Frequently Asked Questions

1. COVID-19

We have a full page to support you during the Coronavirus outbreak during your pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Visit that page HERE.

Can I still Place an Order ?

Absolutely. Our fulfilment partners are working as hard as they can to dispatch your orders on time however, due to necessary social distancing measures and high order volumes, if it does take a little longer than usual please be patient and bear with us.

You can see our most up to date delivery information here - https://myexpertmidwife.com/pages/delivery-information

I have some questions about my order, can I still contact You?

Please contact us if you have any questions about your order, we are here to help! Our customer care line is manned from 9- 5 Monday to Friday on 0800 030 6629. Alternatively email advice@myexpertmidwife.com and one of our agents will get back to you as soon as they can.

2. General Questions

Why aren’t there any use-by dates?

Our products don’t need to be marked with a use-by date because they have a shelf life of more than 30 months, as long as the product hasnt been opened. Once opened, their shelf life is reduced, so instead each of our bottles has a symbol on the label that looks like an open jar, with a number and the letter M. That number indicates how many months, after opening, the product will retain its characteristics. 

Are your products 100% natural?

Using natural ingredients wherever we can is important to us. No Harm Nipple Balm, No Harm Bum Balm and Peri Prep Your Bits are made with 100% natural ingredients. Fantastic Skin Elastic and Spritz for Bits contain natural essential oils, natural oils and a minimal amount of added ingredients to keep the products as fresh as possible.  

Are your products tested on animals?

No. They are all developed in the UK with our careful oversight, and you can be confident that none of them have been tested on animals. 

Are your products suitable for vegans?

No Harm Nipple Balm and No Harm Bum Balm contain lanolin, derived from sheep's wool, and Fantastic Skin Elastic contains beeswax. Therefore, these three products are suitable for vegetarians but not for vegans. All of our other products are vegan-friendly.  

Are your products gluten-free?

Yes. However, it’s worth noting that gluten is only harmful when digested; it can be absorbed through the skin quite safely. 

I’m allergic to nuts, are your products safe for me to use?

The nut oils in our products have been refined to remove all the nut proteins, which are what cause allergies. However, if you suffer from a particularly severe nut allergy, it’s best to talk to your medical professional first. 

Have your products been certified by anyone other than a midwife?

All of our products have been developed by practising midwives in conjunction with leading chemists and aromatherapists. They’ve all undergone rigorous laboratory testing to ensure they are effective and safe to use, especially in pregnancy. 

No Harm Nipple Balm

Check out the most frequently asked questions about our award winning nipple balm.

Should I remove No Harm Nipple Balm before breastfeeding?

No, it is safe to leave it on. It’s odourless and tasteless, so it won’t put your baby off feeding.  

What’s the main ingredient in No Harm Nipple Balm?

We use medical-grade lanolin, which is safe to use in pregnancy and for newborn babies. It’s one of the most effective moisture barriers there is, because lanolin closely resembles the natural oils in human skin. It helps to stop your skin drying out and losing its own hydration and oils, while also helping to soothe and moisturise your skin.  

How quickly will No Harm Nipple Balm work on the sore area?

It can immediately help to soothe and moisturise the area and provide a protective barrier. However, learning to breastfeed can take time, so it’s very common to experience sore and cracked nipples in the early stages. This may continue for a while, but at least No Harm Nipple Balm should ease you along the journey. 

Can I use it if I have mastitis?

Yes, it’s fine to use it during and while recovering from mastitis. You can also help yourself along by gently massaging the affected area (massaging towards the nipple) and by breastfeeding or expressing.  

Can I use No Harm Nipple Balm on my baby?

Yes. It’s an effective but gentle barrier cream, so you can use it to soothe and moisturise newborn skin. However, we’d prefer to recommend our No Harm Bum Balm, specially formulated for babies’ bottoms which also contains soothing calendula oil.  

Why isn’t my No Harm Nipple Balm dispensing properly?

This is almost certainly due to the natural ingredients being affected by extreme temperatures. In very cold weather, stand the pump somewhere warm or on a radiator for 5-10 minutes – this should soften the ingredients and solve the problem. In extremely hot weather, pop the bottle in the fridge for 10 minutes until the balm is less runny. 

Is No Harm Nipple Balm suitable for vegans?

No. It contains lanolin, a by-product of sheep’s wool, so it’s vegetarian-friendly but not vegan-friendly. Lanolin was chosen because it provides one of the most effective moisture barriers, and it closely resembles the natural sebum produced by human skin.  

Can I use it in other ways?

Yes. No Harm Nipple Balm has three key benefits: soothing, moisturising, and preventing drying out. So it’s ideal as a lip balm, and a protective barrier between skin and clothing during exercise. 

Fantastic Skin Elastic

Check out the most frequently asked questions about our award winning fantastic skin elastic.

Where should I use it?

