Luxury Maternity and Nursing Cover [review]

Once you become a mom, the stuff that you take with you when you leave the house seems to multiply! Though I have downsized over the months and years, I try hard to find products that are multipurpose. A maternity and nursing cover that can be worn at least 15 different ways is a must have nursing item for any pregnant woman or nursing mother.

Boho Mama Nursing Cover      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest. 

The Good	The Not So Good
Made from organic bamboo fabric	Snaps might need reinforcement
Soft and stretchy

The Boho Mama nursing cover is not just a nursing cover, but a must have accessory for every pregnant or nursing mom. The cover is made from organic bamboo with a little bit of spandex. This combination makes for very luxurious feeling fabric. I am a very touch oriented person and want soft items for my child.

The nursing cover is a combination of a true nursing cover and a nursing scarf. The size is a bit bigger than what I would usually wear as a scarf, but I could see myself wearing it during the colder winter months. It's nice that it can just be thrown on like a scarf or a cover for myself instead of stuffing yet another item in the diaper bag. If I do need to put it in the diaper bag, the cover takes up very little space.

Usage: There are many different ways to use the Boho Mama cover, here are some of them:

1. Wear it around your neck like a scarf.
2. Wrap around your shoulders like a shawl.
3. Wrap around the baby as a blanket or swaddle.
4. Use as a cardigan or wrap around yourself.
5. Wrap around baby while baby wearing for extra warmth.
6. Use as a car seat cover.
7. Use as a changing pad.

The beauty of investing in the Boho Mama cover is that it can be used during pregnancy, during breastfeeding, and beyond.

My Thoughts: I really like the Boho Mama cover. Although I am no longer breastfeeding, I still have a 2.5 year old toddler to take care of every day. One of my favorite things about the cover is that I can use it in so many different ways. I like having a blanket/cover type item with me when I leave the house, whether I need to wrap something around my shoulders to stay warm, or I need to change a diaper on the go. The cover is a good size and is similar to my pashmina scarf that I wear all the time. I am 5'4 and have a slim athletic build, so the larger size worked as a good shawl/torso cover.

The Boho Mama luxury nursing wrap is the perfect gift for a baby shower or a sprinkle shower. A classic nursing cover with a modern feel and function will make any mom feel special. Get rid of the big cotton tent around yourself and the baby and cover both of you with breathable, soft fabric.

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Post Partum Belly Band [review]

No matter the shape of your body or the outcome of labor and birth, a recovery and support belly band is a must have post-partum product. Skin and muscles stretch. Abs become non-existent. A Post-partum belly band is a great way to provide support during recovery. Mamaway post-partum bamboo belly band is soft, comfortable, and can be worn all day.

Mamaway Post-Partum Belly Band           

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.
Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest.

The Good	The Not So Good
3 velcro fasteners for customized fit	Hand wash recommended
Soft and comfortable
Does not ride up

A postnatal belly band seeps up recovery after birth and increase  blood circulation. It helps to provide structure and support for abs stretched during pregnancy. Right after birth, the belly band is worn lower to help with uterus and pelvis recovery. Then, it is worn higher to tighten the abdominal area and provide back support. Mamaway belly band can be worn right after birth, both natural births and c-section births. The belly band is made from nyllon, rubber, bamboo charcoal, and polyester. The material is thick, but is soft and stretchy. The belly band does not ride even when bending up and down to hold the baby and while doing household tasks.

 

When undone, the belly band lays flat. The main piece of the belly band has velcro on the end and goes around the area that needs support. There are two smaller compression belt that provide more targeted support. The 3 step fastening helps to target specific areas that need support and recovery the most.

The belly band can be worn all day long, under or over clothes, and can even be worn during the night. The belly band does not ride up and move with your body.

Usage: In the first 4 weeks post partum, lie down to secure the belly band. If more than 4 weeks, can do it standing up. The band has a slight curvature to it, so you can tell which part goes on the bottom (or remember that the red and white tag goes on your right side). Secure the big panels first, then secure each compression belt where you need it most.

