When I found out I was expecting, I was determined to embrace babywearing. I observed moms struggling with bulky strollers and awkward carriers, and thought, Surely, there’s a simpler way. So, rather than piling up on a stroller and an assortment of carriers, we opted for a convertible car seat and two Moby wraps—one in beige and another in chocolate, just in case one needed a wash.
My husband took the lead when it came to figuring it out. In the hospital, he watched a YouTube tutorial, tangled some fabric around himself, and expertly secured our little one. He then showed me the ropes, and I triumphantly walked out of the hospital wearing our baby, Max.
From that point on, whenever I got out of bed and Max wasn’t being changed, he was snugly wrapped against me. At just four days old, he accompanied me to Christmas mass. By the time he was a week old, we were exploring our first national park. At two weeks, we were already hiking with our trusty German shepherd, who was tasked with carrying the diaper bag. Maybe it was a bit too soon to be so active—no wonder I bled for six weeks!—but I craved my old life back, and babywearing made that possible. Once I figured out how to adjust the wrap for nursing, it opened up a world of freedom. We dined at an oyster bar, hiked scenic trails, attended mass, enjoyed fine dining, and tackled household chores like dishwashing and dog-feeding.
Not only did babywearing revive our social lives, but it also allowed us to maintain our household. With no family nearby, this was a game-changer. When my mother-in-law visited, she was astonished at how effortlessly we managed with Max. “You’re acting like this is your third or fourth baby, not your first!” she exclaimed. Thanks to the Moby wrap, we could keep living our life.
Babywearing also played a crucial role in my mental health. Throughout my life, I’ve battled severe depression, including perinatal depression. During my pregnancy with Max, I had to start medication, putting me at risk for postpartum depression. However, babywearing was a protective factor. It’s widely recognized that touch helps ward off PPD, and babywearing provides constant closeness. I spent countless hours kissing Max’s tiny head and playing with his little toes, and I believe that, combined with the ability to resume my normal life, kept postpartum depression at bay.
I felt happy, whole, and functional, all thanks to this piece of fabric. Yet, I knew there were more ways to use it. I ventured online to find forums on babywearing, discovering a community of mothers right in my area. I nervously attended a meetup at a stranger’s home, but soon realized I had found my tribe. I witnessed breastfeeding and formula-feeding, co-sleeping, and an array of carriers that I had previously dismissed. The other moms helped me wrap Max in different styles, and I left that day determined to buy a woven wrap.
My early experiences of motherhood were enveloped in the warmth of the babywearing community. It was a space filled with kindness. Some moms chose formula, some preferred cribs, while others carried their babies in the very carriers I used to scoff at. I learned to accept all parenting styles, and in return, I gained friends who understood my journey—the challenges of toddler tantrums, the drama of preschoolers, and the intensity of early childhood. They celebrated my milestones and provided meals during tough times. We even supported each other through the heartbreaking loss of a friend’s baby. Many of those connections have blossomed into lifelong friendships.
Babywearing was my salvation. It not only restored my sense of self but also shielded me from postpartum depression. Most importantly, it connected me with a community of fellow moms, and every mother needs that support system. I advanced from a basic Moby wrap to confidently wearing Max on my back in a woven carrier, eventually becoming a certified babywearing educator myself, helping other new moms reclaim their lives too.
That Moby wrap facilitated a wonderful postpartum journey, but babywearing enriched our entire babyhood. Honestly, I can’t imagine navigating those early months without it. I am forever grateful—for my sanity, for the friendships forged, and for those precious hours spent snuggling my babies.
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Summary
Babywearing transformed my life by allowing me to maintain my mental health, reclaim my daily routine, and connect with a supportive community of mothers. It facilitated a smooth postpartum period and enriched my experience of motherhood, ultimately becoming an essential part of our family life.