"When should I start?" Using your baby carrier postpartum

A while ago, I saw a lactation consultant on Instagram bemoaning the fact that so few expecting mothers reach out to her for support until they’re already in panic mode. Her hot take was basically - “don’t set up your child’s nursery until you’ve made a plan for postpartum support.” In this case, the support she was talking about was breastfeeding, emotional, and practical (meal trains, etc). Because even with the most beautifully decorated nursery, if you don’t have support, postpartum is going to be a lot harder than it has to be.

I’m sure many second+ time moms can relate to this, as most of us spend money on all sorts of baby “necessities” that we never end up using, spend hours painting a nursery that the baby doesn’t even enter until they’re 9 months old, and spend a lot of lonely weeks with a crying baby that couldn’t seem to get that latch down.

Like lactation consultants, babywearing consultants often don’t see new parents until a few months or weeks after they have their baby. They reach out to us when they’re at the end of their rope, when they’re frustrated because nothing is working, and as their baby is growing they’ve become more and more disillusioned with the YouTube tutorials out there.

And while it’s a core part of my mission to uplift parents from the dregs of postpartum frustration, wouldn’t it be awesome if you never had to feel that desperation in the first place?

Me with a 3 month old bonus baby getting a wrap nap

Preparing to wear your child often gets left out of infant care classes and postpartum planning, but it’s one of the most critical things you can do in your pregnancy to set yourself up for success during the early weeks with your baby. And feeling confident about what to do before you have a crying baby on your hands is a pretty important part of that.

Not only is it important to get guidance and clarity before purchasing a carrier or adding it to your registry (so you don’t end up with a carrier you hate using), babywearing is one of the few parenting skills you can actually physically practice before baby arrives.

Take breastfeeding, for example. You can get the theoretical knowledge and visualize the mechanics, but without a baby to attach to your breast, it’s all mental.

Not so with babywearing! Grab yourself a heavy bag of beans or rice (or come use my weighted demo doll!) and you can get a pretty good simulation of what it will be like to carry your child on your body. Heck, I wrapped up my very compliant cat before having my second and it was actually really helpful!

Too many parents passively watch a couple of YouTube tutorials, maybe practice using your carrier with a teddy bear, and leave it at that. Most parents don’t even open up the box their carrier comes in until baby arrives!

Approaching babywearing this way means that when you’re sleep deprived, stressed out, feeling weak and hormonal, and have a crying baby who needs you - you’re not very likely to pick up that baby carrier, even though it would help you and your baby calm down! And if you do try it, your lack of confidence will have a tendency to kick you in the pants, making you either give up or suffer through discomfort because this is what the tutorial said to do! Babywearing postpartum isn't always easy, friends...and even less so if you don't have support.

This is one of many reasons why I don’t post public YouTube tutorials - I think it does parents a disservice in many ways. There’s no substitute for guided learning with someone who knows what they’re doing, can listen to you and tailor their guidance to your needs, and can empower you to carry your child in whatever situation you encounter.

Teaching a pregnant client how to use her ring sling before her second baby arrived - our toddler were happy causing chaos off camera

Plus, when you work with a babywearing consultant, we’re there to help troubleshoot, provide reassurance, and continue to support you in your journey through the first year and beyond! Having someone to turn to in times of confusion who already knows you and your situation is a huge relief, let me tell you.

If I had one wish, it would be that every parent works with me during pregnancy, not just after birth. Because I’ve seen firsthand what a huge difference it can make for their experience welcoming a new baby into their family, and I know that as parents we need all the help we can get!

So if you’re expecting a child this year, hit pause on the nursery decor Pinterest boards, look up the contact info for your local lactation consultant, and then book in for a private consult or join an upcoming Womb to World Workshop (where we cover a LOT more than just babywearing, by the way!).

Unlike all those adorable impractical baby items that come and go with cultural trends, babywearing is a timeless skill that you will use every. single. day. You won’t regret giving yourself the support you need to do it comfortably and confidently!

Not sure where to start? Shoot me a message at elise@mombodfitness.org and let's chat about whether and how babywearing can fit into your life as a parent!

Me with my then 1.5-year old baby, who is obviously pretty used to this babywearing thing!