When I found out I was expecting, I was determined to embrace babywearing. I would often see mothers struggling with bulky carriers, and I thought, “There must be a better solution.” Rather than opting for a stroller and a traditional carrier, we invested in a convertible car seat and two Moby wraps—one in tan and the other in brown, just in case one needed cleaning.
My husband was the first to dive into the world of babywearing. In the hospital, he watched a tutorial online, skillfully wrapped the fabric, and secured our little one inside. He taught me the technique, and before long, I was carrying our newborn, Jasper, right out of the hospital.
From that moment on, whenever I got up, if Jasper wasn’t being changed, he was wrapped snugly against me. At just four days old, I took him to Christmas mass; by his first week, he was exploring a national park with us. At two weeks old, we were hiking with our German shepherd, who carried the diapers. I shouldn’t have been so active so soon after giving birth—no wonder I experienced bleeding for six weeks—but I craved my old life back. Babywearing was my answer.
As I learned to adjust the wrap and lower Jasper for nursing, I felt a resurgence of freedom. We dined at an oyster bar, hiked, attended church services, and enjoyed nice meals out. We even managed household chores like washing dishes and cleaning, something vital since we didn’t have family nearby. When my mother-in-law visited, she was amazed at how well we were managing. “You’re acting like this is your third or fourth child, not your first,” she remarked. Thanks to the Moby wrap, we could continue our daily lives while tending to a newborn.
Babywearing also played a crucial role in my mental health. I’ve faced significant depression throughout my life, including perinatal depression during pregnancy. I had to start medication while expecting Jasper and was at high risk for postpartum depression. However, babywearing turned out to be a protective factor. Studies show that physical touch helps combat PPD, and babywearing provided me with constant closeness. I found joy in kissing my newborn’s head and playing with his tiny toes. This, coupled with my ability to return to normalcy quickly, kept postpartum depression at bay.
The support from the babywearing community was invaluable. I discovered forums where other mothers shared experiences, including a local meet-up at a fellow mother’s home. Initially nervous about mingling with strangers, I was soon welcomed into a warm and supportive group. I learned about different feeding practices and various carriers, including ring slings and woven wraps. With their help, I wrapped Jasper in all sorts of carriers and was inspired to purchase a woven wrap for myself.
Early motherhood enveloped me in a caring community that embraced diverse parenting choices, from formula feeding to co-sleeping. I found understanding friends who celebrated each milestone, provided meals during tough times, and supported each other through challenges, including the loss of a friend’s baby. Many of these women have become lifelong friends.
In essence, babywearing has profoundly impacted my life. It not only restored my sense of self but also helped prevent postpartum depression. Most importantly, it connected me to a network of supportive mothers—an essential resource for every parent. My journey evolved from a simple Moby wrap to confidently wearing Jasper on my back in a woven carrier, ultimately leading me to become a babywearing educator myself, helping other new mothers reclaim their lives.
Babywearing enriched both my postpartum experience and Jasper’s babyhood. I can’t imagine navigating those early days without it. I am immensely grateful for my mental well-being, the friendships I forged, and the countless moments spent cuddling my precious child.
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Summary
Babywearing significantly improved my life by allowing me to care for my newborn while maintaining my social and domestic responsibilities. It played a vital role in my mental health, helping me avoid postpartum depression and connecting me with a supportive community of mothers. This journey transformed not just my postpartum experience but also my entire motherhood journey.