The honest company

Free Trial: shipping cots SGD52

When I was around 5 months pregnant with Baby Arrian, I love to watch the youtube for new things for my baby. I especially love itsjudytime. I find that she is very pretty and the relationship between both spouses are great. I love their vibe. I also love watching these mummy bloggers as they shared really good stuff about baby (even tho it sort of cost a bit but I always emphasise on how its our last chance at having a newborn around). So I sourced for new baby products which I don't see when I was pregnant with the first one. It was mind blowing. It also doesn't help when i was on bed rest for one month. Being an asian parent esp. in Singapore, the baby products are really limited and also really expensive if you want to get the ones shown by the vloggers. But I was immediately hooked when I saw the honest company. First impression that got me hooked was the design and the fact that it is eco friendly. I wanted to do my  bit for GAIA. I have bought the charlie banana reusable diaper(which I have yet to use coz baby Arrian can't fit yet as he's on the tiny side plus the fact is I am just afraid). So I decided to go for the free trial that they offer. However, the products only ship to US and also canada. Therefore I have to sign up with Vpost and pay for the shipping fees to Singapore( which cost me around SGD52). I know it is a bit costly but I am genuinely interested with the products so I spend a bit more.

For the diapers and wipes discovery kit, you will receive:

• diapers (7 count)
• wipes (10 count)

For the essential bundle discovery kit, you will receive:

• shampoo + body wash
• face + body lotion
• multi surface cleanser
• healing balm
• hand soap

So basically for SGD52, you will receive all that and also I actually ordered a packet of diaper which has 44 NB diapers (US13.95). I chose the diapers design for boys and it was so adorable. I love the texture of the diapers and I never regret spending that much money knowing that the diapers are made from safer materials and no animal testing were being done. Let me talk about the items that i received in both my discovery kit.

Diapers

• Natural and gentle : sustainably harvested pulp, natural odour inhibitors and plant-based materials - NO risky fragrances, lotions and latex
• Ultra absorbent : superior performance and moisture retention
• Premium fit : cloth like feel, contour elastics and stretchy refastenable grip tabs.
• Fashionable designs : choose from a growing selection of stylish prints.

Review: I used it on Baby Arrian when he was born. I love the feel of the diaper. It was smooth and plus points for fashionable mummies; the design are really fashionable( i just received moustache and chevron print for this month supply). Baby Arrian never had any problems with nappy rash( even though sometimes we overslept and changed his diapers 4 hours later). We also did not experience any leakage at all. The reason why I am highlighting these points is because there was a point when the delivery of the diapers took longer than expected so I changed him to the diaper brand that the hospital used. Baby Arrian was screaming one night and when I checked his bum was red (partly was because i changed his diaper only after 3 hours since the last change). I was so upset that he has to use nappy rash cream. Another day, he experienced leakage. These incidents made me fall in love with the honest diapers even more.

Wipes

• Safe and gentle : cloth baby wipe that's ultra thick, all natural, biodegradable and plant based
• Effective and sensitive : botanical ingredients and ultra soft cloth gently cleanse, soothe and nourish to promote healthy skin
• Perfectly designed : to be the only one you'll ever need

Review : I simply fall in love with the texture and the thickness of the wipes. I also love how the thickness makes cleaning poo much easier. It is also not rough on the skin and as it also nourish the skin, I have no problem with nappy rash. Overall, I am satisfied with the wipes

Essential discovery kit

• Shampoo and body wash : tear free, hypoallergenic, colour safe, vegan, biodegradable, pH balanced and naturally non-toxic
• Face and body lotion : natural and nourishing lotion soothes and supports babies, natural oils leave skin feeling supremely soft and never greasy and lastly hypoallergenic
• Hand soap : natural and nourishing, non-toxic, biodegradable and pH balanced
• Multi-surface cleaner : repels dust naturally without leaving residue behind, natural, non-toxic, biodegradable and pH balanced
• Healing balm : soothing protection and relief for sensitive skin and diaper rash, organic sunflower, olive and tamanu oils which nourish, moisturise and help protect sensitive and irritated skin, certified USDA organic formula which promotes healthy, supple and soft skin. 

Review: I used the multi surface cleaner to clean Baby Arrian changing table and I love how it doesn't smell nor was it greasy. I also used the face and body lotion on Baby Arrian and it helps with the skin peeling and leaves his skin smooth instead of scaly. Overall, I love how it protects and moisturise his skin.

After you have ordered and tried their trial kit, you will be enrolled as a member of the Honest company.You have 7 days upon the receipt of your trial kit to cancel your membership (please do note that the company is based in the US therefore you have to make an overseas call to cancel). if you choose not to cancel, you will be charged US $79.95/month for the diapers and wipes bundle and US$39.95 for the essentials bundle.
*please note that these prices are without the shipping cost from Vpost.

For US$79.95 plus SGD $110 shipping fees from Vpost: you will receive 6 packets of diapers and 4 wipes.

The stylish design on the diapers

I have received my first month of diapers supply and so far I have never feel short changed. I am not saying that you should spend that much money on diapers but as for me, I just feel bad knowing that a mountain of diaper are out there due to me. I decided to switch to the honest company due to it being eco friendly and hypoallergenic factors. As an iPhone user, I can log on their app to monitor their delivery date. If I still have the supply, I will be able to delay the deliver date.

