As a postpartum doula, I regularly hear brand new parents say, "Help! My baby wants to be held ALL the time. When I put her down she cries, but my arms and back are killing me. I feel stuck!"
And when I respond with "Yes, you have the smartest baby ever!" they stare at me as though I have lost my mind. But they understand when I go on to say, "Your baby was with you ALL the time for 9 to 10 months. They heard every conversation, felt every emotion and experienced every adventure you encountered during your day. If it was up to them, they wouldn't let that closeness go. In their new and scary world of life outside the womb, they need that continuous attention more than ever."
Usually at this point the parents nod. And respond in a barely audible whisper, "But how on earth can I give my baby that attention when I am no longer carrying them inside my body? I have to do a few things for myself and my family each day."
Have heart, new parents. There is a very simple answer to this dilemna: BABYWEARING.
This fancy word simply refers to the act of carrying your baby without using your arms. You can use a sling, a wrap, a soft carrier with buckles and clips, a large sheet or any of the many baby carriers out there. You can wear your baby anytime, anywhere. You can wear your baby every so often or nearly every waking hour. When you wear your baby, your baby gets the closeness they so desire and need and you get to parent hands-free.
Babywearing is good for babies and good for parents.
At this point in the conversation, I usually encounter at least one dubious parent, "But can it really be this good for everyone? It sounds too good to be true." And I usually respond with, "I know, doesn't it? But trust me, it is one of the few parenting tools that really IS good for everyone. It really is as good as it sounds."
And you don't have to take my word for it. Research shows that carried babies cry up to 43% less. And babies that cry less have time to learn and sleep more. Parents with babies who cry less have more time to enjoy life with an infant. Happier babies who cry less makes for happy families all around.
For more information on babywearing, come to one of my classes at Mountain Midwifery Center (see calendar). Or let me come to you! I do in-home consults. Call me at 303.709.0712.
Heather Thompson, Ph.D., CPD, CLE
Beyond Birth, LLC
303.709.0712
