Category: holding

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Baby wearing

Nurturing the Nurturer Postpartum doula insights

Have you seen parents and caregivers out and about, yielding a number of different brightly colored and printed baby carriers? If so, you’ve also probably seen a variety of types — from backpack-like carriers to wraps. So what’s the deal? People say that wearing your baby may help with anything from baby’s health to their mood. Beyond that, baby wearing can make life much easier in the fourth trimester and beyond as you learn to navigate the world with a little one in tow. In fact, different cultures around the world have been practicing baby wearing techniques for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years. And if you have a properly fitting carrier, it doesn’t need to be a pain in your back. Read on to learn how to baby wear, plus the benefits and safety concerns of baby wearing, and what to look for when choosing a baby ca

What are the benefits of baby wearing If you talk to a baby-wearing parent, you may be inundated with a seemingly endless list of benefits. But are any of them backed by science? While research is still limitedTrusted Source, there’s a growing number of people who suggest that baby wearing has benefits for both baby and caregiver.

Reduces crying Additionally, carrying babies for 3 hours a day was seen to reduce crying and fussing by up to 51 percent during the evening hours. This was a relatively small study group and specifically on carrying, rather than wearing. More research with a larger, diverse group is needed to better understand the connection between baby wearing, and crying and fussing in babies. If you’re looking for ways to reduce crying in your young baby, baby wearing may be worth trying. It’s low-risk and may provide additional benefits to baby.

Promotes health There’s growing evidenceTrusted Source around skin-to-skin contact and the benefits it can have on babies, especially premature babies (babies born before 37 weeks) in the hospital. Premature babies may gain some of those same benefits from a wearing practice called kangaroo care. Studies Trusted Source show that wearing baby close, particularly with a special carrier designed for skin-to-skin contact, may help regulate baby’s heartbeat, temperature, and breathing patterns while they’re in the neonatal intensive care unit. More research is needed to fully understand this connection, but some researchers Trusted Source suggest the need for increased kangaroo care, especially for the care of hospitalized premature babies. It’s less clear if these findings apply to babies once they go home.

Assists with breastfeeding But if you’re a breastfeeding parent and practicing baby wearing, it’s possible to breastfeed while baby is in a carrier. That can make it easier to feed baby on the go or to practice demand feeding.

Enhances connection Let’s face it: connecting to a young, pre-verbal baby can sometimes feel challenging. The good news is, for baby, the simple act of being held can help strengthen that bond and connection. Baby wearing may help support this bond. It may also make it easier for you to begin to read your baby’s cues with more confidence. For example, you’ll likely notice certain movements or noises that help you understand if baby is tired, hungry, or needs a diaper change. This connection can extend to anyone else who wears baby as well. Benefits from improved parent-baby bonding may extend Trusted Source into teen and early adult years, too. This isn’t to say that baby wearing will instantly create a bond that will have long-term benefits — or that it’s the only way to create a bond — but it can be an early first step toward developing this type of bond with your child. Of course, if you choose not to do baby wearing, there are still numerous other ways to bond with baby — for instance, baby massage.

Eases everyday life There’s another potential benefit to wearing baby on those days when they just want to be held. It’s hands-free! Using a baby carrier can make it easier to go about your daily tasks with both arms and hands available. You can fold laundry, read a book to an older sibling, or even go out for a walk downtown. The possibilities are endless — well, almost. Maybe save deep frying food or skateboarding for when you’re not wearing baby.

Is it safe? As with many baby-related activities, there’s a right way and wrong way to go about baby wearing. And the differences between what’s safe and what isn’t may sometimes be subtle. As baby-wearing products can lead to a greater risk of injury and hospitalizations in children under age 1, it is essential that your baby carrier is the correct size, selection, and wear. Most safety concerns revolve around keeping baby’s airway clear, along with supporting their back and neck It’s important to familiarize yourself with what the baby-wearing community calls T.I.C.K.S.: T: Tight. Baby should be upright and tight enough in a carrier that they’re held safely against whoever is wearing them. This helps prevent accidental falls. I: In view at all times. Baby’s face should be visible to you so you can monitor their breathing. You can also keep a better eye on your baby’s mood if you can see them. C: Close enough to kiss. Can you lower your head and kiss the top of your baby’s head? If not, you should reposition them in the carrier until they’re high enough to kiss with little effort .K: Keep chin off chest. Look at your baby to ensure there’s a gap of about two fingers wide under their chin. If they’re in a good upright position with their spine curved and legs squatting, it’s less likely that their chin will drop S: Supported back. While you want your baby to be secure, resist over-tightening the carrier over their back. You should have your carrier tight enough that there’s no gap between your baby and your body, but loose enough that you can slide your hand into the carrier.

And while your focus should be on your baby, be sure that the carrier feels comfortable for you as well. Improperly-positioned carriers may give you back issues or create other areas of soreness or injury, especially with long periods of wear. Baby wearing may not appropriate for all parents of babies, depending on different medical conditions. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your pediatrician or primary care physician. Also, be sure to follow all instructions for your specific carrier, including weight restrictions.

