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As a member of Influenster, I was excited to learn that I had been selected for the UpSpring VoxBox campaign. As a new mom who is also breastfeeding, I am always on the lookout for products that will help keep me healthy so I can keep Addie healthy. Using products that are chemical/GMO free is of utmost importance to me and since I have decided to become a Trim Healthy Mama, I’m also excited about using products that are low in carbs and sugar such as the UpSpring Milkflow drink mixes.
My UpSpring VoxBox included the Milkflow mixes in three flavors – citrus, chocolate and berry. The packaging for the mixes states that they are all natural, gluten free and non-GMO. That was a really good starting point for me but I always like to check the ingredients to ensure that nothing bad is hiding inside the food and drinks I consume.
Although I didn’t research every single ingredient in the mixes, I did research the following ingredients that had me concerned:
Silicon Dioxide – Yes, it’s natural in that it occurs naturally but how it is commonly used is not so natural. Silicon Dioxide, or silica, is used in varnishes, pesticides and cleaners – not really my first (or last) choice for what I would want to feed myself or more importantly, my four month old.
Carrageenan – Yes, it is seaweed, so yes, it’s also natural but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily healthy. Carrageenan is typically used as a thickening agent but has been linked to stomach/digestive issues. If you’ve had a little one for any amount of time, you already know that these are the exact things you try so hard to avoid.
While I appreciate that this product was created to help moms increase breast milk flow, I’d feel safer recommending an herbal tea that promotes lactation – these usually have a higher amount of the same herbs, are organic, and free of unhealthy ingredients.
In addition to the drink mixes, I was also sent Milkscreen test strips, UpSpring’s product for testing the amount of alcohol in your breast milk. I personally have chosen to abstain from alcohol while breastfeeding because 1) I don’t drink it that often anyway (the last time was over a year ago – I mean, I enjoy a drink on occasion but I don’t get what the big deal is) and 2) I will not take any chances when it comes to keeping my daughter safe. However, I do like that UpSpring created a product that helps moms who are breastfeeding.
The final product I received in my VoxBox was the UpSpring Wellmom Nipple Balm. I love that this product has absolutely NO junk in it! I have been very careful about what products I’ve applied to myself topically because I know that whatever goes on my skin is absorbed into my body. I have been using coconut oil instead of lotion because I don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals entering my body (i.e. sulfates and parabens) but since the product is organic and contains good ingredients (organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic sunflower seed oil, organic shea butter, organic cocoa seed butter, organic calendula flower extract, organic rosemary seed extract), I gave it a try. The nipple balm is pretty much odorless which is always a plus and it was very soft. I actually tested it out on my lips first since they were really chapped and it was very moisturizing. I would definitely recommend this product to moms who plan on breastfeeding. I will be keeping this in my diaper bag to use for my lips, skin, Addie’s skin, and diaper rash prevention.
Overall, I feel that UpSpring understands the main concerns of breastfeeding moms and takes those seriously considering what they use in their products. For me, UpSpring products are a #momwin and I’m so grateful I was able to test them out!
I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.
