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.

Review: Bravado Designs

Although my son weaned himself two months ago at 17.5 months, I know the importance of a good nursing bra. I tried to cheap out in the beginning with some off-brand types and was so disappointed when all but one fell apart after just a few washes (in cold water on gentle cycle, mind you!). I had to go invest in more bras and regretted not getting some good ones in the first place. Take it from me: you want something that is going to be supportive, comfortable and high-quality so it will last as long as your nursing relationship. Or beyond.

Enter Bravado Designs.

Bravado is the "it" nursing bra brand and for good reason. They single-handedly transformed breastfeeding apparel from frumpy to fashionable. Nursing may not be glamorous but with their beautiful, feminine yet practical designs, Bravado at least makes you feel pretty while you do it. Even celebrity moms like Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Garner, Sarah Jessica Parker and Angelina Jolie are Bravado fans.

I was fortunate enough to review Bravado's new Allure Underwire Nursing Bra in Ivory.

I know what you're thinking. Underwire and nursing are two words that don't usually go hand in hand. But this revolutionary bra fuses great style with good breast health for a bra any nursing mom won't want to live without.



Allure's innovative Supple-Fit design includes premium, lightweight fabric that breaths, keeping you cool and dry. The molded, three-dimensional stretch cups accommodate your ever-changing shape, and they are lightly lined to provide discretion from perky nipples or bulky breast pads. The signature B-clips lie flat under clothing and provide easy nursing access, as the cups drop away fully to promote skin-to-skin contact with baby. Its round, wide wire is slightly shorter than the wire channel to avoid the pinching or constriction of breast tissue that is typical with traditional underwire bras.

Allure also features soft, non-irritating lace on the sides and bands with mesh underneath to add further support and strength. This also creates a thin layer between your body and lace for those who have sensitive skin.



The Allure was created with the input and approval of certified Lactation Consultants so you can rest assured that you'll get a healthy fit that will leave you happy. There's also a matching boy short panty so you can get the full effect!

When I was nursing, I mostly wore nursing tanks for coverage or sleep bras. They were comfortable and convenient but they weren't exactly attractive and didn't always give me the support I wanted. I preferred the look and feel of underwire but I was told to stay away from those types of bras or risk getting plugged ducts. For my health and well-being, I heeded the advice but I longed for something that gave me a bit of a boost. The Allure fills the void perfectly.

I thought this bra was simply stunning. It didn't resemble a regular nursing bra at all. The only thing that gave it away was the clips. Otherwise, with the lace and embroidered straps, it looked like high-quality lingerie. I found the material to be soft and comfortable, and I liked that the V-cut front would work with most of my tops. I normally wear a 36 A/B cup and I did find the fit of the Allure (size B/C is the smallest available in their double-cup sizing system) to be a little big. However, if my milk were still intact, it would likely be a perfect fit. It's not the type of bra you'd want to sleep in but it would be a gorgeous addition to your day wardrobe.

Bottom line: I think the Bravado Allure Underwire Nursing Bra is an innovative, stylish bra for all nursing mothers. It may be a little on the pricey side but no more than I'd drop at Victoria's Secret on a bra with half the functionality. And considering how often and how long you'll be using it, I'd say it is totally worth the cost. I can't wait to conceive Baby #2 so I can really give it a test run!

BUY IT: You can purchase the Allure Nursing Bra online at www.bravadodesigns.com (ARV $54.00).

Disclaimer: This review was made possible due to my membership in the Role Mommy community. I was sent the Allure Underwire Nursing Bra from Bonny at Role Mommy on behalf of Bravado Designs in exchange for my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are solely mine. Your experience may differ.

For Nursing Mamas: Basics by Bravado

If you're a breastfeeding mom - or if you're planning to be - you've likely heard of Bravado Designs. Bravado Designs is a mom-owned company that offers high-quality, functional yet feminine nursing apparel for moms and moms-to-be. They believe that just because you're having (or have had) a baby, doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your style. From soft cotton nursing bras and tanks to silky, lacy lingerie, Bravado allows you to breastfeed comfortably and beautifully. Even celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Garner and Sarah Jessica Parker are loyal Bravado patrons.

Awesome, right? But it gets even better, ladies...

Bravado Designs has recently released a brand new, affordable line of nursing wear, available exclusively at Target! The Basics by Bravado collection includes two nursing bras and a nursing camisole. I'm really digging the seamless style of the Emma Sleep Bra, which can be pulled up or down for easy access. This bra would be perfect for those hazy, middle-of-the-night feeds.



To celebrate the launch of Basics by Bravado, they are hosting a "Spot a Mom" Sweepstakes. Those who participate will be entered to win $500 worth of baby swag, including a Graco Pack 'N Playyard, Lillebaby carrier, Bumble Bags diaper bag, a Peanut Shell nursing cover and more! Here's what you've got to do:

• Find the Target store nearest you offering Basics by Bravado.
• Visit the store with your camera and take a pic of yourself discovering the Basics by Bravado display.
• Email your photo, name and contact info to basics@bravadodesigns.com.

Easy, right? Especially if you have an iPhone, Blackberry or Palm - you could take the picture and email it right from your cell while you're in the dressing room or checking out!

So, next time you head out for your Target run, be sure to check out Basics by Bravado. Who knows...you could be the lucky winner!

Disclaimer: I was notified of this campaign due to my membership at Role Mommy. In exchange for posting about this contest, I will be receiving a complimentary Bravado nursing bra or tank to keep or offer in a giveaway.

