Babywearing It Out has partnered with MamAmor Dolls, Wrapsody, and The Babywearing Workout to spread a little love this Mother's Day. Enjoy an interview with a babywearing adventurer, as well as a chance to win some amazing prizes!
Babywearing Adventures Interview
Did you believe your days of adventure were long gone when you found out you were having a child?
You know, I really did -- or at least, that I'd have to keep my adventures to short bursts of time when I could find a babysitter. Now that I've had two kids, I really notice that the media sends me these crazy messages about how motherhood should consume my life. Turns out, it does in some ways -- but it also kind of doesn't. :)
What is proudest achievement with adventuring with baby?
When Sterling (he's four now) was a baby, my husband suggested we pack a suitcase and a diaper bag and just jump on a plane for the weekend. I argued with him for weeks before he finally convinced me to do it. "Listen," he said, "a wrap, some diapers, some onesies, and me. What could possibly go wrong? I want to take you somewhere you've never been before." I let go of my inhibitions and my need for planning and we went to the airport with absolutely no plan. We actually ended up in Denver, and it was the most amazing vacation I've ever had because I had no expectations -- and of course, my husband was right. Sterling was fine; we were all fine. We filled our metaphorical cups in the mountains and came home happier than ever.
What is the simplest challenge to overcome about adventuring with baby?
It took me a while to get my rhythm, especially in the winter -- knowing when to put my carrier on, whether to wear my coat under it or over it. I think if I'd been able to get to a babywearing group first, I would have gotten incredible advice that could have taken that bit out of my learning curve!
What kind of support did you receive from others towards your babywearing? What about criticisms?
You know, our families were a little frustrated. They worried that we weren't doing "tummy time" and it was hard to explain that babyweaing IS tummy time. They worried about whether the kids would learn "independence," which everyone seems so keen on. (In truth, if babies were meant to be independent, they'd be a lot different when they were born!)
I remember the first time I went shopping with my mother, though. She turned to me at one point and said, "Wow. He is SO happy in that thing, isn't he? He hasn't fussed once." Yup. That's the magic. That moment meant a lot to me.
There are many strong opinions when it comes to parenting styles. If you received criticism or encountered someone unsupportive of your babywearing, how did you defend you parenting decision?
I read an article a long time ago that said something like, "Pass the bean dip, please." It's easy to react defensively, giving statistics or studies or whatever, but I've started to just aim for something like, "That's an interesting opinion. Could you pass the bean dip?" It sort of implies it's not up for discussion.
Of course, sometimes someone will give me information that I'll look up later. For instance, when I'm out, I've always got someone worried about baby's breathing, or her hips, or how high or low she is. I'm happy to double check their sources, because I learn something new about being a mama every day.
Many mothers view wrapping as having a large learning curve. How long did it take you to feel like you had mastered babywearing?
My Wrapsody came with an instructional DVD, and I watched it a few times before Sterling was born. By the end of the second week, I felt pretty comfortable using the Wrap Cross Carry. It's the first carry I learned. When Sterling got about 4 months old, I started to try back carries -- it was kind of like starting over again in some ways, but within about a month, I felt really good about that, too. Honestly, I feel like it's easier than tying shoes -- there are fewer steps, really. :)
What is the most rewarding part about adventuring with baby?
We can do SO MANY things, and I feel like supermama a lot of the time. It's like my wrap is my cape, you know? I love that I can knit something while I'm rocking my girl, or that if Sterling is sick I can settle him in less than a minute's time by tying on a wrap, and that I can still take a walk and know I'm meeting his needs. We even went to a rally at the statehouse when he was little. A lot of moms mentioned they'd left their babies with the sitter, but I could do something really important to me, and he got to be part of democracy in action. It was amazing. However, one of my most favorite things to do with both of my babies is The Babywearing Workout. I can wear my little one and Sterling likes to wrap one of his “stuffies” in my scarf on his back and do the DVD right along with me...it’s a family fitness affair!
What do you think are the qualities of a good mother and how do you measure your success as a parent?
At the end of the day, I ask myself, "Have I taught them to be kind? Have I taught them to ask questions? Have I taught them to love themselves?" If at least 5 days out of 7, the answer is "yes," I feel like I'm an OK mama, even if every moment has not felt that way.
Liz is a MamAmor doll brought to life through a partnership between Kristi, Kelli, and Adriana of Wrapsody, The Babywearing Workout, and MamAmor dolls.
A former marketing consultant, Liz now enjoys an active life as a stay-at-home mother of Cate, 6 months, and Sterling, 4. She enjoys adventuring with her babies and her husband, John. She considers herself a diligent student of motherhood and loves learning and creating new things. Her favorite baby carrier is her Wrapsody Breeze, and she loves to use it while she does The Babywearing Workout DVD.
