Babywearing and Breastfeeding

When it comes to breastfeeding, the benefits of babywearing are many!

!. Babywearing a newborn keeps the baby close to the breast during a critical time for establishing breastfeeding. Many babywearing advocates talk about how gestation lasts 18 months — nine months “in” and nine months “out” with both skin-to-skin contact and carrying close to the chest in a carrier.

2. Babies who are worn cry less, which reserves the baby’s energy for feeding and makes for happier parents and babies!

3. Breastfeeding while babywearing keeps the mother’s hands free to read a book or tend to older children who might otherwise be jealous of that time spent with the newborn.

4. For mothers who prefer more coverage while breastfeeding in public, a sling or other baby carrier can help a mother feel more comfortable.

5. Baby carriers are great for easily distracted babies who have a hard time settling down to nurse. Dr. Sears explains that the same is true for babies who have a hard time organizing their sucking:

Some babies breastfeed better on the move, especially those problem suckers who need movement to organize their sucking. Tense babies (those with a suck problem called tonic bites) and back-archers often breastfeed much better in the sling because of the organizing effect babywearing has on their entire physiology. As the baby’s whole body relaxes, so do the suck muscles.

6. Babywearing is especially helpful for babies who are gaining weight slowly and at risk of failure to thrive. It makes sense that babies who are worn are reminded to breastfeed more frequently. Babywearing can also help a mother become in tune with her baby’s feeding cues. Again the close contact itself can help the baby organize, relax, and thrive!

I recently mastered the hip carry with my home-sewn sling which is going on seven years of hard use now! (Instructions to make your own baby sling are here). My toddler discovered she could nurse in that position and often settles herself to sleep for the night while the family takes our evening walk.

Do you breastfeed while babywearing? Which type of carrier do you prefer for breastfeeding and babywearing?

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

2. Baby-Wearing: Along for the Ride is running a summer contest to win the essential babywearing stash, which includes one Gypsy Mama Wrap, one Hotslings pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Beco Butterfly, and one ZoloWear Ring Sling – in your choice of any in-stock colors or patterns. The contest runs through July 31st, 2008.

3. Cloth Diapering: Nature’s Child is offering a chance to win a bumGenius 3.0 Starter Kit: 18 diapers, diaper sprayer, a dozen cloth wipes, and a bottle of odor remover. Contest open through July 31st, 2008.

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

It turned out to be very easy to sew a sling, especially since my husband did much of the work! It took more time to shop for the fabric and sling rings than it did to sew the sling, which took about two hours from start to finish.

Difficulty:

Easy project for beginners who are familiar with basic sewing machine operation

Supplies Needed:

(1) 2.25 to 2.5 yards of fabric
(2) Two 3-inch metal or nylon (plastic) rings; metal rings should be 4 gauge wire or thicker (see pattern for sources and safety specifications)
(3) This Maya Wrap pattern

Tips for the Project:

– Choose a fabric that is sturdy and not stretchy (if the fabric has any “give” it could stretch and pose a falling hazard to the baby). Avoid fabrics that are shiny or slippery as those too could pose a hazard. Keep in mind that you will need to sew through several layers of fabric, so select one that your sewing machine can handle (or consider sewing that section by hand). I chose an all-cotton, breathable fabric that would be machine-washable and comfortable for my baby.

– Check the remnants and sales sections of the fabric store for deals. I was able to buy 2.5 yards for about U.S. $2/yard.

– Try eBay as a source for the sling rings in addition to the sources listed on Maya Wrap. I called marine supply shops to try to find metal rings, but they were expensive and hard to find in stock. I bought six rings on eBay for 20 cents a piece plus shipping–less than the cost of one ring at the marine supply store. On eBay, try a search for “sling rings baby sling.” Generally some metal rings will show up for sale among the listings for slings. One recent closed listing showed that eight rings sold for U.S. $2.50 plus $2.75 shipping.

– Read the pattern all the way through before purchasing your fabric and rings. The pattern contains pertinent sizing and safety information.

Tips for Wearing Your New Sling:

– The Maya Wrap site offers several links to video instructions on how to use a sling safely and comfortably to carry a newborn or toddler.

– The key for comfort is to adjust the portion over the shoulder properly. Stretch the sling out over the shoulder as instructed to distribute the weight evenly. Some slings require padding over the shoulder but this one does not if it’s adjusted properly.

– The “tail” of the sling can be used for extra coverage during nursing (not that I think that’s necessary aside from the comfort level of the nursing mother) or even to keep the baby warm in cold weather.

Please let me know if you sew a sling. I’d love to print your comments on the project and feature a picture of you, your finished sling and your nursling!

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3