Types of baby carrier There’s no shortage of baby carriers on the market. What you ultimately choose will depend on a variety of factors, including: *the age or size of your child *your body type *your budget *your personal preferences

Try before you buy Some local baby wearing groups or baby shops offer a lending library of carriers. They can also help you learn how to use different carriers

Soft wrap This long piece of cloth is typically made from a cotton and Lycra or Spandex blend. You may also hear it being called a “stretchy wrap” on occasion. A soft wrap is worn by wrapping around your body and then placing your infant inside of it. Due to the nature of the fabric, this type of carrier is more appropriate for younger babies. There’s a bit of a learning curve on figuring out how to tie this type of wrap. This is where baby wearing groups or online videos may come in handy. It’s a good idea to practice with a small pillow or doll first, before trying out the carrier with baby inside.

Woven wrap A woven wrap is similar to a soft wrap in that it’s a long piece of fabric that you wrap around your body. You can find these in varying lengths to suit different body shapes and sizes, and carrying positions. The difference between soft and woven wraps is that the fabric in a woven wrap is stiffer and more structured, and may allow you to more comfortably carry larger babies or toddlers. Many people find woven wraps comfortable, but it can be difficult to learn how to tie them properly.

Ring sling This type of carrier is worn on one shoulder and made of sturdy woven fabric. After you put it on, you open the fabric to create a pocket near your abdomen. Then you place the baby inside and gently pull on the fabric near the ring to adjust and secure Ring slings are very portable and easy to use. However, you may find the pressure on one shoulder uncomfortable, especially if you have a heavier baby or are using the carrier for an extended period of time.

Soft structured carrier These simple-to-use carriers incorporate straps, buckles, and padding to get an adjustable fit for a variety of ages — infant to toddler and beyond. There are even brands that make infant carriers and toddler carriers to accommodate different heights and weights (up to 60 pounds) A soft structured carrier may be worn on the front of the body, and some allow for hip- and back-carrying as well. You may not be able to use this type of carrier with the youngest infants without some type of newborn insert.

How to baby wear How you use your carrier will depend on the type you choose. Be sure to read all the manufacturer instructions before using your carrier. It may even be a good idea to contact a local baby wearing group to find out about classes or individual sessions that will help you learn how to use your carrier in the safest way for you and baby.

How to baby wear How you use your carrier will depend on the type you choose. Be sure to read all the manufacturer instructions before using your carrier. It may even be a good idea to contact a local baby wearing group to find out about classes or individual sessions that will help you learn how to use your carrier in the safest way for you and baby.

Tips For newborns Newborn babies can be worn right away provided there are no medical concerns and the baby weighs around 8 pounds or more. You may find a stretchy wrap more comfortable for this stage. If you do a soft structured carrier, consider using a newborn insert for the best fit .Always make sure you can see your baby’s face while carrying them until they’re at least 4 months old.

For seeing the world As baby becomes more aware of their surroundings, they may want to face out and see the world. To do this, you can use a stretchy or woven wrap, and tie a front-carry hold with it. You may also choose to use soft structured carriers specifically designed with a front-carrying option, like the Ergo 360.

For when they’re a little older Older babies and toddlers may also be ready to ride on your back. 1. To begin, clip on your soft structured carrier and place your baby on your hip with their legs on either side of your abdomen 2.Slowly shift the carrier to your back while holding both straps tightly and guiding baby with your other hand. 3.Then put the straps on your shoulders, clip in to place, and adjust for comfort.

How to baby wear with twins Twins? You can wear them, too! One of the more simple ways to do this is by investing in two soft structured carriers and wearing one baby on the front and one on the back. This may not work for young babies. There are also tutorials you can find online on how to tie a long woven wrap carrier for twins. You may want to have your partner or a friend help you the first few times.

Takeaway Baby wearing is much more than a trend or fashion accessory. It can help you keep your baby close, and has the added benefit of carrying your baby while also freeing up your hands to get stuff done.

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Postpartum month

This postpartum period is traditionally a time when new mothers are cared for and supported by relatives and friends at home.

This practice allows the new mother to recuperate from pregnancy and birth, while getting to know and bonding with her baby, beginning her role as a mother feeling supported and confident.

Sounds like bliss, doesn’t it?

In today’s hectic and rushed Western culture, the idea of having time to care for yourself and your baby for a month after birth sounds intoxicating, but unrealistic. We’re expected to give birth and then jump back into life, without regard to how intense and demanding life with a newborn is. Our society focuses only on the baby after birth, not the mother.

Why Is a Post-Natal Month A Good Idea?

The first days following the birth of your baby are usually a blur. The demands of pregnancy and labour take hold – you’re exhausted and on a hormonal rollercoaster. Paired with this the raw knowledge you’re now the centre of a tiny vulnerable human’s world, it’s no wonder many women feel completely overwhelmed by their new status as mother.

