Mommy-To-Be? What to do?

Being pregnant is a very special time in life. You are creating a life and you are becoming a mother. It's amazing. Congratulations on your pending arrival or future plans!

It's also a time in life when we need things we've likely never even heard of, set eyes on, etcetera (as pre-mommy women) It's easy to run to everyone's recommendations and grab up products like there is no tomorrow. Thanks hormones!

I thought I would try to get a list together of popular pregnancy must-haves... with a little twist! I want to offer up only the eco-friendly versions of the product, or an entirely separate eco-friendly alternative to the product. After all, being pregnant shouldn't force us to search endlessly or just give up our eco-friendly desires :)

I would also like to mention that this is more than your standard list of must-haves :)

I have been so excited about this. I've been working on it for months and I can't believe the time is finally here!!! To accompany this list, I have worked with most of these companies to put together a huge giveaway!!! One lucky mommy-t0-be will win most of this list, and some runners up will win things as well. (Good luck mommies!!!) **this portion is over**

Without further procrastination on my part, let's get this started! This is in alphabetical order.

BellaBand Organic

The BellaBand Organic comes in white, black or sand. It is 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex.

The BellaBand is a great pregnancy wardrobe accessory. It helps you stay in your prepregnancy pants longer in the beginning of your pregnancy (unbutton your pants, put the band on and let it hide it!). It also helps you late in pregnancy to cover up what shirts can't (some just aren't long enough) and then after pregnancy to help you fit back into your old clothes sooner.

I was given the chance to try one of these out and compare it to a traditional BellaBand. I have to say that I love the organic one so much better. Forget that it's organic for just a moment. It is *so* soft and it stays up better than the original. The original is nice and it works, but it also has a feel to it that is a bit more 'slick' than the organic cotton. To me, it just doesn't seem to stay in place as well. I really love the organic band.

I also love the packaging :) It comes in a thick paper package/box. I only wish that all of them were packaged this way and that they offered a lace version in the organic :D Even though my daughter is now 4 months old, this is a wonderful accessory and the sand color I have works great with almost all of my clothes.

*This item is included in the giveaway! A special thank you to Ingrid & Isabel for your participation in this event :)

**I received this item to review.

Belly Bandit - Bamboo

I do not own one of these, so I can't offer any personal experience or review, but I can tell you that I really wanted one. I actually still am considering it. My back could use it :)

The Bamboo Belly Bandit comes in black or natural. Here is some additional information from their site.

The Belly Bandit® is an abdominal compression binder designed to help you get your body back to its former fabulousness post childbirth.

Not only does the Belly Bandit® help reduce uncomfortable uterine swelling, it aids in decreasing bloating caused by water retention, and gives additional support for Mommy’s weary legs & back. For you breastfeeding moms, there’s a bonus… the Belly Bandit® will help you with your posture during feedings, and may help to reduce the all too common back & shoulder pain associated with breastfeeding. Ultimately, the Belly Bandit® will aid in getting you back to your pre pregnancy hotness faster than ever!

*This item is included in the giveaway! A special thank you to Bebeology for generously donating this :)

Body Pillow - Snoogle Organic

I have to say that I *LOVE* this thing. I got mine for Mother's Day during my third pregnancy and wished that I had given in and bought one with my first. It is truly amazing and the only way I was able to sleep well.

It is so perfect for pregnancy. I was able to have it under my head, around my back for support and then up through between my legs to support my knees and then the end resting to support my belly. It rocks. I *highly* suggest spending the money on this!

I purchased mine from Diapers.com If you'd like to get one (or anything else for that matter) from Diapers.com, Use Code: effblog to recieve $10 off of your first order and free shipping for orders over $49.

Breastpads - Milk Maids Hemp Breastpads

I have several pairs of these and they area amazing! Milk Maids breastpads are fantastic. I love how soft they are, how thin and absorbent.

