Mamahood; let’s DO this!

Mamahood; let’s DO this!

Ok, so typically I would not post about what anyone else does, that being said I’ve decided to create a call to action. Mamas, let’s stop judging one another. Let’s stop sizing up how we gave birth, what diapers we use and if we use bumper pads or not.  Let’s stop using social media to shame or tear down fellow mamas. Why?! Because it hurts. I’m so disappointed when I see us mamas tearing other mamas down.

We are all connected by one thing, we have been blessed to have children all our own (whether birthed or adopted or even step), we are all attached by a cord of responsibility for a future generation. 

Let’s stop. Let’s embrace one another, let’s love one another and most of all let’s lift each other up! Kindness and acceptance are some of the most desired things around the world, so let’s give it out like candy at Halloween. Scratch that, giving it out at Halloween makes it sound like we need to dress up to receive it; no let’s just spread them everywhere, regardless of what we would have done ourselves or how we would have done it differently.  Because kindness and acceptance are FREE. 

Mamahood is one of the most powerful sisterhoods out there! So let’s call that order to march. Let’s celebrate our differences, let’s support our new mamas or less informed mamas. Let’s be caring and earnest in our comments on social media, if we see something may be wrong let’s be classy and privately message where we think there needs improvement. 

Mamas, we are setting the example so let’s set the standard high and help our littles grow to be better than we could ever be. When babies are around, sleep is minimal, emotions are wild and the number one thing us mamas need it an outstretched arm of support; we don’t need hands to only push us down. 

That being said, let’s lessen the judging, public shaming and finger pointing that only cause hurt and offense. Instead let us change it, let us being to increase the embraces of kindness, blankets of support and sisterhood of uplift that will help all mamas out there. 

In closing, I want to take a moment to say: mamas keep up the good work, keep taking care of your kids the best you can each and every day; smile at a stranger because smiling is contagious and that’s one thing I love to catch.  Send a fellow mama a message of encouragement because a kind word can change someone’s day in a moment. If you can, give a text or call just to say “I’m thinking of you and you’re awesome.”  Remember, happy people are the most beautiful and smiles do more repair than any discouraging word. Let’s do this mamas, let’s be the change. 

x. 

earnest mom. 

Earnest Mom’s Crunchy Journey. Turning Red to Green. 

Earnest Mom’s Crunchy Journey. Turning Red to Green. 

Shop the new Honest Feminine Care line!**This post contains Honest Company affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.** 

Ok, ladies this one is for you. After attending a Red to Green session at Mommy Con Columbus, I decided this topic was an important one to touch on in this series. We are chatting about Aunt Flow and the the many options we have out there to help get us through that time of the month. That being said, I will not be focusing on anything graphic. This crunchy journey will look at how we can be more green when we are menstruating. 

How about a few facts:

  • Tampons and pads with odor neutralizers and artificial fragrances are chemicals, conatining artificial colors, polyester, adhesives, polyethylene (PET), polypropylene and propylene glycol (PEG), all linked to hormone disruption, cancer, birth defects, dryness and infertility. 
  • In general, mass marketed tampons and pads contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and numerous pesticides. 
  • Chlorine bleach is what is used to make pads and tampons so white, which can create Dioxin.  Dioxin has been linked to: Abnormal tissue growth in the abdomen and reproductive organs, abnormal cell growth throughout the body, immune system suppression, hormonal and endocrine system disruption Note: Dioxin has been found in Breastmilk which means not only are mamas exposed but so are their nurslings
  • Since menstrual pads and tampons are classified as “medical devices,” ingredient disclosure is not mandatory.
  • And then there is the waste. An average woman in the US will use more than 16,800 in her lifetime. 
  • Approximately 20 Billion (with a B) menstrual pads, tampons and tampon applicators are sent to landfills each year – maybe that’s why we see them in our streams, lakes and beaches. Gross. 

