Thursday, March 25, 2010

Review and Giveaway: Earth Mama Angel Baby CLOSED



When I was pregnant with my son, I set myself a goal of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. After he arrived, our initial latching problems and my sore, cracked nipples made me question whether we would make it even 6 days. Thankfully, we were able to sail over the hurdles and not just meet my goal but exceed an entire year. Nursing was going so smoothly and we enjoyed our special relationship so much that I decided to keep going. After all, why fix something that isn't broken? I was fully prepared to go for another year, no matter how much my family and friends pressured me to stop for social reasons.

So, when my son unexpectedly weaned himself almost 3 months ago at 17.5 months, I was caught completely off guard. Until that point, we had been nursing steadily twice a day. But all of a sudden, he lost interested and stopped asking for the breast. Cold turkey. Not only was I emotionally wrought, but physically, my body was feeling the effects. Painful engorgement. Lumpy plugged ducts. I could barely lift my arms, my breasts hurt so badly. After consulting some of my breastfeeding aficionados, they all pointed me in the same direction: Earth Mama Angel Baby.

Born of the sincere faith in the natural process of birthing babies, Earth Mama Angel Baby (EMAB) supports the entire birth process: pregnancy, labor, postpartum and c-section recovery, breastfeeding, baby care and even the loss of a baby. They use only the highest-quality, certified organic or organically grown herbs and oils for their teas, bath herbs, soaps, salves, lotions and oils. All of their products are 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan and free of all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes. This means no Quaternium-15, 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde, phthalates, petrochemicals, parabens or SLS. All packaging materials are recyclable or reusable as a commitment to comprehensive green practices.

The mamas and papas of Earth Mama Angel Baby are a diverse group of nurses, herbalists, doulas, childbirth educators, fathers/mothers and grandmothers. They combine ancient knowledge of herbal remedies and plant medicine with contemporary evidence-based research to bring you natural, effective products that are gentle and safe enough to nurture all mamas and their angel babies.

One look around their website with its delicate, dreamy quality and beautiful photography, and I knew this was the resource I was in search of. In desperation, I contacted EMAB for advice on how to ease my pain and pressure. Their customer service was truly outstanding. I couldn't have asked for more supportive, caring people. I felt as though they were my friends rather than a business. I was delighted that they agreed to send me some products to review (via 2-Day Air no less!) that would relieve me of my symptoms.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Booby Tubes are gel-free breast packs that can be used warm or cold, depending on your nursing needs. Made with a 100% organic cotton shell and filled with all-natural flax seed, Booby Tubes are completely natural and completely safe. Store them in the freezer and wear inside your bra between feeds to reduce the swelling and tenderness of engorgement or heat in the microwave to deliver warm, moist heat that will encourage milk flow, promote let-down and maintain open milk ducts. Their unique construction is designed to prevent burns from overheating.

I loved the rounded shape and generous size, which can overlap to fit around the nipple and areola or spread apart to fit under the breast and armpit. No matter where my clogged ducts would crop up, I could localize the comfort. I placed my Booby Tubes in the freezer for several hours and popped them in my bra to alleviate the swelling and inflammation from engorgement. I couldn't believe how soothing they felt! The cotton was soft against my skin and they stayed in place as I did household errands. Thanks to these little miracles, I felt like a new woman within 24 hours. Customer service also gave me a handy tip: you can also use these on toddler tummies for stomach aches or episodes of constipation! I think they'd also be helpful to warm up and use while pumping to encourage milk flow.

In addition to the Booby Tubes, Earth Mama Angel Baby also sent me their Bosom Buddies. Bosom Buddies are a blend of healing herbs, cabbage leaves and black tea, along with organic calendula blossoms, organic plantain and organic marshmallow root. You simply fill the included muslin bags with the herbs and submerge in boiling water, steeping for 5 minutes to create a soothing poultice that will relieve achy breasts. This is a lifesaver for weaning as well as the adjustment period when you first establish nursing.

I had always heard that cold cabbage leaves work wonders to naturally reduce milk supply. Well, Bosom Buddies have the same effect without feeling like Ariel or a limp garden salad. They were a little messy but totally worth it. I would put them on my breasts while lukewarm and then take them off when they got cold, or roughly 10 minutes. Together with the Booby Tubes, my breasts felt much less sore and inflamed. I used them 3x/day at first and gradually worked my way down until my milk had depleted.



Earth Mama Angel Baby No More Milk Tea is a blend of herbs traditionally used to naturally reduce the production of breastmilk. USDA Certified 100% Organic and Certified Kosher, No More Milk Tea contains sage, peppermint and parsley to dry up milk supply as well as hibiscus flower for a tangy taste. No More Milk Tea comes packaged in 16 easy to brew tea bags and tastes great iced or hot. Even better: the tea bags are biodegradable, the overwrap is compostable and 100% recycled and the recyclable cartons are produced using wind energy! (Note: sage is not for use during pregnancy).