Hand washing with a neutral detergent and warm water is recommended. Lay out to dry in a cool, shaded area.

Results:  My dress size is around a 2. I ordered a Medium size because smaller sizes were not available. The Medium fits me well! I do not feel that there is excess fabric and the compression bands have more way to go. I would say that the Medium size would be perfect for me right after giving birth.

It has been quite a bit of time since I have giving birth. Nonetheless, I feel like I still need help with lower back and ab support. Carrying my toddler or holding him in church takes a bit toll on my lower back. I have been wearing the Mamaway belly band as a corset and for back support. Standing up, I can quickly put the belly band on. I use the 2 compression bands to define my waistline. I really like the way the belly band provides support for my lower back, helps to cinch in my waist, and helps me to have better posture. The belly band is quite comfortable to wear throughout the day, but I do not see myself wearing it for more than a few hours. I was able to bend down and do some light cleaning with the belly band on.

You can see from the above photos that the 2 compression bands really helped to define my waist. If I needed more help on my lower belly, I would attach the 2 compression bands lower.

Mamaway post-partum support belly band is a great investment for anyone who is pregnant and for moms that need more support and definition after giving birth. The ability to customize the fit of the belly band is a great feature that a lot of other post-partum belly bands do not offer.
  

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Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas 2014

As we get into November, my mind turns to the upcoming holiday season. Now that I have a toddler in the house, I am even more careful about selecting eco-friendly and non-toxic gifts. I hope this list will give you some good ideas for your own children, significant others, friends, family, etc. Some of the items we own and use. I would recommend these products. Other items we would like to receive as gifts this year (denoted with WANT). I will continue to add to this list as ideas pop up.


Holiday Gifts Under $25

Tropical Traditions - non-toxic body and beauty products would make a great basket or great bonus gifts. We use Tropical Traditions natural soap on a daily basis. They also started carrying a great selection of pure essential oils.

Halo Organic Sleep Sack - we have been using organic cotton Halo SleepSack Wearable Blankets for almost 1.5 years. These sleep sacks are perfect for all seasons to keep baby warm and comfortable. Cotton provides breathability and reduces the possibility of babies overheating.

Stainless Steel Straws - Eco at Heart makes wide straws that are perfect for any drink or smoothie. The straws come with a cleaning brush.

Eco-Kids Eco-Finger Paint (WANT) - powder based paint made with natural ingredients and natural colors. Mix powder with water to create paint. No need to worry about the baby or the toddler putting it in their mouth.

Epicurean Eco Plastic Cutting Board (WANT) - I have a regular Epicurean cutting board and would love to have a bigger one in the eco plastic.

Mason Jar Pour Caps (WANT) - this is a perfect gift for any Mason jar lover. Transform canning jars into containers for drinks, snacks, and more. Sizes available for regular mouth jars and wide mouth jars.


Holiday Gifts Over $25

Swell Stainless Steel Water Bottle (WANT) - I need to replace my old stainless steel water bottle and need something that can withstand dropping by a toddler. I love the shape of this bottle. Insulation helps to keep drinks cold.

Organic Cotton Half Apron (WANT) - I have never used an apron, but have found myself always searching for a towel. This organic cotton half apron from A Green Kitchen is adorable and functional.

ERGObaby - 19 months later, we are still using the ERGObaby carrier on a regular basis. The baby carrier was especially useful during the recent 18 month sleep regression. My 19 month old son weights about 24 pounds. Wearing him in the ERGObaby is still comfortable.

Envirosax Shopping Bags - I have a couple of these and I absolutely love them! The handles are big enough that I can easily sling them over my shoulder, even when I am carrying a toddler with the other arm. Strong as can be! Easy to stuff in any bag. Purchase a set or just one reusable shopping bag.

