the grammie doula blog

babywearing benefits for moms that carry & safety tips

mom carrying toddler in a backpack style carrier

the benefits of carrying babies shared by experienced moms and two easy ways to remember carrier safety.

read about the benefits of babywearing for moms that carry in blacksburg,va, but wait! what is babywearing?  babywearing has been around for centuries and has made a recent comeback in the US.  it can be defined as carrying your baby close to your body using a sling or another form of carrier. 

benefits of babywearing for the baby

Cuddles           BONDING          touch           hands free for hugs           SOOTHES

Social Interaction           Comfort           hugs          BENEFICIAL      awareness  

INTERACTION WITH ENVIRONMENT          alert           quietly observing           family

WOMB-LIKE           caregivers can carry           motion           cognitive development

LESS CRYING           aids digestion           builds trust          eases colic           helps reflux

Breathing  Regulated           listens to your heartbeat           STRENGTHENS SPINE

SAFE PLACE           Protected           comfortable           closeness           breastfeeding

physical development           upright position           seeing from different perspective

spouse can carry          family participating          snuggling           LOVED

SENSE YOUR PRESENCE          social development           hear your voice

babywearing benefits

benefits of babywearing – for the mom

HANDS FREE            safety           protected            ease of breastfeeding           

decreased risk of postpartum depression           MEET FRIENDS           hold

builds confidence           shopping          INTERACTION WITH BABY           coffee dates        

social interaction           spouse can carry           builds trust           CONNECTION          

reassurance           respond to baby cues           STAY ACTIVE           smell baby

COMFORTABLE           closeness           touch baby           interact           WALKS       

fresh perspective           meal prep          shared experiences           SAFE  PLACE  

BONDING          play with older children           SEE BABY           hug

comfort            awareness          SNUGGLE          baby close in busy places

MULTI-TASKING           keep strangers at a safe distance           oxytocin released

COZY           easy to carry           eye contact           secure          CONFIDENCE  

         

two safety tips: check for T.I.C.K.S. and C.A.R.R.Y.

check for T.I.C.K.S

T is for tight. the carrier should hug your baby close to your body snugly.

I is for in view at all times. baby’s face should be in view at all times.

C is for close enough to kiss. baby’s head should be right below your chin.

K is for keep chin off chest.  keep chin raised for best breathing.

S is for supported back. baby is upright against your chest with his tummy for supported back.

C.A.R.R.Y. your baby

C is for careful.  be careful when choosing activities while carrying your baby.  roller blading is out.  horseback riding is out.

A is for airflow.  check baby’s airflow.  look at baby’s nose and mouth. make sure baby’s chin is raised, not tucked down, to increase airflow.

R is for ride high. baby is positioned to ride high, resting on your chest , not your belly.

R is for right fit. make sure your carrier is the right fit for you and your baby.

Y is for your instinct.  trust your instinct.  see if you baby looks comfortable, safe, and supported.

during my research for this topic, i was so excited to discover babywearing benefits the new parent because it decreases the chances of postpartum depression.   oxytocin can be released while carrying your baby. 

the baby is happy and feels safe in this womb-like position.  this calm baby falls asleep on your chest and your confidence as a new parent increases immensely, thus decreasing the chances of postpartum depression sneaking in.

but if those baby blue feelings do creep in, there is a local resource, postpartum.net, with mom peer groups and a birthing professional to facilitate and a number to call if you need to talk 24/7.  the warm line is 1-800-944-4773.

i would love to hear your babywearing experience. share in the comments on the blog.

let me know if i can help as a postpartum doula. here is my contact information ~laura

more about grammie doula

i am a full-time postpartum doula in middle tennessee and my clients call me grammie doula. i have 25 years as a labor and delivery nurse and then 10 years as a a birth photographer. during the pandemic, i was able to take doula training and now i can support clients in-person and virtually. i am a mom to 3 grown children, 5 grandchildren and 1 baby in heaven. i live in a house with a view and my grey-bearded husband plus four pets that prefer his company over mine!

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christiansburg, va
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hello@grammiedoula.com
540.239.1866

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