. The best way to find a great agency is to go by referral, reputation and The Association for Premier Nanny Agencies
• Nannies are employees and legally should be paid as such. No 1099s here!
• You can trial your candidate before deciding to hire. A typical trial is anywhere between 4 hours and 5 days.

Educate yourself!

• Sign-up for The Nanny Class at The Pump Station & Nurtury^® – this class will educate you on everything you need to know to find the right nanny for your family.
• Look online at resources to begin to get an idea of cost and types of nannies out there.
• Become acquainted with agencies in Los Angeles, look online, talk to friends.
• Learn about and utilize multiple layers of safety screenings: Always obtain a background check, current DMV record, call references, trial your candidate.

Dr. Lindsay Heller, Psy.D. is  a licensed clinical psychologist, professional nanny consultant known as The Nanny Doctor, mother of 2, former nanny and now an employer of a nanny. She teaches The Nanny Class where you will learn  invaluable tips and information about how to go about hiring a nanny including background checks, interview questions, and cost. Sign up here The Nanny Class

Time to "Fall Back": Tips for Helping Baby Adjust to Daylight Savings

Sleep Services at The Pump Station & Nurtury:  To set up a Sleep Consultation with Dr. Jill Campbell please email jill@pumpstation.com or click here to learn more. OR, you can check out a couple of our Hot Topic Lectures on Sleep led by Dr. Jill Campbell! Learn more... Learn more...

We're proud to be the exclusive retail partner of the SNOO Smart Sleeper® in the Greater Los Angeles! Check out our stores in Santa Monica and Hollywood or call us to order over the phone. Available online soon! 

Looking for Sales Associates for our Santa Monica Store

Looking for Sales Associate with Bra Fitting Experience

The Pump Station & Nurtury® is a trusted resource center for expecting and new parents in the Los Angeles area. We are currently experiencing exciting and dynamic growth and are seeking team members to provide supportive and comprehensive service to our customers and clients. We currently need full and part-time associates who can work some nights and weekends.

Job Purpose:

As a Pump Station & Nurtury® Associate, you will contribute to the unsurpassed service/retail experience of our clients and customers through information, service, and sales.  The ideal candidate will bring an outgoing personality, problem solving/listening skills, and the desire to succeed into our warm and caring environment. 

Overview of Duties:

• Experience Sizing Bras - Nursing wear is a plus!
• Greet and guide the client/customer through our services, equipment rentals, products, and information in a timely and knowledgeable way
• Support cash wrap activities accurately processing customers’ information and sales transactions in a friendly and timely fashion
• Assist store managers, buyers and merchandisers with daily retail operations, including cleaning, stocking, merchandising, and organizing
• Support classroom activities, including set-up, sign-in, and breakdown
• Assist the lactation department with equipment rentals, setting appointments and providing information
• Contribute to physical inventory when requested
• Provide administrative support to department managers when necessary

Skills Summary:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong PC skills 
• Strong phone skills & etiquette
• Ability to work with a team 

Requirements:

• Sales experience and/or experience with moms and babies a plus
• A high school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to lift 30 pounds
• Able to work weekends

Please email Cover Letter and Resume to Yadira@pumpstation.com.  Only serious inquiries please. 

The Pump Station is looking for an Accounts Payable Clerk

Accounts Payable Clerk

Part-Time Position (@16 hours per week) reporting to CEO

Completes payments and controls expenses by processing, verifying, reconciling and vouchering invoices from vendors in a timely & accurate manner.

·     Responsible for timely management of all email communications with vendors and stores for ap@pumpstation.com

·     Must be able to effectively communicate with vendors regarding invoice discrepancies, on time payment schedules, credits etc.

·     Reconciles processed receivers with vendor invoices, then vouchers work by verifying entries and comparing system reports to balances

·     Charges expenses to appropriate accounts and cost centers by analyzing invoice/expense reports; recording entries

·     Pays vendors by monitoring discount and freight opportunities - making adjustments when necessary

·     Verifies vendor accounts by reconciling monthly statements and related transactions.

·     Regularly manages and maintains historical records by filing documents physically or electronically on server.

·     Protects organization's value by keeping information confidential.

·     Assists CEO and managers on special projects as needed

Accounts Payable Clerk Skills and Qualifications:

Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent with at least 2 years of experience in the field or in a related area.  Attention to Detail, Thoroughness, Organization, Analytical Skills, Accounting, Vendor Relationships, PC Proficiency, Data Entry Skills, General Math Skills. Experience using  MicroSoft Office and Quickbooks  a must! Knowledge of NCR Counterpoint, Bill.com and Tallie a plus!

Please email your cover letter and resume to info@pumpstation.com.