Review: Simple Wishes Hands-Free Pumping Bustier

*Warning: this post contains photos of breastfeeding paraphernalia. While I do not consider said photos to be revealing or offensive, I want to give my readers a heads up in case this subject matter should make you uncomfortable. In that case, you may want to skip this post.*

I've always been envious of that Airwick air freshener commercial with the mommy octopus. She can cook, clean and handle an infant with ease thanks to her multiple tentacles. *sigh* If only I could multitask that well. Try as we might, us moms don't have nearly enough hands to juggle all of the balls that make up our daily responsibilities. Especially when we are tied to a breastpump for hours a day.

When Nate was a month old and I prepared to go back to work in the coming weeks, I invested in a top-of-the-line Medela Freestyle pump. It was supposed to be hands-free, meaning I could perform other tasks while pumping. Perfect, right?! I imagined myself typing emails and writing notes at work as I pumped. Or fixing myself lunch as I produced lunch in the form of breastmilk for my little guy. But when my A-list pump arrived, I realized the hands-free contraption was ridiculously complicated with a variety of little pieces and was not compatible with all nursing bras. So, while I loved the portable motor and rechargeable battery feature, I found myself holding the flanges to my breasts as I pumped. Hardly "hands-free", not to mention awkward.

It was as if my prayers were answered when I received a review opportunity courtesy of Mom Fuse for the Simple Wishes hands-free pumping bra. Developed by four sisters, businesswomen and new moms who felt something was missing from the market, Simple Wishes is a professional-mommy-friendly product.

For every mother who has ever wished she could be in two places at once, that she had an extra set of hands, or just that she could manage her hectic schedule and still find time for herself, Simple Wishes is the simple solution she's been waiting for. Simple Wishes Bustier allows multi-tasking moms the chance to be more productive while they pump, or simply to take a breath and recapture a moment for themselves. Stylish and functional, and grounded in innovative, thoughtful design, the Bustier is an affordable and quality alternative to the fussy and unflattering hands free alternatives on the market.

Simple Wishes was recently featured on the Tyra Banks Show and received the New Parents Guide Seal of Approval. Its been adopted by numerous celebrity moms including Camila Alves, Nicole Sullivan, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Rebecca Romijn and many more.

When I first opened the package (which was adorable, BTW!), I noticed how incredibly soft, stretchy and luxurious the fabric of the bra was. You could tell it was high-quality construction, unlike the cheap, flimsy options I'd come across before. The color was a soft, powdery pink which tickled my girlish fancy. I couldn't wait to try it on.

What makes Simple Wishes so revolutionary is the adjustable, completely customized fit. The back panel is made of velcro and can be adjusted by up to 10 inches, so you can achieve a snug fit around your ribcage no matter your unique body type and size. Included are optional straps, which you can wear in a tank, racerback or halter style to accompany any outfit virtually undetected.



There is a front double zipper panel to ensure the best fit of your breast shields, whether you are fully engorged or freshly emptied. If you don't need the extra panel, simple unzip and remove it. You can move your shields closer or further apart by up to 2 inches to secure the best seal. There are two generous, flexible circular openings in which to insert your flanges.



I found the overall fit dreamy. Who would have thought a pumping bra could be...flattering? Isn't that like an oxymoron? It hugged all the right places and was extremely comfortable to wear.





My flanges fit easily through the openings, which provided discreet coverage. No exposed nipples! If I were pumping at work, and someone were to walk into the room, I would feel a *little* less embarrassed since my goodies wouldn't be on display. The bustier also held the shields tightly in place. I bounced up and down, brushed my teeth and flat-ironed my hair while I expressed and those puppies weren't going anywhere.



Not only did Simple Wishes increase my productivity by allowing me to be truly mobile, but it also increased my output by an average of 1/3 ounce! I attribute this to its comfort and ease of use. It enabled me to take my mind off the "mooing" and go about my day. It's hands-free and "mind-free".

I pumped several times a day for Nate's first seven months, when I was working outside of the home. Now that I stay at home, I only pump here and there to have some breastmilk on hand to mix in oatmeal, smoothies, purees or whole milk. But Simple Wishes accomodates both lifestyles, whether you're on a conference call or changing a diaper. No longer do you have to squeeze pumping into your lunch break or baby's naptime. You can get more done in less time. Can you say "Supermom"?

There are just a few drawbacks to Simple Wishes that I should make note of. First, the velcro in the back can be itchy and irritating if not attached just so. When I first tried it on, the velcro dug into my back and I had to adjust it a few times to get it right. Once in the correct position, it felt like a second skin. There was just a learning curve to finding the proper fit. Secondly, as with most nursing bras, Simple Wishes is not something you can wear under form-fitting clothes or low-cut tops. The zippers may bulge under tighter shirts and the rise is rather high, which makes it impractical for V-neck tops. Lastly, from the website, it appears that pink is the only color option. It would be nice to have classic white, nude and black - as well as some cute prints!

Bottom line: All in all, I think Simple Wishes is an ideal solution for true, fuss-free, hands-free pumping. Whether you're a working mom who pumps daily or a stay-at-home mom who pumps once in a while, this bustier is something you will want to have on hand. It's attractive yet practical design makes it seem less like a chore. This simple wish is a dream come true.

BUY IT: You can order your Simple Wishes bustier online via their website (ARV $35). It is available in two sizes: XS-M and M-XL. All products come with a 1-year warranty against defects in materials or worksmanship. They also offer a 100% money-back guarantee within 30 days should you not be pleased with your product. So you have nothing to lose!

Disclaimer: As noted above, I received a Simple Wishes pumping bra from Kathryn at BigPicture PR via my membership at Mom Fuse to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are purely mine. You may have a different experience upon using this product.