A few weeks before I gave birth, I read about the Earth Mama * Angel Baby product line and was excited to try them for myself. The Oregon-based company specializes in organic, phthalate-free labor, postpartum, breastfeeding and baby products. I was especially eager to use the Natural Labor Companion CD and Labor Ease Kit during my homebirth. Unfortunately, because baby J was 18 days early, I received the shipment of goods two days AFTER he was born. As it turned out, my birth was so relaxed and fast I wouldn't have had much use for most of the items, so I called EMAB and was told I could return any unopened products for a merchandise credit. That was good news, since my husband swears this is our last baby.
Although the labor products weren't opened, I knew the postpartum items would still come in handy even a couple of days late. Here is a list of my mama-tested, mama-approved EMAB goods*:
Earth Mama Bottom Balm: I did not have any perineal tears, but any mama who has experienced a vaginal delivery is sore and swollen down there. This herbal salve (no petroleum by-products, no parabens) feels a bit like Vicks on your fingers, but it is so much better. It definitely makes your bruised and sensitive parts feel tingly. It heals and cools, and it's all-around a must-have for any mama after a vaginal birth.
Postpartum Tea: I am a picky tea drinker. Not in a snobby way; I just find most tea too bitter, so I end up putting too much milk and honey in it, which masks the taste. But my husband insisted I try this one straight. It's actually quite good, but I still put a teensy dollop of honey in my cup.
New Mama Bottom Spray: This is my favorite postpartum product. It's a cooling spray made of witch hazel, antibacterial lavender, and peppermint essential oils. I sprayed it all over my sore bits and also on my maxi pads. I am still using it, just for kicks. If I were ever to have another baby (which is unlikely, but since many of you might still have a baby or two in your future), I would pre-treat a bunch of maxi pads and then freeze them before delivery.
Organic Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: We don't give baby J a bath every day but when we do (actually, in our house, the husband bathes the baby and then passes him off to me as I wait with the hooded towel) we use this mild shampoo & body wash. It's got a self-foaming pump, since the castile soap itself has no foaming agents.
Angel Baby Bottom Balm: I use this every day, especially after the baby had his first diaper rash. It's a rich and creamy balm, and you only need a little bit to go a long way. Plus, it can be used with cloth diapers, which is a relief. So far, so good.
*These items were purchased for my birth and postpartum recovery
I got a great collection of Earth Mama * Baby Angel products from a good friend of mine after our 2nd was born and I have to say that the Angel Baby Bottom Balm was great for my newborn's sensitive skin. I also liked The Happy Mama spray because the scent wasn't overwhelming and uplifting. Great stuff!
Posted by: Leticia TechSavvyMama | April 08, 2008 at 07:18 PM