I only tried the tea hot but I thought it was really tasty, with an uplifting mint flavor that left a tingle on my tongue. While it was recommended to use up to 3x/day, I drank a cup once a day at night before bed. Weaning was emotionally draining for me so when I would put Nate to bed and feel sad about this chapter coming to a close, this tea would comfort me and make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Definitely good for the heart and soul! Even though my milk is long gone, I still find myself sipping this tea.



Altogether, these products made my weaning experience much less dreadful. In just a few days, my breasts had softened and my milk supply had dropped considerably. If it hadn't been for EMAB, I think I would have suffered much longer.

While I haven't tried any of the products from their Healing Hearts Baby Loss Comfort line, as an infertility and pregnancy loss survivor, I have to add that I am extremely appreciative that those mamas-who-could've-been are getting recognition as well. I've known many women to suffer from miscarriage and stillbirth and these products would help them heal from the inside out as they grieve.

Bottom line: I would HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend Earth Mama Angel Baby for any mama, from mama-to-be to been-there-done-that mama. Their thoughtful, superior customer service and wonderfully safe products have made me a new lifelong customer. Our breastfeeding relationship may have ended but I fully plan to try some of their baby bath products next. And whenever we conceive baby #2, you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be pampering myself with some EMAB! I love that all of their products are made with love and are rated zero for toxins according to the Skin Deep database.

BUY IT: You can purchase Booby Tubes (ARV $19.95), Bosom Buddies (ARV $8.95) and No More Milk Tea (ARV $5.97), as well as a vast assortment of other natural goodies online at www.earthmamaangelbaby.com. You can also use their handy dandy store finder to find your nearest retailer!

WIN IT: Mamas Melinda and Julie are offering one lucky earth mama the chance to win a $25 gift certificate! Yippee!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Earth Mama Angel Baby and tell me how you'd spend your gift certificate. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and EMAB on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the tweet below or come up with your own:

Win a $25 gift certificate to Earth Mama Angel Baby from @mamamelinda and @kris10chumley Ends 4/10 http://bit.ly/cPacHo

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Become a fan of Earth Mama Angel Baby on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Sign up for Mama's monthly newsletter. (1 entry)

5.) Follow Mama's blog via RSS feed. (1 entry)

6.) Add my blog button and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on April 10, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received the three products mentioned above from Julie at Earth Mama Angel Baby to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are solely mine. Your experience may differ.

163 comments:

slb3334 said...

angel baby bath blossoms.

Andrea said...

I would buy the Natural Stretch Oil for pregnancy!
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Andrea said...

I follow your blog!
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Andrea said...

I subscribe in google reader!
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Andrea said...

I follow you both on twitter and tweeted! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11073752552
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

A said...

I would *LOVE* to win this. I am going to be exclusively pumping my milk after the birth of my second surrogate son in June. Being a big fan of tea already, I'd love to win a gift cert to their online store. :D

I'd spend the entire certificate on Milk Maid Tea. I wish it still came in loose leaf, but bags work just fine.

THANK YOU!! alisonad23 at gmail dot com

A said...

I follow your blog via Google Friend Connect. :D

THANK YOU!! alisonad23 at gmail dot com

A said...

I'm a fan of Earth Mama Angel Baby on Facebook (Alison Adams)

THANK YOU!! alisonad23 at gmail dot com

A said...

I signed up for their newsletter as well. :D

THANK YOU!! alisonad23 at gmail dot com

Kim said...

I'd get tons of the lotion!!!

Kim said...

get their news

Kim said...

follow u

Kim said...

subscribe to u

Kim said...

get their feed

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11083856700

Nicole C. said...

I would buy the Angel Baby Bottom Balm.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Vanessa @ See Vanessa Craft said...

I'm in love with these products and would get
Earth Mama Body Butter and Angel Baby Bottom Balm.

Vanessa @ See Vanessa Craft said...

I tweeted (designsvanessa) :)

Vanessa @ See Vanessa Craft said...

I'm a fan of Earth Mama Angel Baby on fb :)

Mama Nava! said...

I'd love to try the Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash as we're about to transition from that ubiquitous company that starts with a J and ends with -ohnson.

The Angel Baby Kit looks stupendous! A little bit of this and that..his little bottom sure could use soothign during rashy days and the lotion in it sounds great for his chapped, skinned knees from crawling and learning to walk!

mamanavablog/at/gmail/dot/ com

Mama Nava! said...

I became a fan of EMAB on facebook!


mamanavablog/at/gmail/dot/ com

Mama Nava! said...

I'm following you and EMAB on twitter and just tweeted about it! @navanavanava


mamanavablog/at/gmail/dot/ com

Chrissyb said...