I use to use thin disposables, but that was obviously not eco-friendly. I am so picky though. I can't stand for breastpads to be seen through my shirt. It's awful and I can't stand it. I tried other pads (they were awful) and then finally got the chance to try these. I love them. I think I have something like 10 pairs of them. I honestly can't say enough good things about them.

Milk Maids are available here for $5.00 a pair. Grab them up when you can, when she stocks them, they FLY out of stock. Yes, they are that good :)

*This item is included in the giveaway! Thank you to AFFF for all of your help and participation :)

Chocolate - Theo Organic & Fair Trade

I think just about ever woman loves chocolate, and pregnancy allows us to indulge a bit :)

Theo Chocolate is changing the definition of “quality” by uniting creative excellence that results in deliciously award-winning chocolate with their unwavering commitment to changing the way the cocoa industry conducts business. At Theo, they believe there is no luxury in products that benefit us today, while jeopardizing future generations ability to meet their needs. When you taste their chocolate you will experience their passion and integrity in every luscious bite. They promise, there is something for everyone from the adventurous “foodie”, to those seeking the simple comfort of a delectably creamy milk chocolate bar. They follow their passion for excellence to bring you chocolate that will delight your palate, ignite your imagination and inspire you to think and act sustainably! Be a part of their movement to save our planet and its capacity to nurture and sustain all living things. They can’t do it without you!

Theo Chocolate is proud to be the only Organic, Fair Trade, Bean-To-Bar chocolate factory in the United States.

Theo offers a large assortment of chocolate bars, yummy confections, sipping chocolates and more.

*This item is included in the giveaway! A great big 'Thank You' to Theo for your generous & yummy craving inducing participation in this event :)

Lotion - Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil

Pregnancy often brings the worry of stretch marks with it. You want to be safe, especially when it comes to your body. What you put in it and what you put on it. Earth Mam Angel Baby has the answer :)

Are you an Angel Mama with a sensitive nose and an itchy, pregnant belly? Looking for the perfect natural stretch mark oil? Mama knows. That's why Natural Stretch Oil is exactly what every mama needs. Your gloriously expanding belly, hips and breasts will drink up the luxurious, natural blend of oils to help deter stretch marks and relieve the itch, and the light, delicate scent won't aggravate morning sickness.

Mama starts with plant-based oils that are infused with the healing herbal goodness of organic calendula and calming organic chamomile. Organic borage oil and neroli pure essential oil help nourish and encourage skin's natural elasticity for natural stretch mark care. Natural Stretch Oil is light and readily absorbable. It's vegan, cruelty-free and toxin-free (no artificial preservatives!), and contains no nut oils. It's lovely as a bath oil and perfect for
perineal massage to help avoid tears and episiotomies during natural childbirth.

Love the idea of pure, delicately scented Natural Stretch Oil but prefer a rich, emollient lotion? Mama's got your back (and belly, and hips)!

Earth Mama Body Butter combines the healing herbal goodness of organic calendula and calming organic chamomile with essential oils in a shea butter body lotion. And all in a safe-for-pregnancy-potion that won't aggravate morning sickness. It's vegan, cruelty-free and toxin-free (no artificial preservatives). It's the purest lotion for pregnancy stretch marks you'll find, made with 95% organic ingredients.

You'll love it for moisturizing and encouraging your skin's natural elasticity as your beautiful belly grows, but you'll appreciate it long after the birth of your angel baby! For expectant bellies, breasts and WAY beyond.

*The Natural Stretch Oil is included in the giveaway! Thanks so much to Earth Mama Angel Baby for contributing to this event!

Lounge Pants - Maggie's Organics

Can you say comfy? These lounge pants are so comfortable and colorful!!! One of my biggest gripes about organic fabrics is that the majority seem to be cream colored. I love color.

Maggie's Organics carries all sorts of apparel. Tees, tanks, dresses, socks, children's apparel, etc.

