A look at babywearing…
This month we decided to have a conversation with Laci, an incredible postpartum doula and Certified Babywearing Educator. Laci talks with us about some of the benefits of using carriers or wraps with your baby.
How did you get interested in babywearing?
L: I became interested in babywearing while I was pregnant with my son. My husband is a tall guy and my son was a long baby. My son didn’t have much room, since I am not that tall. I started looking on the internet for relief and pain management for large bellies and wrapping your belly for support was one of the first things that came up. Instantly, I fell in love with the idea, the colors, and the fabrics. So, I purchased a wrap and attended my first babywearing meeting while I was still pregnant. So, in a sense I was wrapping him before he was born.
Are there any major benefits to using carriers and wraps?
L: There are SO many benefits to using carriers and wraps with your children. Some of the major ones have a lot to do with infant development. The infant is designed biologically to be close to their parents. Recreating that womb like environment for them the first few months can really help ease them into life gently. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that everything is new for them and it can be overwhelming. Being close to mom or dad, hearing your heartbeat, smelling your scent, is their familiar place. A worn baby has been shown to cry less, have a more regulated breathing and blood sugar pattern, and more organized body/limb movements. Babies who are worn are exposed to more language and experiences than other babies. They are seeing what mom and dad sees from their point of view. Worn babies spend more time in the quiet alert phase learning.
All of the benefits of babywearing are wonderful, but I think sometimes we forget to mention the practical ones. You can be hands free! What can do with your free hands? Eat, email, read, care for other children, etc. Babywearing can give you a little freedom so you can tackle the things that need to be done.
It’s also great for babies with reflux, colic, or other medical concerns that leave them needing to be upright or needing additional comfort.
What are some common issues that new parents come across?
L: Mostly I find that parents are overwhelmed. There are a lot of options when it comes to babywearing. Wraps, ring slings, buckle carriers, etc. Where do I start? What’s best for baby? What’s the easiest for my husband and I? I have a lot of clients that come in with multiple carriers, none of them work, and everyone is feeling pretty frustrated. I can help narrow down the options as well as help get a good fit for everyone. The benefits of babywearing are only beneficial if you actually enjoy wearing your baby! If you’re uncomfortable while using your carrier that’s not good for anyone.
Why should I hire a babywearing educator?
L: One of the biggest benefits of hiring a babywearing educator is peace of mind. I am there to listen to what you need, work with what you have, and help you find the carrier that works for you and your family’s needs. I always spend time covering the basics of babywearing and safety in every class or consult I teach. Part of my certification requires me to stay up-to-date with the latest babywearing information and obtain continuing education credits in my field. Babywearing is a passion of mine and I love having the opportunity to share that with the people I teach. When you hire a babywearing educator you gain access to someone who thrives on helping new families, cares about safety and education, and genuinely wants to help make the world a better place one baby at a time.
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