When I found out I was expecting, I was determined to embrace babywearing. I often observed moms struggling with bulky carriers and thought, surely, there must be a more practical solution. Instead of opting for a stroller and a conventional carrier, my partner and I decided on a convertible car seat and two Moby wraps—one in beige and another in dark brown, just in case one needed laundering.
It was my partner who first tackled the art of babywearing. In the hospital, he watched a tutorial online, skillfully maneuvered the fabric, and soon enough, he had our little one snugly secured. He then showed me the ropes, and by the time we left the hospital, I was proudly wearing our baby, Leo.
From that day onward, Leo was mostly wrapped against me whenever I moved around the house. At just four days old, he accompanied me to a festive Christmas service. By the time he was a week old, we took our first excursion to a national park. At two weeks, we were on a hiking adventure with our German shepherd, who generously carried the diaper bag. Looking back, I realize I probably should have taken it easy postpartum—I ended up dealing with bleeding for six weeks—but I was eager to reclaim my life.
Wearing Leo allowed me to resume my routine, especially once I figured out how to adjust the wrap for nursing. We dined at a local oyster bar, mingled with other patrons, hiked scenic trails, and even managed household chores. For a couple without nearby family support, this was invaluable. When my mother-in-law visited, she couldn’t believe how well we were managing. “You’re handling this as if it’s your third child, not your first,” she remarked. The secret? We could wear Leo in the Moby wrap and continue living our lives.
Moreover, babywearing was instrumental in safeguarding my mental health. I had battled severe depression, including perinatal depression, and was on medication during my pregnancy with Leo. I was at a heightened risk for postpartum depression, but babywearing played a crucial role in my wellness. Research indicates that touch can be protective against PPD, and babywearing offers constant physical contact. I spent countless hours kissing Leo’s head and playing with his tiny toes. This closeness, combined with the ability to quickly return to my normal life, I believe, shielded me from PPD.
I felt fulfilled and functional—all thanks to a simple piece of fabric. Yet, I was keen to explore more wrapping techniques. I stumbled upon a community of fellow moms at thebabywearer.com, where I discovered local mothers who shared my interests. Despite my initial anxiety about meeting strangers from the internet, I quickly realized I had found my tribe. I witnessed breastfeeding for the first time, shared experiences with others who co-slept, and learned about different carriers, including ring slings and woven wraps. They even helped me wrap Leo in various styles, and I left eager to try a woven wrap.
I immersed myself in the supportive babywearing community, which was diverse and welcoming. Some mothers chose formula feeding, others preferred cribs, and some used carriers I had once dismissed. Through this community, I gained friendships with women who understood the challenges of motherhood, from toddler tantrums to preschool drama. They celebrated my parenting milestones and offered meals during busy times. We even supported each other through loss. Many from that community have become dear friends.
Babywearing truly saved me. It restored my sense of self, kept me from postpartum depression, and gifted me with a network of mom friends—an essential resource for any mother. I evolved from using a simple Moby wrap to confidently wearing Leo on my back in a woven carrier, eventually becoming a certified babywearing educator. I found joy in helping new mothers reclaim their lives as well.
While the Moby wrap provided a solid foundation for my postpartum experience, babywearing enriched our babyhood. Honestly, I can’t imagine navigating motherhood without it. I am profoundly grateful for my sanity, the life I rebuilt, the friendships forged, and, most importantly, those precious moments spent snuggling my babies.
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In summary, babywearing has been more than just a method for carrying my child; it’s been a lifeline, a tool for mental well-being, and a bridge to a supportive community. My journey through motherhood has been profoundly shaped by the simple act of wrapping my baby close.
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