The Laurel and Fig Foundation
Hey there! We're Nicole and Alesha of Laurel and Fig. Laurel and Fig provides postpartum products and body positive tees. We are two moms committed to making sure that all mothers feel supported, prepared, and supplied for their postpartum period, and when we say ALL mothers we mean ALL mothers. No matter their financial status, access to health care, race, education, etc.
After starting Laurel and Fig we discovered two issues. One was that the world wasn't ready to talk about postpartum or buy the necessary bottom products (think pads, mesh undies, and depends) or breast feeding products for their friends, sisters, daughters, etc. The second problem being that the women who were buying and receiving our postpartum products were people who were already informed, and financially able to buy these items.
We pulled back on postpartum boxes and went back to the drawing board. How could we get boxes into the hands of those who needed them the most, bring down costs, and continue to spread our message? After looking at lots of options, finding new ways to broaden our platform, we have decided to become a 501c3 - non-profit in order to help as many mothers, families, and babies as possible.
Becoming a 501c3 means that we can apply for grants, donations, and more which will allows us to do so much more. The plan was never to get rich off postpartum products, so reorganizing as a non-profit organization just makes sense. Our goal is to be fully certified as a non-profit within a year.
Furthermore, we will be able to introduce a new option which empowers those who are able to purchase these boxes also be able to donate a box to someone in need through our "Buy a Box, Give a Box Initiative". We all want to give back, but often do not know of a concrete way to do so. The "Buy a Box, Give a Box Initiative" will also be rolled out with an option to "Sponsor a Box". This option allows business, individuals, and small groups to help out moms who need a box and cannot afford it on their own. We know that we can't change the world alone, so by providing these options we are asking everyone to change it with us.
Funds raised will be used in several ways:
1) Legal and application fees to become a 501c3
2) Obtain all the inventory needed to donate to mothers in need
Postpartum boxes will contain: pads, depends, perineal spray, nipple balm, washable breast pads, heating/cooling breast packs (for engorgement, clogged ducts, etc), and a hakkaa (not electrical breast pump). We consider these to be the basics of postpartum care, but would love to add more things as we move forward. Many of our products are being made locally in order to support small businesses run by other mothers, and ensure the highest quality.
3) Establishing a more comprehensive network to bring more resources to women in their postpartum period (Postpartum doulas, bereavement doulas, lactation consultants, etc)
Being able to establish as a non-profit would allow us to become a major resource for women in our community and hopefully across the nation. Unfortunately, the US does not have national policies or health objectives to improve the postpartum period and resources for women. There have been numerous studies that have been done stating that the welfare of our children and our communities is directly related to the resources and care mothers are provided with.
Helping us become a non-profit would mean the world to us, as we continue to move forward with our mission to help mothers everywhere. We know momming is hard and we want to help make it just a bit easier. We want to be the village that all mothers deserve.