Their pricing is incredibly reasonable and everything is colorful and looks so comfortable. I suggest checking them out for all sorts of wardrobe basics :)

*This item is included in the giveaway! Thank you so much Maggie's Organics for your crazy comfy addition to this event!

**I received this item to review.

Nursing Nightgown - Expressiva Organic Pretty Rope Nightgown

I am currently nursing our third child and I can tell you that I have never had an article of nursing clothes *ever* fit so great. My biggest complaint about both maternity clothes and nursing clothes is that I truly believe that they are not designed for pregnant/nursing women. Most are a little larger in the front panel to accommodate a belly, but that's it. It is so rare when I am able to find something that fits both my breasts and my waist. This nightgown does it flawlessly!

I couldn't believe it when I tired it on. It fit, perfectly. It is so soft and it fits! Have I mentioned that it fits? I am not sure I can accurately describe my elation in finding something that works :D

What's better is that it is so super soft, looks sexy on and is sized to allow for shrinkage. Thank you Expressiva!

*This item is included in the giveaway! Thank so much to Expressiva for your participation in this event and for your thoughtfully made nursing wear. It is appreciated :)

**I received this item to review.

Preggie Pop Drops Organic

Nausea associated with pregnancy is a very common phenomenon occurring in up to 90% of pregnancies.

Several different herbs have been shown to be helpful in relieving nausea associated with pregnancy: Ginger, Peppermint/Spearmint, Lavender and Citrus

All of these herbs have been “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) for use in food in the U.S. and Europe. No serious adverse effects have been reported with any of these herbs when they are used in moderation.

Although it is not known exactly how these herbs work, it is postulated that they all have a local soothing and antispasmodic effect on the stomach. Recent scientific evidence shows that they are effective at relieving nausea.

For example, in a clinical trial of pregnant women, ginger was found to be more effective than a sugar pill in relieving morning sickness. Sucking on a lollipop which contains a small amount of these herbs is a safe and soothing way to deal with your nausea during pregnancy and can also be a wonderful aid for the discomforts of Labor!!

These Preggie Pop Drops are made with Organic ingredients that include: organic evaporated cane juice, organic brown rice syrup, Natural Favors (made from essential oils) and Natural Colors.

The 12pk box includes three of their most popular flavors: Sour Lemon, Sour Raspberry & Green Apple

*This item is included in the giveaway! Thanks so much to Three Lollies for your yummy contribution to this event :)

Reusable Water Bottle - Earthlust

Staying hydrated is so vital to a healthy pregnancy.

According to AssociatedContent.com - "Dehydration in early pregnancy or first trimester, can lead to an insufficient amount of amniotic fluid. This can lead to the baby laying directly against the uterus and can cause limb deformities. Becoming dehydrated during pregnancy in the second and third trimesters can lead to heat exhaustion, muscle-cramping, fatigue and even premature labor."

The best way to stay hydrated is to drink a lot of water :) To make that easier, I find that having a water bottle around works wonders in making me remember to just drink more water.

Earthlust makes the most beautiful bottles. I have one of these and it is fantastic. The design is great. It doesn't have any weird ripples, ledges, etc. in it to make it hard to clean. It's very straight forward in design. I love the color and artwork. It doesn't flavor my water.

EarthLust bottles are hand made from high quality #304 (18/8) food grade stainless steel, which is naturally safe unlined. Their bottles are a custom design - not stock bottles. Most of their line is limited edition art (these bottles are so fashionable!) They use non-toxic paints and BPA-free safe polypropylene #5 caps.

Their bottles come in 13 ounce, 20 ounce and 1 liter sizes. Each bottle comes with a high quality carabineer and optional sports tops are available for all sizes. Every bottle helps to eliminate waste and gives you a safe and stylish way to have a cold beverage near you at all times!

