Monday, June 20, 2011

baobag + a giveaway

"As you journey to take your place among the lineage of women as mother, we encourage you to 'mother' yourself.
As you do so we join with you in celebration of the healing power of nature both within and all around you."

I've discussed here so many times before my desire to use natural and organic products in my home and for my family. When Sonia Walker, co-founder of Baobag contacted me about her business, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to share it with you.

In Australia, when a woman births in a hospital or birth centre, she is usually given a 'bounty bag' - a collection of pamphlets and samples of products to take home. I received one with Che and can't recall using any of the products supplied - they all contained far too may chemicals for my liking.

But the Baobag is different. A beautifully designed calico bag that can be used to carry nappies, a change of clothes, toiletries etc, it is brimming with products from some of Australia's leading natural and organic companies including Jurlique, WotNot, Blackmores, Eco Store, Madame Flavour and Cushie Tushies. Over 70,000 new mums in Australia will be given a Baobag by their obstetrician, birth centre or yoga studio each year; an introduction to the world of organic and natural products for baby and the home.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Sonia, a passionate and considerate woman (and mother) about the Baobag and her desire to see Australian families embrace a more natural way of living. She has also given me a Baobag to give away to one of you. Simply leave a comment on this post and I will draw a winner on Friday afternoon. Read on for an inspiring look into the life of Sonia Walker and Baobag.

Jodi: What inspired you to create the Baobag?
Sonia: I grew up in outback Australia, and although I ended up in the corporate world and living in the big smoke, I have always been inspired by and drawn energy from nature.

After the birth of my kids in my early 30s, I started a bit of a personal investigation into ways for us to live a more natural and less toxic life. I was shocked when I discovered that the average woman applies 126 different chemicals to her face, body and hair via 12 different products before leaving the house each morning!

The more I learned, the more I decided to start going through our home to see how we could make changes to minimise our exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals. When chatting to my girlfriends, I realised I wasn’t alone in my concerns and started thinking about ways to help women make the shift to a more natural way of being and living, while still enjoying the things they love in everyday life. I know that during pregnancy, so many women start giving some serious thought to what they’re putting onto and into their bodies – so I wanted to find a way to help them through this process.

A glass of wine and a brainstorming session with a girlfriend lead to the idea of the BaoBag – and 18 months later, we now reach over 70,000 new Mums per annum nationwide!

Jodi: Where does the name come from?
Sonia: It's inspired by the mighty baobab trees that are indigenous to northern Australia and Africa (also known as the 'Boab' in Australia). They are renowned for their generous, abundant, and healing properties, providing life-giving shelter, water, food and medicine in the harshest of environments. Traditional Aboriginal women also bury their newborn child's placenta in the bowels of the tree to symbolise the child growing mighty and strong. They're the most amazing trees!

Jodi: How does your lifestyle and your ideals affect the way you run your company?
Sonia: They are one and the same. The company was inspired by the lifestyle and ideals we were pursuing in our own lives. Obviously I am no Robinson Crusoe in wanting to provide a healthy lifestyle for my family that minimises exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, and as I researched the options for us to adopt in our own lives I realised that there was a real gap here.

There are plenty of beautiful natural and organic products and services out there, but it can be hard to identify them amongst all the other products on the shelf. A new Mum is particularly receptive to reassessing her choice of product, but she is also particularly time poor and simply doesn't have time to go to 3 different shops and try out 3 different brands! There needed to be a vehicle that made it easy for busy Mums to find these alternatives, and research and try them out for themselves in the comfort of their own home.

Jodi: How important are organic skin products for mum & bub?
Sonia: There are two really good reasons to go organic.

The first is the imperative to minimise exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. There is enough evidence out there now to be really concerned about the prolonged use of many commonly used synthetic chemicals and ingredients, with consequences ranging from skin irritations, to respiratory ailments, to disrupted hormonal development and even to cancer. Why risk it when there are wonderful natural alternatives available, based on ingredients used throughout the history of mankind, and that are proven to be effective and safe?

The second reason is less scary and far more enjoyable. It is simply that organic = best quality ingredients. If you've ever slept on organic cotton sheets followed by non-organic you'll understand the difference. The same with taking a bite out of an organic apple versus non organic. The quality of the product is so superior. It is exactly the same with skincare ingredients - you're getting the highest quality ingredients at their freshest and most powerful. Once you've converted you don't go back.

Jodi: What's in the bag?
Sonia: The BaoBag is designed to be presented as a gift for Mum’s enjoyment, with useful items contained within, (as opposed to just another bag full of advertising and reading material).
The products represented are usually within the following categories:

Natural & organic skincare and consumable items for Mums and Bubs. In this category the aim is to avoid known or contentious ‘nasties’ such as Sulfates, PEGs, Parabens and Mineral Oils, where there are safer alternatives available. We use Bill Statham’s “The Chemical Maze” as a reference point to identify these ingredients. We hope to eventually include products for Dad in this category as well; it is just a matter of finding some good products that are effective and a provider who is willing to invest in this category.

