Blog posts

• December 08, 2019 Postpartum Doula Spotlight: Melanie Wachsman Bingham
  

  
  

  Each month we are featuring one of our Postpartum Doulas in brand new Doula Spotlight series!!

  This month we interviewed Melanie Wachsman Bingham.

  How do you see your role as a postpartum doula?

  My commitment as a doula is to insure you have the birth and postpartum support you envision.  After spending 2 years volunteering in the Labor and Delivery Department at Cedars-Sinai, I understand the policies of hospitals and can work with them to advocate your delivery the way you choose it to be. My studies include prenatal yoga, breath work, pre/postnatal nutrition, hypnobirthing and lactation. My certifications include postpartum doula as well, so if you see support enhancing your early motherhood experience, I can see you through. The benefits of my role as a postpartum doula include successful breastfeeding, connective bonding with your baby, and management of daily life during the transition will you have welcoming your new addition. All of the postpartum benefits will also be infused with support in self-care and nurturing of yourself while caring for your newborn.  It's an honor to be part of this journey with you!

  What do you like to do do when you’re not Doulaing?

  While I am not Doulaing, I love to go dancing with my girlfriends, working on the yard, playing with my dog, going to the movies, hiking, and of course, spending time with my husband.

  My nature is calm and present-- I love to educate my clients and help them on all levels to instill confidence and joy in their new journey.

  Fun facts:

  to find out everything from her funniest moment with a family to her spirit animal, plus her TOP THREE TIPS for new parents!

  Here's just a few of the "Fun Facts" we discovered about !

  What is your favorite food?

  Dungeness crab

  Do you have a favorite band?

  Led Zeppelin
  

   

  What is the funniest memory/moment with a family or baby?

  When changing a diaper with the client and baby had projectile poop that shot across the room.

  Where is your favorite place to travel/visit:

  Do I have to choose 1?? Sweden, Italy, Croatia.

  What would you say is your spirit animal?
  

  Cat

  What favorite tips can you share with new parents?

  Trust your instincts!

  Only swaddle at night not during the day, then baby will wake more to feed during the day and take longer stretches at night. You are also gently setting up a sleep routine than means bed time with out sleep training your baby.

  What are the 3 top products from

  The Pump Station you recommend to your families ?

  So many!
  

  I love the Aden and Anais swaddle blankets, Nose Frida, Solly Wrap, Love to Dream swaddle.

  Interested in learning more about our Postpartum Doula  Services?

   

  Give us a call – or send an email! We consider each family's unique needs and customize a postpartum plan to select an ideal doula to support you. Currently servicing the Orange County and Greater Los Angeles areas.

   

  Phone: (310) 998-1981

  Email: doulas@pumpstation.com

   

• November 19, 2019 Tummy Thyme Thanksgiving Dinner for your Baby
  

  BRAISED TURKEY WITH CRANBERRIES & WILD-RICE STUFFING
  
  INGREDIENTS
  
  TURKEY
  1.5 LBS *TURKEY
  2 TBSP *EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
  2 *GARLIC CLOVES
  1 *SHALLOT
  2 FRESH *THYME SPRIGS
  1.5 CUPS *VEGETABLE STOCK
  
  STUFFING:
  2 TBSP *EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
  1 EA *SHALLOT FINELY DICED
  1 *CELERY STALK FINELY DICED
  2 *GARLIC CLOVES
  4 CUPS OF *VEGETABLE STOCK
  1 CUP OF *WILD RICE (SOAK OVERNIGHT)
  1/4 CUP *DRIED CRANBERRIES
  1 *BAY LEAF
  
  *ORGANIC
  
  METHOD
  
  TURKEY
  PLACE OLIVE OIL IN HEAVY POT OVER HIGH HEAT
  ADD TURKEY SKIN SIDE DOWN. COOK UNTIL DARK BROWN (3-5 MIN)
  TURN TURKEY OVER AND BROWN (3-5 MIN)
  REMOVE TURKEY & TRANSFER TO PLATE
  LOWER HEAT TO MDM & ADD SHALLOTS
  COOK UNTIL SHALLOTS BEGIN TO SOFTEN, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY
  ADD STOCK, GARLIC, LEMON JUICE & THYME & STIR WELL
  ADD TURKEY (SKIN SIDE UP)
  BRING TO THE BOIL, THEN TURN TO LOW & COVER
  COOK FOR AN HOUR UNTIL MEAT IS VERY SOFT (ADDING MORE STOCK, AS NEEDED)
  REMOVE TURKEY & SHALLOTS FROM POT & CAREFULLY REMOVE & DISCARD ANY BONES
  
  WILD-RICE STUFFING
  HEAT OIL IN THE SAME POT OVER MDM-HIGH HEAT
  ADD SHALLOT, GARLIC & CELERY AND SAUTE UNTIL SOFTENED (4 MIN)
  ADD RICE, BAY LEAF, CRANBERRIES & BROTH TO THE SAUCEPAN.
  COVER AND SIMMER FOR 45-60 MINUTES THEN REMOVE BAY LEAVES
  CHOP TURKEY, MIX THROUGH THE STUFFING & SERVE!
  
  NB. FOR YOUNGER BABIES, BLEND TO AN APPROPRIATE TEXTURE
  FOR TODDLERS AND UP - SEASON WITH SEA SALT

  

• November 07, 2019 Fat Brain Toys - Pump Station Babies Top Picks!
  Babies learn through play.  In The Pump Station & Nurtury’s Parent & Me Program, babies have the opportunity to explore new toys during class.  One of my favorite brands of toys that we present in our classrooms is Fat Brain Toys.  Being a parent & me instructor, I get the joy of watching babies explore and discover through play.  Here are the “babies’ top picks” from Fat Brain Toys
• October 27, 2019 How do I help my baby adjust to Daylight Savings?
  Begin preparing a week ahead of time by pushing feedings, naps and bedtime later by 10 minutes each day. So for example, let's say...