*This item is included in the giveaway! A special thank you to Earthlust for your participation in this event with your beautiful bottles :)

**I received this item to review.

Tea - Earth Mama Angel Baby

To me, there is nothing like curing up with a warm cup of tea. It provides comfort, warmth and peace. I have enjoyed these teas myself and am so happy to be able to share them with you :)

For the pregnant mama who has everything: nausea, heartburn, anxiety and labor on the horizon, Mama's got USDA Certified 100% Organic and Certified Kosher teas formulated for pregnancy's most common discomforts. They've put four of Earth Mama Angel Baby's best sellers in one easy-to-try sampler box.

Ginger-minty Morning Wellness Tea is a comforting way to help get you through those morning queasies that often last all day. Delicious and soothing Heartburn Tea was lovingly created to help turn down the furnace in your belly. Peaceful Mama Tea combines calming herbs in a delectable blend to help ease a mama's busy head and agitated body. And yummy Third Trimester Tea blends beneficial herbs especially to nurture all those mama parts gearing up for your angel baby's arrival.

All Earth Mama Angel Baby teas now come in easy to brew tea bags! And there's even more good news: the tea bags are biodegradable, the tea overwrap is compostable and the 100% recycled and recyclable cartons were produced using wind energy. Steep, sip and enjoy, mama!

*This item is included in the giveaway! Thanks so much to Earth Mama Angel Baby for contributing to this event!)

Underwear/Bra

I have searched high an low for eco-friendly bras and underwear. I think that comfortable for these items will depend on you, but here is a short list of sites I found that might help :)

Expressiva - Organic Items
Bravado - Bamboo Bra
Blue Canoe
PACT - These aren't specifically for maternity, but I've found that a size up and low rise works well in "normal" undies :)


Recap - Easy List :)
BellaBand Organic* **
Bamboo Belly Bandit*
Body Pillow - Snoogle Organic
Breastpads - Milkmaids*
Chocolate - Theo Organic & Fair Trade*
Lotion - Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil*
Lounge Pants - Maggie's Organics* **
Nursing Nightgown - Expressiva Organic Pretty Rope Nightgown* **
Preggie Pop Drops Organic (for nausea!)*
Reusable Water Bottle - Earthlust* **
Tea - Earth Mama Angel Baby*
Underwear/Bra

*Item is included in the giveaway
**Item was provided for review.

Are you expecting a little baby? Planning to?
Have a special friend/family member who is?
This list is a great for registries, baby showers, or just because gifts!

----Update! We have a winner!----
The giveaway portion of this event is over :) Thank you to everyone that participated!

Congratulations to Eco-Friendly and Fugal! Holy Moly, Congrats!Congratulations to our runners up, Jen & The Wife

Are you ready for a chance to win this great gift basket?
Here's how!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry in order to have it counted.

This entry is mandatory! If you do not do this, your other entries will not count!
Tell me a little about why being eco-conscious is so important to you :) Include your email address (if it's not on your profile) and the words "Live Green" somewhere in your comment.

Want more entries?

*Follow us and tweet this giveaway! Please tweet, "Check out (and win!) our list of pregnancy must-haves in the @EFFBlog Mommy-to-be Event #giveaway http://bit.ly/1jtGb1" Leave a comment with a link to your status. Tweet daily for more entries!

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*Follow our blog and post letting me know that you are :) (right side bar)

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*Become a fan, follow, etc our participating companies! One entry each!
Don't forget to leave a comment to let me know!
Expressiva Newsletter
Ingrid & Isabel Facebook
Bebeology Facebook & Twitter
Earth Mama Angel Baby Facebook & Twitter
Three Lollies Facebook
Maggie's Organics Facebook & Twitter
Theo Chocolate Facebook & Twitter
Earthlust Facebook

US only. Giveaway ends January 31st. I'll use random.org to pick a winner. I will email the winner. If I do not hear back within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.

FCC Disclaimer: I was provided the items noted above to review. No other product, money, etc. was given for this promotion. All reviews are my own and honest opinions. For more information about this blog please look here. For giveaway guidelines please look here.