This is very much a category of pampering and may also include items such as a tea or chocolate that is sourced ethically and contains no artificial ingredients.

  • Health Foods / Supplements - This category would include pregnancy specific supplements from a respected provider. From time to time we would also include an organic baby food range so that Mums can be aware that there are some wonderful alternatives to commercial baby food available for when their little one is ready to go on to solids.
  • Non toxic products & services for the home - This area is of particular concern considering the many harmful chemicals in most household cleaning products and the fact that babies spend so much time on the floor and putting things in their mouths. There are many plant based alternatives out there that are effective, much less irritating on sensitive skin, and far less toxic.
  • Nursery items - In this category we promote items such as ethically produced designer modern cloth nappies which offer a far more environmentally sound alternative to the disposables that are piling up in landfills across the planet. We also include eco friendly disposable nappies and all natural wipes. Other great items include sleeping bags and clothing items made out of natural fibres such as bamboo and merino wool. These fibres are known for their superior breathe-ability properties (in comparison to their synthetic counterparts), and as such for their effectiveness in helping to regulate body temperature.
Jodi: What is your criteria when selecting brands for the Baobag?
Sonia: Everything in the bag has to be something of value. They are not always pregnancy related - we remember Mum is still her own person and requires nourishment of her own body and spirits as well. The manufacturers and service providers we partner with all share a commitment towards using as natural and organic ingredients as possible and utilising sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. In addition they earn their place in the BaoBag because they are relevant, beautiful and useful.


Jodi: How does it make you feel, knowing that you are giving a new mum, one that you have never met, such a beautiful and nourishing product?
Sonia: Becoming a new Mum is such a life-changing stage, and I feel humbled and privileged to be able to contribute in some small way to such a powerful time of life for so many Mums around Australia. I remember my own journey of trying to find the best natural products for myself and my family and it was very time consuming! I’m thrilled to be able to make this process a bit easier for Mums-to-Be through the BaoBag.

At the end of the day though, it's really not about me. It's the wonderful product partners we work with who have generously provided quality samples at their own expense, so that we are able to provide a true free gift with no strings attached. BaoBag acts as a connection between these fantastic natural products and Aussie Mums looking to make a positive impact on the health of themselves, their baby and the planet. Everybody wins!

Jodi: No doubt Baobag will grow...but what are your greatest dreams for it?
Sonia: My dream is to inspire households around the whole of Australia to detoxify their lives one step at a time. I believe this is entirely achievable if we make it easy and enjoyable for them to do so. If we can pull that off, then we could collectively raise a whole generation of toxic free kids and leave them with a healthier planet while we're at it. Now we're talking about making a real difference!

UPDATE: Comments now closed. Winner of the baobag is cityhippyfarmgirl.

39 comments:

  1. What a lovely idea. (It's really scary about how many chemicals we put on our skin before leaving the house! Yikes.)

    My sister-in-law is six months pregnant, this would make a perfect gift for her.

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  2. what a fabulous idea and love the trade name.

    I did not get one of those packages because I discharged myself 4 hours after giving birth. They were scampering to get the paperwork done. I had the full blessings of my divine midwife.

    Would make a great gift and I hope you have got one for yourself lovely lady.

    xxx

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  3. great feature jodi- i love the way you and sonia have a gentle approach (for people like me, new to a less toxic life!). I still have tiny bottles and tubes laying around from bounty bags of three bubs- all unused! I'm sure my little girl baby would appreciate some gentle products to try out, I'd love to see this bag available to all!

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  4. How fantastic! I had my midwife appt. today and actually handed my bounty bag back! When I said I was using organic, natural products they looked at me with such a strange look :)

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  5. Wow! So cool! I'd love the chance to win.

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  6. What a brilliant idea. I have never heard of this, and birthed in a hospital?! I would love to check it out. Thanks Jodi x

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  7. I didn't even bother with the bounty bag...full of things I'd never use on my bubs!

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  8. What an awesome idea, I would love to give this to a beautiful pregnant friend of mine that wants to know more about natural products.
    xo

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  9. This is such a perfect idea. I remember I was excited to get my bounty bag, but also never used anything in it as it didn't appeal to us. This however sounds like it would be right up our alley.
    I am hoping these will be eventually put out in public hospitals too.
    x

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  10. Such an awesome idea.
    I was so shocked when I was given the bounty bag after having my son. Not only was it full of products that I'd never use, I was disappointed at the amount of advertising material that was in there too. It felt like I was being "dumbed down"... instead of educating women & allowing them to make choices, I fear many women use the products as they're "recommended".
    Hooray for Sonia & her baobags. May they gently guide new mothers into the realms of organics & natural babes.

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  11. such a lovely idea ... the little calico bag would get so much use around our house. hope you are still well and enjoying these last few weeks!

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  12. What a new mamma needs, & in such a cute bag versus the plastic bounty folder! x

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  13. I was given the Bounty Bag recently when I gave birth to Edward and I actually the hospital to keep it.