Excalibur Dehydrator (WANT) - I have a cheaper dehydrator that works very well, but I have always had my eye on this one. I love the polyscreen tray inserts and large capacity.

Le Creuset Dutch Oven - I use my Le Creuset Dutch Oven (in Cobalt) for just about anything. I feel comfortable that toxic chemicals, like those in non-stick pans, are not leaching into my food.


If you have any questions about these products or our experiences with them, please contact me. I am always willing to share eco-friendly and green products for your baby and your family. Happy holiday shopping!


Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links to where I usually shop. Your purchases support this blog at no additional cost to you. Regardless, I feature and recommend only brands and products that I myself would use.

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A Birthday and A Death

My birthday has become a defining point over the past couple of years. My birthday is no longer just a day of celebration, but a season of happiness and sadness.

Last year, I celebrated a milestone birthday. This milestone birthday was supposed to be celebrated by a luxury beach vacation to the Caribbean. I was in my third trimester of pregnancy. Instead, we went to visit my parents and enjoyed a delicious gourmet dinner at a winery. I had some wine. That was the extent of my celebration. Even though the celebration was not what I imagined it would be like, that weekend was very special for me anyways.

This year, my birthday was celebrated with my parents again. They watched the baby, the husband and I went out to lunch at a winery and then did some shopping. I greatly enjoyed the few hours that we had to focus on each other. We had champagne and my mom brought dessert from a local boulangerie.

A few days later, on the way to Gatlinburg for vacation, I find out very sad news about my grandma passing. She passed suddenly. The day after my birthday. Everyone was in shock. The thoughts that keep running through my head:

• She will never get to meet her only great grandchild (she lived in Russia),
• I'm glad I called her a few weeks earlier and talked to her,
• I hope she is watching over the baby now,
• I can no longer call her and talk to her.

The passing of a grandparent is a difficult event for everyone. I am sad that she is no longer around. I also forget at times that she is no longer around. But, I try to focus on the positive memories. I try to remember her. I tell the baby stories about her. While working on a small sewing project for the baby's first birthday, I remembered when my grandma showed me how to use her sewing machine. She left the sewing machine to me when she moved back to Russia. I do not want to forget her, so I am trying to find ways to help us all to remember her.

With the warmer outside temperatures and a huge itch to get the garden going, I decided to plant a few plants in the garden to commemorate her. One of my earliest memories of grandma was going to the park. I do not remember what the park looked like, but I remember a huge field of poppies. Whenever I see poppies, I am always reminded of grandma. Yesterday, at Whole Foods, I picked up a packet of poppy seeds and sowed the seeds in the herb garden. I would also like to plant a tree or a bush in honor of grandma.

March brought other sad news as we found out about a loved one of a friend also passing the week prior to my grandma, acquaintances being diagnosed with serious medical diagnoses, and little girls in church having potentially terminal diseases. March also brought happy news, like births of babies.

This year has already brought so much change, growth, happiness, and sadness. Yet, life keeps moving on. Life forces us to move on. There is always something to keep us moving or distract us from the challenges that the days bring. The baby keeps growing and developing. I have to be flexible and adapt to his needs. We accept loses of loved ones and try to remember only the good times and we welcome births of babies and rebirths of ourselves.

>> How has your year been so far?? Have you experienced any surprises??
 

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Thirsties Duo AIO Cloth Diaper [Giveaway]

I am so excited to host my first giveaway for a cloth diaper. And a Thirsties cloth diaper for that! Thirsties cloth diapers are proudly made in the USA and will last you through at least one child. Thirsties offers a variety of cloth diapers types and the cutest prints I have ever seen. If you have not tried a Thirsties cloth diaper or want more Thirsties cloth diapers (All Natural Katie raises her hand), enter below for a chance to win a Thirsties Duo All In One (AIO) cloth diaper. One of the best cloth diapers. Winner gets to choose the size and the color/print.