I'd spend it on Milk Maid Tea, I'm pumping at work and this would help.
transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

Chrissyb said...

blog follower
transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

Chrissyb said...

email subscriber
transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I'd like to get "I little something for mothers to be."

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

Email subscriber.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Stephanie said...

Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash and the refill bottle
tvollowitz at aol dot com

Jennifer Wilson said...

I like the Angel Baby lotion!

jenndiggy at gmail dot com

Jennifer Wilson said...

I follow google connect.

jenndiggy at gmail dot com

Teresa said...

I think I would get the milk maid tea and the nipple butter
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

I subscribe via reader
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Teresa said...

I subscribe via email
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11153237879
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Kaylyn said...

I know that I would get the Angel Baby Shampoo and Body wash and I would love to try a Booby Tube. Great site!
Kaylyn.buckner at gmail dot com

Kaylyn said...

I follow your both on Twitter and tweeted!

http://twitter.com/Kaylynbuckner/status/11166494085

Kaylyn.buckner at gmail dot com

Kaylyn said...

I am a fan of EMAB on FB.

Kaylyn Buckner
Kaylyn.buckner at gmail dot com

Lisi B said...

I would buy the shampoo/body wash.
schicana19 at gmail dot com

Lisi B said...

I am an EMAB fb fan.
schicana19 at gmail dot com

Lisi B said...

I signed up for their newsletter.
schicana19 at gmail dot com

Quirky Mama said...

I would use it to buy the natural nipple butter.

Karen P said...

I would like the Natural Stretch Oil and Earth Mama Body Butter

Karen P said...

gfc follower

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11191778897

Irene said...

I love their Angel Baby Bottom Balm and Angel Baby Lotion

Jet'set said...

I want to try the Angel Baby body wash and the angel baby body lotion. They're rated hightly by the Skin Deep Cosmetic Database too!!!
inalak at msn dot com

Jet'set said...

I follow
inalak at msn dot com

Jet'set said...

I subscribed to Mama's newsletter
inalak at msn dot com

Jet'set said...

I'm a fb fan
inalak at msn dot com

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11217755238
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11244338509

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11259913780
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Molly C. said...

I would love to try the booby tubes.

Molly C. said...

I'm a follower on google friends
mcapel4444 at aol.com

mogrill said...

The booby tubes sound great. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11305044595

laurakcowan said...

I would try No More Milk Tea and Bosom Buddies.

Laura C

laurakcowan/at/gmail/dot/com

laurakcowan said...

Follower.

Laura C

laurakcowan/at/gmail/dot/com

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11327628588
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Debbie said...

I would use the gift cert. to buy EMAB Nipple Butter...I've heard wonderful things about it and am planning on breastfeeding my baby when she's born in May!
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Debbie said...

I follow your blog.
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Debbie said...

I follow you both on Twitter and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/MSU_MOM_TO_2/status/11364113953
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Debbie said...

I'm a fan of EMAB on Facebook (Debbie G.)
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Debbie said...

signed up for Mama's monthly newsletter.
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Debbie said...

I Follow Mama's blog via RSS feed.
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Debbie said...

Added your button.
http://proudestmonkeymommy.blogspot.com/p/links.html
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11379781612

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11382041636
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

i think i'd try some angel baby bottom balm
simplymerry at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

follow
simplymerry at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

reader
simplymerry at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

email
simplymerry at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

follow both & tweeted:
http://twitter.com/simplymerrier/status/11413013510
simplymerry at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

fan of Earth Mama Angel Baby on facebook (mary michaud)
simplymerry at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

on Mama's monthly newsletter
simplymerry at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

follow mama's blog via rss feed
simplymerry at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

button on my blog:
simplymerry.wordpress.com
simplymerry at gmail dot com

Debbie said...

tweet!
http://twitter.com/MSU_MOM_TO_2/status/11420963203
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11435563210
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11437200006

mscoffee77 said...

I would love to try the Happy Mama Spray!

mscoffee77(AT)juno(DOT)com

Debbie said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/MSU_MOM_TO_2/status/11478870109
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11502879703
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

http://twitter.com/simplymerrier/status/11513841503

simplymerry at gmail dot com

Debbie said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/MSU_MOM_TO_2/status/11542542792
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11544982735

Jolee said...

would love to try the angel baby lotion. joleehamlin@comcast.net

Jolee said...

follower / subscriber joleehamlin@comcast.net

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11556323748
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

http://twitter.com/simplymerrier/status/11558272738
simplymerry at gmail dot com

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11583166008

Debbie said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/MSU_MOM_TO_2/status/11614481172
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11615759345
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11636336041

Debbie said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/MSU_MOM_TO_2/status/11639263992
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11652319118
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

wantsandwishes said...