    When I gave birth in Singapore, I was given an amazing tote bag containing things that I actually used.

    I try and use as little products on my kids too, and have just changed to eco friendly cleaning products. Every day you can make small changes.

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  14. sounds excellent jodi

    xo

    might pop up tomorrow arvo if youre about. txt me

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  15. Wow, what a great idea. I wish they were around when I was having babies!

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  16. Just gorgeous. Puts the Bounty Bag to shame,
    I would have loved to have brought this home with my precious bundle. Wishing Sonia all the best. I really do hope this bag sees its way into the mainstream.

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  17. Wow! I am also pregnant with my second child (due in 5 weeks... or 3... or 7... or something around then...) and have never heard of these lovely packages. With my beautiful eldest daughter, I too only got the chemical bonanza and think this idea is WONDERFUL.

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  18. I was given a Bounty pack when I left hospital with my first child, even then I disliked the bombardment of advertising, and the products were far from natural. I find it hard to understand why harmful products are endorsed by medical practitioners.
    I love this idea, not only is it gentle on mother earth and babe, but it feels like a special gift, to recieve something of quality.

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  19. Truly a brilliant idea. I wish we had that in the US.

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  20. what a wonderful idea! most moms put chemical laden products on their little ones skin wihtout even knowing and it is toxic to children. i am proud to say our house is chemical free and our little ones are benefiting. i am an ND in Canada and one of my passions is to educate families on decreasing their toxic burden. thanks for sharing.... (i also love jurlique, hard to find here in toronto!)

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  21. Fantastic idea, I would have loved this when I gave birth 4 months ago. My beautiful friend is about to give birth to her first baby at the age of 46. She tried for several years with her husband but to no avail and they turned their thoughts elsewhere in recent years. Out of the blue came the wonderful news that she was expecting. Such a surprise but a testament to her affirmations, diet and commitment to natural products. I'd love to pass this bag on to her.

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  22. such a sweet and thoughtful idea. I've just this week found out that i'm expecting my first and it would be lovely if they did something like this in the UK.

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  23. Such a great idea. What a lovely treat to receive xx

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  24. awesome idea, it is so wonderful to see things evolving for the better for women.
    melissamossotti@gmail.com

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  25. I won't put chemicals on my skin (i only use organic, paraben and sulfate free) so why would i even consider putting them on a precious newborns virgin skin? The thought is horrifying. I don't have a baby but am hoping to get pregnant soon when i'm further along in my treatment for Graves Disease & my doctor gives me the ok. I'm already trying to detox my body in preperation for growing a bubba!

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  26. How fantastic! I got 3 bounty bags and i dont think i used anything in any of them - well, my daughter used the disposables from the third bag for her doll!
    My sister-in-law who is due in 3 weeks would cherish a baobag!

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  27. Beautiful idea. I would love to win!

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  28. what a great idea. They definitely need this in the states!

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  29. I'm really happy to hear about this. All the mainstream freebies that get handed out willy nilly are loaded with garbage in them and people use them as that's the big name they know- of course it must be alright to use!
    I hope this business grows and grows, 70,000 people in 18 months sounds like an awesome way to start.

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  30. These Baobags look fabulous - I don't think the Bounty Bags exist anymore, and its a shame that Baobags are only available in private hospitals/clinics at the moment. Every mother should have the chance experience these awesome looking products. Maybe one day! My baby is due tomorrow - but I don't think he/she is quite ready to arrive yet :) - your blog is beautiful Jodi, and I love your central coast photos, they remind me of my childhood [i grew up on the coast]. I don't comment very often here but I love visiting - hope you don't mind!
    -jaime.o.

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  31. wow she sounds like an amazing person and i love her mission and idea with these bags!!

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  32. A fantastic idea. I love it!

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  33. This is a lovely idea fir new mums. Fingers crossed!
    Is the giveaway open to international readers?

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  34. Brilliant! Now this is a bag of "bounty" I would actually have kept.

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  35. Oh what a fantastic idea! I really wish these were handed out at my lovely local public hospital (Sandringham).

    My dear friend sadly just miscarried and I would love to pop one of these away for her for when she has falls pregnant again...

    Please keep up the beautiful work Jodi, your blog is such a gently inspiring place to visit. xx

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  36. These are fantastic! My cousin is due to give birth soon in a public hospital, I'd love to gift one of these to her.

    I never got one of those "goodie" bags with my bubs as I home-birthed, but did get lots of home-cooked meals though :)

    x

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  37. what a great idea, the bounty bag was passed back to the midwives, I too could not slather my precious gal in those items. These sound amazing. x

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  38. such an amazing bag! you've been hosting lovely giveaways and interviews jodi! you must be getting close now- thinking of you! xo m.

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  39. I love the concept of getting a bag when you leave the hospital- I had my babies in Canada and we don't have this tradition- I am a huge fan of using products that are chemical free- I would love to win this bounty and see some of the products that are likely not as common around my parts.

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