Like it or not, breastfeeding means that you have to be with your baby a lot. Sometimes this is easy; like when baby is all happy and smiley and you can devote your whole day to just enjoying his cuteness. If you’re life is anything like mine, though, more often than not other things get in the way and you don’t have the whole day at home to just enjoy baby. You have shopping to do, work to get finished, a meeting to attend, meals to make, older kids to look after. . . How do you do all of this while maintaining your breastfeeding relationship?
It’s simple: wear your baby.
Babywearing has been around for centuries. Mothers in many other countries carry their babies in different aparattuses while working and playing with older children. The benefits of babywearing are huge: it reduces crying by up to 51%, enhances learning, and (with practice) you can breastfeed while carrying your baby. Plus there are so many different styles of carriers available; there is something that will appeal to everyone (dads included).
I’ve worn my babies while doing many things that I wouldn’t have been able to do with a stroller: hike a difficult trail; chase a toddler up and down the steps of The Rooms; nurse a cranky baby while pushing a shopping cart through Sobeys; attend a meeting; enjoy the view from the top deck of a Marine Atlantic ferry; and comfort a fussy child while making supper. I especially loved my sling in the weeks after my c-section as I couldn’t lift the weight of that darn baby bucket. Without the sling I wouldn’t have been able to go anywhere!
I thought I would share with you some of my favourite carriers. I have an extensive collection and have used them to breastfeed and carry my babies in many different places. They are more portable than any stroller and both of my babies have always preferred the feeling of being carried to the sensation of being pushed.
Here are my favourites:
The Sling
It’s simple, easy to use, and works for babies or toddlers. Also fits in a diaper bag or purse. This is a pouch sling which means that it is basically just a big pocket for baby to sit in. You have to find the right size for you. You can also get ring slings which are adjustable and better for going over heavy winter coats, fitting dad, and positioning baby to nurse.
The Wrap
I always thought that wraps were way too inconvenient and complicated. Then I tried one and I now understand what all the fuss is about. It is the most comfortable way to wear a baby. It moves with you and is easy to loosen and adjust for nursing. Also it provides you with lots of fabric to offer privacy while nursing in public too. I made this one myself, but there are lots on the market.
Tandem Babywearing
Not recommended. Only to be done in emergencies. It’s hard on the back! LOL
The Backpack
This is excellent for long, difficult hikes. It has padded straps and pockets for keys and water bottles. Not recommended for everyday use. It’s not very portable and you can’t nurse in it. Dads, however, love it!
The Amautik
The traditional Inuit babywearing coat. Very comfortable and perfect for winter weather. It can be difficult to get baby in and out by yourself. Keeps you and baby nice and toasty warm.
The Mei-Tai
Comfy and great for babies or toddlers. Can be used as a backpack or a front carrier. Easy to roll up and store in a diaper bag. Easy to position baby to nurse while using as a front carrier.
La Leche League International and Kelly Mom have some great resources on babywearing.
Please keep in mind that while I do love babywearing, I am not an expert. If you have any questions about how to do it safely or which carrier might be right for you then feel free to post them to the Babyfriendly NL Facebook page and I’m sure one of our local babywearing experts will respond.
Have you used babywearing as a way to maintain your breastfeeding relationship? Any favourite carriers to share?
Felicie is a teacher turned work at home mama to two busy little angels, aged 22 months and 4 and a half years. She is a proud member of La Leche League Canada and has helped to organize three World B[..]
My husband and I share our wrap-style carrier and love it. We used to take our youngest son to ballroom dancing lessons in it for his first 4-6 months. A lot of moms use it for Salsa Babies classes as well.
(Felice, your Amautik coat is beautiful! I’ve seen moms wear it in the far north and always admired the idea.)
Hey Sue! Thanks for the comment! The wrap is excellent, my husband used one also. I’ve always wanted to do those Salsa Baby classes.(-: And the amautik is great for keeping you and baby warm in the winter. The only thing is I’ve never been able to keep baby awake in it for long!
I kind of stumbled upon baby wearing on my own. I decided one day when my daughter was a newborn that I just had to get up and get the house cleaned, flowers watered, and something to eat. I couldn’t get my teeny newborn to calm down or go to sleep, so I stuck her in the carrier I had gotten from my baby shower. We haven’t gone back since. I purchased a different one because she grew incredibly long, and we were able to continue on with it. We go to the store, around the house, even to church while I practice singing sometimes. She loves to look around, and is actually quite good most of the time.
Hey Emily! Nice to hear from you! Glad you discovered babywearing too. I also found that too- my babies were much happier when they were up with me, involved in what I was doing. I love the thought of your baby with you while you are singing- I bet she loves it!
Hey Emily! Nice to hear from you! Glad you have discovered babywearing too. I always found that too- my babies were much happier when they were up with me, involved in what I was doing. I love the thought of your baby in a carrier with you while you are singing- I bet she loves it!