Want to know more about this diaper? Check out my Thirsties Duo AIO cloth diaper review with the new hook and loop closure. Perfect for any of your cloth diapering needs.

Please use the Rafflecopter entry form below. Open to US and Canada. All entries will be verified. Duplicate and invalid entries will be deleted. 

Giveaway

Thirsties Duo AIO Cloth Diaper - $16.50 value

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: All Natural Katie is not responsible for prize fulfillment or shipping. The sponsor will be responsible for shipping the product to the winner of this giveaway.

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Green Baby Holiday Gift Guide 2013

We are just about 8 weeks away from the holidays! I feel like this year has flown by, but that is expected with the arrival of a baby that completed our family earlier this year. I have loved putting to use some of the green and natural products that I have researched and received as gifts during the baby showers and post birth. The following are products that I personally use or would recommend to anyone who is expecting or knows someone that is expecting.

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ERGObaby

This was my first purchase when I was pregnant. After much research on the best baby carriers, an organic ERGObaby was the right choice for our family. The ERGObaby carrier never leaves my side. I take it everywhere! Sometimes, wearing the baby is the only thing that will calm him down. Other times, it is easier to wear a baby in a grocery store or at a festival than pushing around a stroller through crods. The ERGObaby is quick to put on and distributes the weight of the baby evenly over my hips. Every mom should have an ERGObaby carrier for hands-free childcare.

Ergobaby Special 15% Off Discount through Wednesday, December 25 . The 15% discount will be applied at checkout.
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Tropical Traditions

Tropical Traditions is not only about organic, high quality coconut oil. My favorite products, besides the organic Gold Label Coconut Oil, are the non-toxic All Purpose Household Cleaner and Powdered Laundry Detergent. The All Purpose Household Cleaner is tough on grease and stains. Use this cleaner on any hand-me-down toys, equipment, or furniture. Also works well to clean up any baby messes. We wash all of our laundry with the Powdered Laundry Detergent (baby safe, cloth diaper safe). A container of this detergent is perfect for washing all of those brand new baby clothes, blankets, and bedding prior to use. Look to Household Traditions by Tropic Traditions for non-toxic household cleaners safe for the family and for babies.

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Episencial

Babies' skin is extremely sensitive to anything that it comes in contact with. When choosing body products for my baby, I choose eco-friendly baby products with organic and all natural ingredients. Episencial is the #1 organic brand in hospital birthing centers and offers a gentle way to clean, moisturize, and protect baby's sensitive skin. My husband loves the Episencial Sunny Sunscreen, which goes on clear without the nano-chemicals. Playful Wash is our favorite product for bathtub. Perfect for babies with sensitive skin! Available at Pure and Simple Baby.

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Soap Nuts

Another detergent that I sometimes use for cloth diaper laundry and baby laundry is organic Soap Nuts. I have used Soap Nuts eco-friendly laundry detergent a few times for non-toxic cloth diaper laundry and everything came out smelling clean. Soap Nuts is the ultimate green laundry product because it leaves no residue and is compostable after all of the saponins are released. Check out my review of Soap Nuts for more information.

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Smitten by Rearz

Yes, cloth diapers are a perfect holiday gift! What better was to pay it forward in terms of saving money, precious baby skin, and the environment. Cloth diapers might be an investment up front, but pay dividends going forward. Although I prefer All In One (AIO) diapers, I like the economics of fitted diapers and covers. Rearz Smitten diapers hold a lot of liquid and wick moisture away from baby's skin. They are made from unbleached cotton and colored with 100% organic dyes. If someone is expecting or just gave birth, this might be a perfect little gift. Read my review of the Smitten Fitted Cloth Diaper.

