Leanne Hall Baby Shower Interview

Leanne Hall Baby Shower Interview

One in two Australian mothers held a baby shower for their child, according to fresh research* released by comfy nappy brand, BabyLove showing the customary celebration of motherhood is an important fixture on the milestone calendar for expectant mums.

The survey of over 1,000 women revealed that first time mothers and women aged 25-34 years of age were the most likely to have a baby shower, and 44 per cent would invest over $300 on the event.

'Baby Showers remain an important female tradition in supporting mothers-to-be and new mums in what can be an exciting but overwhelming journey ahead," said Leanne Hall, Clinical Psychologist and spokesperson for BabyLove. 'Showers are as relevant today as ever, providing a gathering of sisterhood if you like, to support women and celebrate their transition into motherhood."

Baby Showers are believed to have first started in the baby boom era, although women and cultures have celebrated impending motherhood and childbirth in a range of different ways for centuries across hundreds of countries from the USA to South Africa, and Bangladesh to China.

The Baby Shower Survey revealed that women spend approximately $25 - $50 on a gift (82 per cent of all respondents), and 18 per cent of women invest upwards of $100 and $500 on presents.

The most popular gift choices were toys (68 per cent), nappies (56 per cent) and designer clothes (45 per cent) with 4 per cent of respondents choosing to spoil mum with expensive jewellery.

'A baby shower provides a unique opportunity for friends and family to demonstrate their love and support – not only through the act of gathering together on the day, but also by investing their time and effort into coordinating the shower, and showing they are here to help. A baby shower is a great way to reassure a mum she won't be alone, " said Leanne Hall.

Today, BabyLove responded to the demand for Baby Showers by launching a special baby shower hub www.babylove.com.au/babyshower, which includes everything new mothers or friends of expectant mothers need to throw a fun baby shower. The hub includes content related to party theme ideas, food and drink recipes, decoration tips, digital invitation templates and fun games.

'We see this as a natural extension of our relationship with mothers across Australia, and a fun way for us to celebrate their journey ahead," said BabyLove's Debra Smith.

BabyLove is also making the gift selection easy by offering a FREE baby shower gift pack that includes a BabyLove Cosifit™ Newborn Handy Pack (30 nappies), a soft and cute as a button baby toy, and BabyLove GENTLEwave™ Baby Wipes. In partnership with Babies 'R" Us, consumers can register their expectant friends on www.babylove.com.au/babyshower to receive a gift certificate which can be redeemed at Babies 'R" Us.

To obtain further information about BabyLove and its new Baby Shower concept please visit the website or its Facebook page.

Interview with Leanne Hall

Leanne is a clinical psychologist with 20 years experience, specialising in parenthood nutrition and fitness. Focused on prevention, self-nurturing, and sustainable health, Leanne has been transforming the lives of her patients, motivating them to achieve a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle; using a combination of positive psychology and 'mindfulness" techniques, holistic nutrition and fitness coaching.

Question: What is a baby shower?

Leanne Hall: An event which signifies the pending arrival of a baby, and provides an opportunity for friends and family to show their support for the parents-to-be (especially mum). A Baby shower is the leading source of celebration for motherhood and an important fixture on the milestone calendar for expectant mums. Showers are as relevant today as ever, providing a gathering of sisterhood, to support women and celebrate their transition into motherhood.


Question: Why are baby showers more important than ever?

Leanne Hall: A baby shower provides a unique opportunity for friends and family to demonstrate their love and support – not only through the act of gathering together on the day, but also by investing their time and effort into coordinating the shower, and showing they are here to help. A baby shower is a great way to reassure a mum she won't be alone. Mental health problems (esp, depression and anxiety) are also on the rise, and this is also the case for post natal depression (PND). New mums (and dads) need to be reminded that they are not alone, and that support is always close by. Babies are also expensive! Unless you are lucky enough to have acquired second hand items from friends and family, baby showers can take some of the financial pressure off new parents!


Question: What are the most common themes and baby shower venues?

Leanne Hall: Where Baby Showers are held can vary on both the mum-to-be and the friends hosting the event, generally the showers are held at the mum-to-be's house or a family member or close friend's house. There has been a growing trend of hosting a Baby Shower high tea at a venue to avoid the cost and organisation involved at hosting the shower at a house. Some other popular Baby Shower themes include; Breakfast at Tiffany's, Circus, Ducks, Animal and Zoo themes, Vintage High Teas, Fairytale Princess, and Moustache and Sailor themes.

I love the new BabyLove baby shower hub that gives you all the inspiration and top tips on how to host the perfect shower.


Question: Who typically throws a baby shower?
Leanne Hall: Close friends and family, a best friend, sister or the mum to be herself. It is a great opportunity for the women of both families to come together with close friends to provide support and reassurance. It also allows for friends to supply new mums with the support and reassurance as they mentally prepare for the transition into motherhood.


Question: And, are baby showers only for a women's first child?

Leanne Hall: No not at all, although traditionally they once were. Now it's an opportunity to celebrate motherhood and all things baby!


Question: What's the average spend on a baby shower?

Leanne Hall: First time mothers and women aged 25-34 years of age were the most likely to have a baby shower, and 44 per cent invest over $300 on the event, according to the BabyLove survey of over 1,000 women*.


Question: And, what's the average spend of baby shower gifts?

Leanne Hall: According to BabyLove's Baby Shower*, women spend approximately $25 - $50 on a gift (82 per cent of all respondents), and 18 per cent of women invest upwards of $100 and $500 on presents. The most popular gift choices were toys (68 per cent), nappies (56 per cent) and designer clothes (45 per cent) with 4 per cent of respondents choosing to spoil mum with expensive jewellery and the survey also found that


Question: What are your top baby shower gift ideas?
Leanne Hall: Hamper full of the basics for both baby and mum
Massage/facial for mum
Babysitting vouchers (home made of course)
Online shopping vouchers
Dinner for 2 voucher (for the new parents)
If you need more ideas the new BabyLove baby shower hub is a great resource to help you find the perfect gift


Question: Can you share your top five tips for manage stress and anxiety for new mums?

Leanne Hall: Accept that anxiety is normal! Don't judge it as a bad thing
Know that you WILL make mistakes, we all do. Use these to learn about your baby and develop your relationship.
Be flexible. Accept that you won't get everything done. Babies are not predictable!
LEAN on others, seek support. You should never feel that you need to go it alone. It takes a village to raise a baby.
Practice self care – taking time out does NOT mean you are selfish. A content mum equals a happy and content baby.


Interview by Brooke Hunter