The World Health Organization describes the postpartum period as the most critical phase in the lives of mothers and babies, yet it’s the most neglected. In today’s busy world, women are expected to be on their feet within days of giving birth.

In countries such as Australia, the United States and Britain, maternity and paternity leave allowances may not support women or their partners from taking much time away from paid employment. Some women don’t have relatives close by to help and others have plenty of people but few offers of help. And then there’s the expectation that we should be coping, that the baby is the icing on the cake and how we as new mothers feel doesn’t really matter.

With post-natal depression rates on the rise and new parents burning out with exhaustion, a post-natal month has never been more important. We spend so much time focused on our pregnancy and the birth, very little energy is directed towards what happens when the baby arrives, when the dynamic of your life will shift away from you and onto the baby.

Prepare For A Post-Natal Month

During pregnancy, there’s a huge focus on getting prepared for birth and for what the baby will need. The idea being that you will have a healthy baby and life goes on happily afterwards.

The reality is rarely that simple. Many new mamas barely sleep more than a few hours at a time, yet are expected to function normally, to keep things running smoothly for everyone else. You may need a c-section which means extra time recovering physically. Dealing with these massive upheavals to the life you have so far been leading can be very challenging – you might know in theory that things will change but it’s very different to be living that experience.

The shift to focus on your additional role as a mother needs to take place well before the baby is born. Explore the possibilities of your partner taking as much time off work as possible. Not only does this provide plenty of bonding opportunities for them, you can both share the responsibilities of caring for your baby together. This is an excellent way to begin your new journey as a family together.

Enlist the support of your nearest and dearest. If you’re having a baby shower, ask your friends and relatives for the gift of their time and support. They could organise a roster of meals delivered each day, a freezer filled with prepared snacks and dinners, and even help with housework and laundry. A postpartum doula or a cleaner can also help provide you with more time to rest and recuperate.

You Don’t Have To Do It Alone

One of the messed up attitudes our society applies to mothers is asking for help is a sign of ‘not coping’. The pressure is on a new mother to keep the household going, get meals and entertain visitors/other children, even though she is in pain, exhausted, or struggling with early breastfeeding.

If you have relatives or friends that offer help, take them up on it. If you’re in the position to accept live-in help, make the most of that support! Most likely your family and friends really want to feel useful to you. Explain to those who’ve offered to help exactly what you need from them. Many women often don’t like to ask for what they really need in case they appear demanding or rude.

During the post-natal period, women tend to be so focused on their baby and getting back on their feet, it is easy to forget about their own needs. Asking for help can feel like a sign of weakness – when it should be seen as honouring the huge physical and emotional demand birth and new motherhood has placed on you.

Putting your needs higher on the priority lists helps you to care for your baby and adjust to your new role.

Nesting Isn’t Just For Pregnancy

You’ve just spent nine months growing and nourishing a baby. You probably experienced the phenomenon known as ‘nesting’ at some point during your pregnancy – a compulsion to get ready for your baby’s arrival which could keep you scrubbing shower screens long past the time others would’ve quit. That nesting instinct should be encouraged beyond birth.

Creating a space to snuggle and bond with your baby provides you both with the opportunity to get to know each other. Bonding is a physical and emotional experience. Babies want to be close to their mothers, for security, warmth and nourishment. Mothers want to be close to their babies, being primed by the love hormone oxytocin, to care and nurture their child. This closeness enhances your ability to tune into your baby.

Mother’s intuition isn’t something that happens the moment your baby is born. It builds up and is something you learn with your baby. You’re forming a relationship – take the time to really get to know one another. The confidence to trust your intuition will pay off as your child grows and develops.

You Don’t Have To Be A Super Woman

Your body returning to a non-pregnant state isn’t as simple as losing your belly. There are many physical and hormonal changes taking place as your uterus shrinks and lactation begins. You might be recovering from an instrumental birth or a c-section. The reality is even a straightforward birth can leave you feeling sore and uncomfortable.

Rest and recuperation is a necessity for healing after labour or a c-section – you risk creating more problems for yourself later if you overdo things. Many women who experience things like constipation, separated abdominal muscles, organ prolapse and stitches would greatly benefit from allowing their body the rest it needs. Doing too much physically can make those issues worse or create further problems.

Today’s society has many expectations of women and we are constantly under pressure to meet these ideals of who we should be, how we should act and the ideals we should meet. We’re rarely afforded the ability to focus on our transformation into motherhood and this can have a far-reaching impact on our own mental health, the way we interact with our children and family.

If a full month is impossible, even a few weeks is a great start. The idea is to keep your feet off the floor as much as possible. Spend time baby gazing, dozing in the quiet hours of feeding, reading that book you’ve been meaning to or catching up on a favourite TV series. You can’t put off healing until ‘later’ as that time will never come.