So, what are our options?! I mean, we do want options right? We are talking about the most sensitive parts of our body and we are willing to blindly put all kinds of chemicals there. Yikes. As far as alternatives to disposable all together; you’ve got mama cloth (reusable cloth pads and tampons) and menstrual cups. This earnest mom has fully converted to cups and mama cloth, no more waste here.  I have included some links below where you can get some great cloth pads and cups online. If reusable is just not your thing, which is okay – there are companies that offer chemical and bleach free, organic cotton disposal options, check the banners and stay tuned, I will be giving away an Honest Organic Pad Set, be sure to enter!

My earnest ladies, I encourage you to not just take my word on it; do your own research. Be informed, these ate the only bodies we have and we’ve got to take care of them!

Curious about cups but not sure where to start? Kim Rosas of Put a Cup In It has a great website that really helped me with my cup usage and information. Let’s work together to become more healthy, have less chemical exposure and less waste!  

Enter to win an Honest Company Organic Pad Set (one 10 pack of regular and one ten pack of super pads) at the link here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: You must be a resident of the US or Canada to be eligible to win!
//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js
Have questions about what I use, suggestions or thoughts about turning red to green? Please email me, I’d love to keep this #detoxthebox conversation going, and please if you are going to comment let’s refrain from being too graphic as I would like to keep my blog as earnestly wholesome as possible. 

UPDATE: Still in the fence about trying Honest?! Use this code to get $10 off your first order of $25 or more! Use: GET10

x. 

earnest mom. 

Some cloth and cup links:

The Pink Lemonade Shop

Lunette Cup

The Diva Cup

Organic Disposable Options:
Shop the new Honest Feminine Care line!

Mommy Con? Yes Please!

Mommy Con? Yes Please!

I recently had the privilege of attending Mommy Con in Columbus, Ohio. It was a hike from my little town but man, it was worth it! (Stay tuned to see the swag bag). 

I was able to attend a few VIP/Media opportunities where I got to hang with the BabyGuyNYC and meet sweet Xsa and the lovely Laney (who are the brains and hearts behind Mommy Con). I also got to volunteer (which got me in for free) and help out the wonderful Keeley as we handed out swag bags and disassembled Mommy Con after all attendees left.  Here I am below with the BabyGuyNYC

 
If you read last week’s post, I let you know all about Mommy Con, a boutique style convention for moms who breast feed, baby wear, cloth diaper, along with other natural parenting approaches. I attended some great seminars including Potty Taining 101 with the fabulous Tamica from Potty Schmotty, and yes Tamica I am STILL singing the potty song in my head! I also attended a seminar about lady business and how to go green during that time of the month. Both of these seminars will be detailed in future posts.   

 All in all, even though I did not pay the $40.00 it costs to attend (because I volunteered) I would say, if you’re into natural parenting or parenting as a whole, attend!!! It’s SO worth the money. The information I received was priceless and the swag bag was EVEN better…oh yes swag bag, well here it is pictured below.   
I must say, the ladies that work crazy hard to put this kind of event together for moms, being moms themselves (well most of them) they are amazing. Like I said I was blessed enough to have a media session with darling Xsa and Laney and they are some the kindest and genuine ladies I’ve ever met, and I’m so thankful to have had such a good time. 

Then there were the giveaways with the BabyGuyNYC. Oh. My. There were car seats, breastpumps, strollers and much, much more! Some mamas (and daddy’s too walked away with some amazing gifts that day. 

My volunteer shift was at the end of the conference where I handed out swag bags, and man that little room with zero airflow was HOT but it was a lot of fun, especially with Keeley who kept humor around for us to enjoy.  After that we worked hard, breaking down and cleaning up the entire conference, it was a blast! Here I am in the gift bag corner.  

  

All in all, my experience was great. If you find a Mommy Con near you, get a ticket! (Or keep and eye out for the call for volunteers).  I know many are selling out and they’ve already released presale tickets for next year’s locations so, head on over to Mommy-Con and check them out!

Until next time!

x. 

earnest mom.