  • Target those areas of your body which will grow in pregnancy – especially your abdomen, breasts and thighs.  
  • It’s perfect as a massage aid for relieving legs which are swollen, itchy and restless.  
  • It’s ideal for gentle tummy massages, which can really help with the constipation that so many pregnant women experience.  
  • Use it to soothe and protect tight, itchy, dry skin in pregnancy and beyond. 
  • It can help to reduce the appearance of thread veins and varicose veins. 
  • You can use it all over with confidence, including as a body moisturiser and a hand cream. 

Can I use Fantastic Skin Elastic on my baby?

We don’t recommend it. A baby’s skin is very delicate, and while Fantastic Skin Elastic contains many essential oils which are suitable for pregnancy and new mums, as with most products designed for adults it could irritate your baby’s skin. However, our No Harm Bum Balm is ideal for babies from day one. 

I have nausea – is Fantastic Skin Elastic perfumed?

There are no added perfumes. Instead, there’s a subtle fragrance from the ingredients, including grapefruit, lavender, calendula and geranium essential oils. This fragrance is gentle enough for most people to cope with when they’re feeling sick.  

Will Fantastic Skin Elastic prevent stretch marks?

It has been very carefully designed to help condition and prepare your skin for stretching, but we can give no guarantees. If you do get stretch marks, it can help to reduce their appearance, as well as the appearance of any scars (such as caesarean scars) or redness. 

Spritz for Bits

Check out the most frequently asked questions about our award winning spritz for bits.

Is Spritz for Bits safe to use in pregnancy?

Yes. All of our products have been thoroughly tested for use during pregnancy.  

I have thrush, so can I still use Spritz for Bits?

Yes. The ingredients in Spritz for Bits can help to ease the itching and other symptoms associated with thrush in the perineal area.  

How soon after birth can I use Spritz for Bits?

Immediately. Spritz for Bits has been designed to provide instant relief from post-delivery discomfort and swelling around the vulvar, perineal and anal areas, so it could help you get back to feeling like yourself again as soon as possible. That’s why it’s such a great gift for baby showers, and a must-have in your hospital bag!  

Do I have to spray it directly onto my skin?

There are lots of ways you can apply it, so find the ones that work best for you:  

  • The multi-directional spray makes it easy to apply directly, even when spraying upside down to reach all of your affected places. 
  • It can be applied to a tissue and wiped over the vulva, perineum and anus. 
  • It can be sprayed onto a maternity pad.  
  • You can pour a little straight into bath water for a soothing, comforting soak.  
  • For extra cooling relief, you can store Spritz for Bits in the fridge before using. 

Could Spritz for Bits cause a reaction?

A tingling sensation is normal. A further reaction to Spritz for Bits is unlikely; however, if you do experience a burning sensation or other discomfort, please rinse the product off your skin and stop using it. 

Can I use this on my baby’s skin?

We don’t recommend it. While Spritz for Bits contains many essential oils which are suitable for pregnancy and new mums, a baby’s skin is very delicate. And as with most products designed for adults, it could irritate your baby’s skin. However, our No Harm Nipple Balm and No Harm Bum Balm are ideal for babies from day one. 

Can I use Spritz for Bits on my C-section scar?

Yes. Spritz for Bits offers the same benefits for your caesarean scar as for your vulva and perineal/anal areas. The essential oils it contains can help to relieve itching, stinging and discomfort, and also to help moisturise C-section scars.  

You can use Spritz for Bits as a spray,or make your own wipe by spraying it onto a tissue and applying as often as needed. This can soothe the general itching which is a normal sign of healing.  

Could I not just use witch hazel instead?

While witch hazel does have very good anti-bacterial properties, Spritz for Bits has several ingredients which have been carefully selected to offer this and a range of additional benefits. Our multi-directional spray also makes Spritz for Bits much easier to apply. 

Peri Prep your Bits

Check out the most frequently asked questions about our award winning peri prep your bits.

Can I use Peri Prep Your Bits on my baby?

  • We wouldn't advise applying it to your baby's delicate skin until they are at least three months old.  

The bottle says ‘for external use only’, can I use it inside my vagina?

The area of skin that will stretch, called the perineum, is external. The oil isn't needed internally, as your vagina is naturally lubricated. You only need to apply Peri Prep Your Bits to those fingers that are massaging and stretching the skin of the perineum. Please refer to the instructions on the label on the bottle for guidance on how to do perineal massage or click here for our blog on massaging the perineum 

Can Peri Prep Your Bits really reduce bruising and tears during childbirth?

Research* shows that massaging the perineum (that’s the area between your vagina and your anus), from 34 weeks of pregnancy, reduces the severity or risk of tearing during childbirth by almost 20%. Although applying Peri Prep Your Bits without doing the massage hasn't been shown to help to prevent tearing, the additional essential oils will help to soothe and repair the skin and muscle after massage – it also smells beautiful, too! 

 

*Beckmann M.M., &, Stock O.M, 2013. Antenatal perineal massage for reducing perineal trauma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013,

Is it safe to use during pregnancy?

