When I found out I was expecting, I was determined to embrace babywearing. I often saw new moms struggling under the weight of bulky carriers and thought, there’s got to be a smarter way. Instead of registering for a stroller and a traditional carrier, we opted for a convertible car seat and two Moby wraps—one tan and one brown, just in case one got dirty.
My partner, Jake, was the first to dive into the babywearing world. In our hospital room, he watched a few YouTube tutorials, whipped the fabric around, and snugly secured our little one. Before I knew it, I was wearing our newborn, Leo, on the way home from the hospital.
From that moment on, whenever I got out of bed and Leo wasn’t being changed, he was wrapped up close. At just four days old, he joined us for Christmas mass. By the end of the first week, he was exploring his first national park. And by two weeks, we were hiking with our trusty German shepherd, who graciously carried the diaper bag! Sure, I might have been a bit too ambitious for someone who had just given birth—no wonder I bled for six weeks—but I was determined to reclaim my life.
Babywearing gave me a sense of normalcy, especially once I figured out how to loosen the wrap for nursing. We dined at oyster bars, hiked scenic trails, and even tackled household chores. For a couple without family nearby, this was a game changer. When my mother-in-law visited, she remarked how well we were managing, saying, “You’re acting like this is your third or fourth baby, not your first!” We could keep Leo close in the Moby wrap while still engaging in our daily lives.
Beyond practicality, babywearing had an unexpected benefit for my mental health. Having struggled with major depressive episodes throughout my life, including perinatal depression, I was at high risk for postpartum depression after Leo’s birth. Babywearing proved to be a protective factor; studies show that consistent touch is vital in combating PPD. I spent countless hours showering Leo with kisses and playing with his tiny toes, which was a wonderful distraction, coupled with the joy of being able to join the world again.
Eager to learn more, I scoured the internet and discovered a vibrant community at thebabywearer.com. I signed up for a meet-up with local moms I met online, and despite my nerves about taking Leo to meet strangers, I quickly realized I had found my tribe. I witnessed breastfeeding for the first time and learned about co-sleeping from other mothers. I also got to try different carriers like ring slings and woven wraps, which I hadn’t considered before. That day, I went home and promptly ordered my own woven wrap.
During my early days of motherhood, I was enveloped by an accepting and supportive babywearing community. Some moms chose formula, others swore by cribs, and still more carried their babies in the carriers I had once dismissed. I learned to embrace all parenting styles, and in return, I gained friendships with women who understood my struggles, from toddler tantrums to the challenges of raising a five-year-old. They celebrated my milestones and supported me through difficult times, including the heartbreaking loss of a friend’s baby. Many of these moms remain my closest friends today.
Babywearing truly saved me. It restored my sense of self, shielded me from postpartum depression, and most importantly, gifted me a circle of mom friends—something every mother needs. I transformed from a newbie with a simple Moby wrap to a confident babywearing educator, helping new mothers reclaim their lives as well.
That Moby wrap gave me a fantastic postpartum experience, but it was babywearing that enriched our entire babyhood. Honestly, I can’t imagine navigating those early days without it. I’m grateful for my mental well-being, the life I’ve rebuilt, and the friendships I’ve forged, but above all, I cherish those precious hours spent snuggled up with my babies.
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Summary
Babywearing was a transformative experience for me during motherhood, allowing me to regain my sense of self and maintain a connection with my baby while engaging in everyday life. It helped protect me from postpartum depression and introduced me to a supportive community of mothers who shared similar experiences. The journey from a simple wrap to becoming a babywearing educator enriched my life and provided essential friendships.
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Babywearing, postpartum depression, motherhood, babywearing community, parenting styles, mental health, support for new mothers.