Member Story: Amanda from Washington

Meet Amanda, one of our UpChoose moms from Washington. She's a pelvic floor physical therapist and the mom of Sloan, an adorable eighteen months old little girl. She joined UpChoose just before Sloan was born. You can find her on Instagram @make.manifest

What’s your name? Any nickname?

Amanda.

Live in? Grew up in?

I live in Bremerton, WA, a city that's just across the water from Seattle. I was born and raised here and am lucky enough to have my family just a few minutes from us. I work as a pelvic floor physical therapist in the hospital where I was born, and there’s something extra special about feeling like a part of a community.

You’re the mom of...

I'm the mom of Sloan, the happiest, rosiest cheeked little girl you've ever met.

I immersed myself in trying to live an all-natural, toxin-free lifestyle while trying to conceive with endometriosis. Once I became pregnant with Sloan, I knew that I wanted to expose her to as few chemicals as possible. In my research, I found that this meant being careful about the material of her clothes. Add in the fact that I've always loved thrifting and shopping second-hand, and UpChoose was an easy yes.

When it comes to toxin-free living, the first thing I did was download the app "think dirty" and started switching out my skin/body care products and cleaning products for options with fewer chemicals and toxic ingredients. I also made easy swaps like dryer balls instead of dryer sheets and using fresh produce instead of canned goods. When shopping for new baby items, I was very selective about the safety of the products and ingredients.
 
 

Sloan with mommy and daddy 😘
 

What are some benefits you have seen over time, are there things that worked well for you?

Well...only three months after making these changes I was able to conceive after being told that it would be nearly impossible!
 
 

❝ I just adore the idea of her clothes coming from another little family, and the ones she just wore going on to the next babe.❞

Any tips you'd like to share with other expecting parents who just heard about these issues and trying to figure out their first steps?

Studies show that up to 1 in 10 women have endometriosis and many of these women are dealing with fertility issues. My recommendation is to do your research. Get support from someone who is a specialist in this issue. Don't be afraid to go outside of the typical medical model for help from someone like a naturopath or functional nutritionist. Know all of your options. And trust your instincts—they're almost never wrong.

Can you tell us a bit about the set(s) you received from UpChoose? What did you pick and how have you used the platform so far? 

We didn't know if we were having a boy or girl, and our first set was picked prior to Sloan being born. I had it delivered about 2 weeks before her due date just in case, and when the first set arrived, I was in love. We chose (and have since stuck with) the neutral set and really enjoy the aesthetic and quality of the clothes we've received.

Once Sloan was born, when it was time for the 3-6 month set, we added in the comments section that we had a girl, and if they could include anything a little more "girly" we would appreciate it. We got the cutest mustard dress and bonnet, and even our 6-9 month set had a few more girl items without even having to ask. I also really appreciate that you can specify more zippers versus snaps as well as warm versus cold weather clothes. All of those little details truly make UpChoose a no-brainer.

We've always done the pre-loved option, and I just adore the idea of her clothes coming from another little family, and the ones she just wore going on to the next babe. I love thrifting and shopping second-hand, and this feels like I'm keeping with that same habit and mindset, but with a lot, less work and a lot higher quality clothes.

We do the Standard set and this really is enough items for nearly anything and everything baby needs. When we do want to buy something a little extra or special, UpChoose has given me the opportunity to try multiple brands and really learn which ones are my favorite (PS: Colored Organics BY FAR!!!!)

Do you already have a favorite outfit or item from your UpChoose set? 

Each time a new set comes, I excitedly go through it and pick out my favorite item, then promptly put it on Sloan. Sometimes I don’t even have the patience to wash it before she tries it on.
 
 

Sloan in her favorite Colored Organics tank romper from her UpChoose set!

What’s most exciting to you about being part of the UpChoose community and what are the most important things we can help you achieve? 

To me, UpChoose feels revolutionary in that it’s one company that solves literally every new parent’s concern. If you want high-quality clothes but don’t want to pay the high-quality prices, if you want the ease of clothes literally arriving at your doorstep, if you want to practice your values of living sustainably, consciously, and environmentally, UpChoose is the answer. I feel like I’m in on a secret that no one knows about, but that I want to shout from the rooftops. People probably think that I work for UpChoose because I talk about how much I love it all the time.

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

I would want to be able to time travel.
 

Favorite activities or games you play with the kid(s)?

We love our daily walks. Sloan is also starting to enjoy peek-a-boo and bath time is a top 5 for sure.
 

Favorite movie? 

Grease always has been and always will be.
 

Dream place for a vacation?

Denmark. They’re known to be the happiest people on earth and I’d just love to experience that kind of culture.
 

Favorite dish?

Pizza. All day, every day.