Peri Prep Your Bits can be used from 34 weeks of pregnancy for perineal massage, and at any time during pregnancy for anywhere else on the body. It’s a lovely treat if you’re looking for a baby shower gift. 

Could I use vegetable oil instead?

You could, but Peri Prep Your Bits does more than simply lubricate the massage. Its also packed with ingredients which can help to improve elasticity and moisturise the area ready for childbirth. 

I’m struggling with the perineal massage. Could my partner do it?

Yes. Our blog has lots of helpful tips and advice, too. 

Can I use Peri Prep Your Bits for anything else?

Yes, it’s ideal for all-over body massage in pregnancy and during labour because of its calming and relaxing ingredients. You can also help to relieve nasal congestion by adding some to hot water or applying it to the skin under your nose. 

Is it safe to have sex after perineal massage?

Yes, you’ve nothing to worry about and it will also be safe for your partner. 

No Harm Bum Balm

Check out the most frequently asked questions about our no harm bum balm.

What’s the difference between No Harm Bum Balm and No Harm Nipple Balm?

No Harm Bum Balm has the addition of calendula, as an effective anti-inflammatory, as well as sunflower seed oil.  

Why does it contain lanolin?

The high lanolin content is for moisturising as well as helping to maintain skin hydration. Lanolin is a protective barrier against urine, which can further irritate delicate skin which is already inflamed. 

Can I use this product for breastfeeding?

No. Although the ingredients are very similar to No Harm Nipple Balm, No Harm Bum Balm wasn’t designed or tested for use in breastfeeding. Also, No Harm Bum Balm contains calendula, which has a flavour which might be off-putting for babies.  

Is No Harm Bum Balm suitable for vegans?

No. It contains lanolin, a by-product of sheep’s wool, so it’s vegetarian-friendly but not vegan-friendly. Lanolin was chosen because it provides one of the most effective moisture barriers, and it closely resembles the natural sebum produced by human skin.  

Can I use this as soon as my baby is born?

Yes.  

What if my baby has sensitive skin?

Don’t worry, No Harm Bum Balm is suitable for sensitive skin. 

Can I use this product to prevent sore skin as well as treating it?

Yes, No Harm Bum Balm can be used with every nappy change to help prevent soreness and help protection against irritation. 

How much should I use, and how often?

A little goes a long way. Apply a thin layer (half to one pump per application) of the balm directly to the area at every nappy change, or as required. No Harm Bum Balm glides on easily to ensure that your baby’s skin doesn’t drag and further irritate any soreness. 

Is it okay to use No Harm Bum Balm with cloth nappies?

Most nappy creams can affect the absorbency of a cloth nappy, because they contain ingredients that can build up and then become difficult to wash out. No Harm Bum Balm is a smooth, fine serum, rather than a thick cream, which helps – as does the fact that lanolin isn’t very sticky, so you only need a thin layer. However, we recommend using nappy liners to protect your nappies. 

What else can I use it for?

No Harm Bum Balm can be used to treat dry skin and chafing and general skin irritations.  

What do I do if the pump isn’t working properly?

This is almost certainly due to the effect of hot or cold weather on the natural ingredients. These can harden in cooler temperatures, thickening the product and making it harder to dispense. If this happens, stand the pump somewhere warm or on a radiator for 5-10 minutes to soften the contents. In very hot weather, pop the bottle in the fridge for 10 minutes until the balm is less runny. 

Our Pregnancy Spray Essentials –Relieve the Heave, Press for Zzzs and Feel the Zing

Check out the most frequently asked questions about our essential trio of pregnancy sprays.

Are the sprays safe in all 3 trimesters?

All the sprays are safe to use on yourself from the very start of your pregnancy, which is to say the first 12 weeks or first trimester, and even after the birth. Because we continually review the latest research, we don’t use any essential oils which could be unsafe. Also, our sprays are formulated to contain the correct concentration levels for pregnancy and labour, so they work effectively for you but are not too strong.  

What’s the best way to use the sprays?

It’s entirely up to you. We suggest trying our directions and seeing what works best for you. For example, you might find a spray works best if you apply it to a pulse point (like your wrists) and it’s there all the time – or you might prefer intermittent bursts by spraying it onto a tissue which you can hold close and then put away for a while. 

Will the sprays mark my clothing or bedding?

They shouldn’t, but we can’t guarantee it because we don’t know what fabrics you’ll be using. If you want to be certain, then don’t spray directly onto sheets, pillows or clothesspray directly onto a tissue or a clean cloth, instead.  

Can all the sprays be used at the same time?

Definitely – you can combine two or three of them to achieve the desired effect. For example, if you were both nauseous and tired, you could try using Relieve the Heave together with Press for ZZZs. 

How long will the sprays last?

Using a spray 3-4 times a day should mean it lasts 4-6 weeks. However, if you use it more or less often, that will obviously affect how long it lasts. 

Can I use the sprays on or near my new baby?

All of our sprays contain essential oils, so we don’t recommend this. A newborn’s skin is delicate, and the essential oils could disrupt the development of their natural skin flora.  

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