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Halo Sleep Sack

I registered for a newborn Halo Sleep Sack Swaddle which has the velcro across the chest. Our baby preferred to have his hands out, which worked well with this sleep sack. I have since purchased two more Halo Sleep Sacks to last past 1 year. These are available in organic cotton. Sleep sacks keep your baby warm and allow for breathability because they are made from 100% cotton. Halo Sleep Sacks are a great way to layer and keep the baby comfortable at night without using blankets that can pose hazards to the baby. We are currently using the organic Cotton Wearable Blanket.

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If you have any questions about these products or our experiences with them, please contact me. I am always willing to share eco-friendly and green products for your baby and your family. Happy holiday shopping!


Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links to where I usually shop. Your purchases support this blog at no additional cost to you. This post may also contain links to reviews where I received a complimentary media sample to facilitate the review. Regardless, I feature and recommend only brands and products that I myself would use.

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Birth Relaxation Kit [Giveaway]

Birth. It is a most sacred event in a woman’s life. A right to passage to motherhood. Whether you birth at home or in a hospital, your body presents your long awaited gift…one that you have nurtured diligently. If there is one thing we can all agree on, all women labor differently and there are options to birth as compatibly as every laboring mom needs.

When most of us think about labor and birth, scary images of women screaming in pain, putting their husbands into head locks, and hospital trauma rooms come to mind. This is what the media and society teach us as we grow up. The gentle, relaxed, calm births are rarely depicted on television. When you discover this alternate world, a world that has actually been around for eons, you become intrigued at the reality that has always been there. The concept of hypnobirthing is a path to this world.

Hypnobirthing is one option that is gentle and natural. Hypnobirthing is a childbirth method that applies techniques to induce deep relaxation, visualization and self-hypnosis. Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not a state of unconsciousness or sleep, but can be best described as daydream or focus that occurs when you are performing mundane tasks, such as staring into a fire in a fireplace.

Eliminating fear and concerns associated with childbirth is vital. Affirmations during hypnosis encourages a positive mindset in overcoming this. To learn more about hypnobirthing, you can sign up for hypnobirthing info series for free!

The Birth Relaxation Kit is the only hypnobirthing program presented by a board certified medical doctor who used this method to birth her child, at home, pain-free! Dr. Mavi Gupta and her husband, Jeremy Dyen are both certified hypnotherapists. Jeremy Dyen has been a professional musician for over 20 years. He has recorded on John Legend’s Grammy award winning CD, Get Lifted, and creates music for Yoga and meditation.

The Birth Relaxation Kit comes in three different packages; Basic, Plus and Deluxe. It comes with Hypnosis MP3s, Birth Affirmation MP3, Birth Empowerment Book and more! All downloadable with no shipping. You can purchase this yourself and get a 10 week, money back guarantee OR WIN IT HERE. All from the comfort of your home; no scheduling and all of the privacy needed to enjoy deep and true relaxation!

The Giveaway!

Just in time for Mother’s Day, TheOliveParent and Friends are offering TWO moms-to-be a chance to have a gentle birth! Two “Plus” Birth Relaxation Kits will be given away!

Entry is easy. Visit www.birthrelaxationkit.com and leave a comment on the blog you are visiting, telling us which one of the four facts found on the homepage speaks to you the most and why. Fill out as many entries as possible to increase your chances of winning.

Not expecting, but know someone who is?  Share this giveaway with them and refer your friends for entries! This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE, 18+ Giveaway ends 4/29/13 1:00 AM CST Entering into the giveaway indicates you understand its terms and conditions.

Many thanks to the AWESOME blogs co-hosting this giveaway! You can show your support of these blogs by following them on Twitter, Facebook & Google Plus.
 

Entry-Form

Disclaimer:

This giveaway is sponsored by Birth Relaxation Kit, Hosted by TheOliveParent, and Co-Hosted by participating blogs. Prize fulfillment is not the responsibility of TheOliveParent, TheOliveParent Media or participating blogs.  All information and products presented in this post is presented in an educational format and has not been evaluated by the FDA - should not be used to cure, treat or diagnose any diseases.

This is a TheOliveParent Media Event.

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