I would definitely get the booby tubes as we are planning on breast feeding. After having many friends who experienced the same types of breast feeding results as you have in your blog I think this would be a great solution for those sore times and swollen nipples.

Miss Spoken said...

Monthly Comfort Tea

Miss Spoken said...

Reader Subscriber

simplymerry said...

http://twitter.com/simplymerrier/status/11679944337
simplymerry at gmail dot com

Terra Heck said...

I'd get the Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash as well as the Happy Mama Spray. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Terra Heck said...

follow your blog
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11693288211

Debbie said...

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/MSU_MOM_TO_2/status/11697366636
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11721371483
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

simplymerry said...

http://twitter.com/simplymerrier/status/11721887685
simplymerry at gmail dot com

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11751495451

Debbie said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/MSU_MOM_TO_2/status/11761134601
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Emmy Coffee said...

I get some of the mama tea

simplymerry said...

http://twitter.com/simplymerrier/status/11787009601
simplymerry at gmail dot com

Heidi said...

It would definately go towards the purchase of Booby Tubes! I've been wanting to get these!

froggy_luver at hotmail dot com

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11789697950
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Tylerpants said...

The Natural Stretch Oil would be fantastic to have! tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Tylerpants said...

I'm a Mama's monthly newsletter subscriber. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Tylerpants said...

I'm a follower. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Tylerpants said...

I'm a follower of Mama's blog via Bloglines feed. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Debbie said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/MSU_MOM_TO_2/status/11825153107
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11836032150

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11844521663
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11875367609

angie lilly said...

Earth Mama Body Butter
in 8 oz size is what I will get!
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I subscribe via google reader.
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I follow you both on Twitter as FotoMacro and tweeted this giveaway here: http://twitter.com/FotoMacro/status/11888428003
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I get their newsletter.
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I follow their blog via google reader.
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11890277919
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Scott said...

Light Of My Heart Candle is something I would get.
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

follow w/google
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

subscribe w/email
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

subscribe w/google reader
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

follow and tweeted http://twitter.com/RePurrPussed/status/11894347912
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

their facebook fan Heath Cole
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

follow their blog w/google reader
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Debbie said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/MSU_MOM_TO_2/status/11901329441
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Vanessa said...

I'd love the Natural Stretch Oil! So many good things though. I had no idea they had all the products for weaning. Definitely going to buy some when my second daughter does wean.

jewelsntreasures (at) yahoo (dot) com

Unknown said...

I had so much trouble with milk production for my daughter, who was a 26 weeker - SOO wish I knew of them then!

I might get the Booby Tubes for my toddler's tummies, or the No More Milk tea for my sister, who has been breastfeeding for 3 years. She could keep it on hand for when she's ready to stop.

casey aubut said...

I would love the Pregnancy Pampering Kit!
cassandra@aubut.net

casey aubut said...

Follower
cassandra@aubut.net

casey aubut said...

Subscriber
cassandra@aubut.net

Kim said...

tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/11933620612

vegan4life said...

natural stretch oil ty.
vivianbl@olg.com

Debbie said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/MSU_MOM_TO_2/status/11943618736
sully_debbie11 at msn dot com

Andrea said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/11944703930
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

Charlene S. said...

I love the light of my heart candle. This would be a great gift for anyone.

Nancy said...

If I won, I think I'd get the A Little Something for Mama-To-Be Gift Set for $19.99!

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

Nancy said...

I am an e-mail subscriber.

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

Nancy said...

I subscribed to Mama's monthly newsletters.

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

Nancy said...

I subscribe to Mama's blog via her RSS feedin Google Reader.

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

trixx said...

I would love to get the Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash and Angel Baby Oil. Both sounds very gentle!

trixx said...

I'm a follower too!

trixx said...

I signed up for Mama's monthly newsletter

trixx said...

I follow Mama's blog via RSS feed.

Kathy P said...

id get the Light Of My Heart Candle
$14.95 and the Heavenly Tea Mug

Kathy P said...

following your blog as klp1965

Kathy P said...

following your blog as klp1965

helenlam said...

I would get the Angel baby lotion!

Anonymous said...

I would get the Angel Baby Sleep CD

fancyfeet48 said...

I would get
Earth Mama Body Butter and Angel Baby Bottom Balm
fancyfeet45@earthlink.net

fancyfeet48 said...

I follow your blog using google friend connect
fancyfeet45@earthlink.net

fancyfeet48 said...

I am an e mail subscriber
fancyfeet45@earthlink.net

tina reynolds said...

i really like the C-Mama Healing Salve thanks eaglesforjack@gmail.com

cman said...

Booby Tubes & Bosom Buddies since i'm bfing twins :)

Dawn Reid said...

I would buy the Angel Baby Bottom Balm.

mightynaynay(at)cs.com

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