This i s how the app looks like

The app is also useful in keeping track of your baby e.g when he last changed diaper, his last milk feed, his last sleeping time and also his next doctor's appointment.

*please do note that I am just sharing my experience with the honest diapers. It has work well for my baby. I hope it helps widen the selection of diapers for your babies and also help in saving GAIA. I may not be an extremist in being eco friendly but I am doing my part in some way or another.

Confinement and Postnatal massage

It's almost been 3 weeks of confinement. I had spent two weeks in bed due to the afterpains( it was painful enough for me to be put off breastfeeding). I have been asked about confinement. I have always been strict about staying indoors and keeping myself warm and also eating nutritious food. My mom has been taking care of my meals for the past 3 pregnancy so for the fourth, she knows what to prepare. Basically during confinement for the malay ladies, we stay indoor preferably 44 days at most a month. Confinement is very important in my opinion as it helps your body to heal. Sometimes we take for granted that we are well but actually it's going to take a toll on us in future. I eat nutritious food due to the fact that we will need to replenish the energy that we used during pregnancy and also childbirth. I don't really care when people tell me that I shouldn't be so "pantang" or superstitious but seriously it's not that bad to stay and rest at home after my hectic work schedule. Another plus point is I get to bond with my newborn. I get to play and rest and noone is going to judge me as I am in "confinement". During my confinement, my day usually starts with the post natal massage and then showering of baby and having breakfast. Then it will be a whole day of rest. I also kept baby with me and took care of him the whole day.

I love to eat steam fish during my confinement as it is a warm dish and plus it's nutritious enough with the mushrooms added. So basically it's all fish for me. I find white meat is much healthier compared to red but I do indulged in a little fried food after the 2nd week. Whenever I feel hungry or wants to munch I will actually drink a cup of milo. I do everything as per normal except that I try to keep myself as warm as possible to prevent any fever or anything else. As for the wound care, I usually ensure good personal hygiene.

Postnatal Massage

Another important aspect of confinement will be postnatal massage. From my first pregnancy till my fourth, I believe strongly in getting a good massage. The amount of pain that we had put our body through during childbirth will be felt after everything settled. As I had asked the doctor to release me less than 24 hours after birth due to the fact that it's Nadya's birthday and we have prepared everything, I didn't think too much about it. Let me be frank, I felt that wasn't the best decision I have made at that point. I should have just stayed and rested. Maybe I wouldn't feel so much pain for two weeks. I had good massage ladies for my first three and I was able to lose weight quite easily due to the good confinement practices. However since it's been a while since i last actually had a massage so while I was pregnant, I went searching around. My first massage lady no longer massages. She had stopped due to health problems. i had a prenatal massage but I don't find her suitable for me. I went to google and the name "mummy massage" came about. I read their reviews and saw that they were featured in Suria and the founder Ms Salwa seems very passionate about the whole postnatal massage. I decided to book a slot with them. Before that, Ms Thila gave me a call and asked about my history e.g how many children I have and how familiar I am with postnatal massage and what I am expecting and it is also a good thing for you to enquire. As for me, the first question i asked was what happens if I were to give birth earlier, will they be able to slot me in, she said that all I had to do was call them. After the phone call and seeing the reviews at their webpage and also their FB page, I am convinced. So I took their deluxe package which cost $658. Let me tell you what you get when you sign up for the package.

The deluxe package consists of 7 sessions (For postnatal mothers who wants to see maximum slimming effects while getting the full health benefits)

7 x full body massage

7 x slimming wraps

complimentary gift set

mummy’s bonus

baby’s bonus

*payment can be made via visa, mastercard, paypal and enets.

You may choose to have the 7 sessions at one go which is very effective as per said by my massage lady, Mdm Shima. She also offered me suggestions such as 3 days of massage and then take a break for one day and followed by the rest of the massage. I simply love the massage that i am getting everyday. As I only had my massage at the fourth day, the first 3 days was really hard for me. I couldn't walk without tearing. I could feel my abdomen area hard and I couldn't breastfeed Arrian due to the afterpains. I was practically suffering as I couldn't even carry Baby Arrian properly(like I say I am NOT going to paint a pretty picture for anyone). My womb area hurts like mad due to the fact that I had four children ( so who said after having more children its easier). BUT…. after Mdm Shima came and did the massage for my womb area and did the wrap. I felt lighten and alhamdulilah, I was able to breastfeed Baby Arrian even though breastfeeding joy was short lived for me. I was thankful I was able to give him some of the goodness from my breastmilk

*Picture taken from mummy massage website

They will actually put the jamu before wrapping your tummy to ensure heat and also to keep the area warm. It actually makes me feel warm and also comfortable. Another plus point is that Mdm Shima is super friendly and also loves to share tips  how to keep ourselves healthy and how to lose weight after birth. As for me, I am thankful to get a good massage place for that price (even though i heard some freelance lady offered less) But I choose Quality over Quantity at any time. And baby Arrian had his share of massage too. Overall I am a happy mom and satisfied with their service (despite the earlier glitch but all was forgiven due to the good service throughout my massage). For those who are still looking around or a first time mummy or had an unsatisfying experience with your previous massage lady, you may want to take a look at mummy massage

http://www.mummysmassage.com

P.S: I am not being paid for anything. Just sharing and giving a sincere review based on my own experience. It may work for me but not you but it's worth the try.