This workshop was all about options that parents have to carry their babies. Primarily we discussed the benefits of wearing your baby, as opposed to having them in a pram. They included forming close attachments with the baby - particularly prevelant when practiced from early childhood, and super helpful for parents who didn’t give birth - being able quickly identify any discomfort the child is showing, and the ease of movement for the parent themselves! The logistics of having to manoeuvre carriers and buggy’s around small spaces and through busy environments can make leaving the home stressful! The workshop continued onto the numerous different types of baby carriers, which all bring their own benefits, logistics, and prices! Mel explained her fondness of a two-way stretch wrap, which can be difficult to work out initally without support, but can be an easy and sustainable way to carry your baby due to its stretchy nature allowing them to move around comfortably, as well as parents being able to get on with their lives. What stood out to me most was that a carrier is a personal choice, and some parents may choose to visit a baby wearing consultant, such as Mel in the Wrapahug Sling Library, when they’re unsure of which carrier would be best for them. Some of the more advertised slings and carriers are not actually best for the baby, simply maybe a more well known brand to those who have purchased carriers in the past. We ended the workshop by practicing how to wear the 2 way stretch sling and a ring sling - a woven sling with metal rings for easy adjustment and use. I found this workshop really helpful and informative, and would reccomend the workshop to other birth workers, and individual meetings for those unsure about their own options when they have a baby!
- milliethedoula