Babywearing Education Australia | Education
Babywearing Education Australia
Reviews
to load big map
24.01.2022 You are not alone in your feelings. New motherhood is HARD
14.01.2022 An amazing opportunity to engage in further educator training. I'm so proud to have been involved in creating this.
10.01.2022 There has been a lot of discussion this morning from some media outlets about issues such as the "rise of the pack pony mums" and whether or not babywearing rea...lly makes any difference to positive bonding. I will just say that 1) there is plenty of data to show that skin to skin contact is enormously beneficial to both babies and their carers. 2) our current culture has it wrong; human beings are social, relational creatures and thrive when they are loved and respected. Our children are no different, and in fact, the quality of their earliest relationships sets the tone for their long term future mental health. Secure attachment matters: yes all babies will attach somehow but it needs to be secure and positive for them to thrive, rather than insecure, ambivalent, etc. 3) there are many ways to build positive bonds; hugs, loving touch and smiles, play, hand holding, listening, eye contact, and more. Using a sling is one way to facilitate close contact, and the hands-free nature can make life work much more easily when there are relentless demands on us to meet work and other responsibilities. Slings can really make a difference to helping families to cope in the stress of the society we have created for ourselves. 4) Older children need love too; would you refuse your tired and unhappy child a cuddle? Parents are not carrying their older children for hours and hours on end, just as their children are not sitting in car seats or pushchairs for hours and hours on end. Sometimes, the sling can be a tool for making life easier, happier and more free to explore when little legs can't quite manage. You can climb higher hills and dales and show them more of the world. A carrier may be more comfortable than prolonged in-arms carrying and less stressful than pulling or cajoling toddlers along. Disabled children may need carrying frequently; their parents deserve help not ridicule. 5) Using a sling does not delay walking or stunt independence; quite the opposite. Many families comment how their carried child is more socially confident and quicker to explore the world, knowing their foundation of support and love is there whenever they need it. 6) It is not our job to train our children to accept a world of disconnection and low-self esteem, but to give them the solid foundation and confidence to change it and make it a better place. Parents! Use your carriers to make life work, to lift your mood, to keep your child safe. Use your carriers to promote secure attachment and to get around easily. When your child wants to get down, let them; and when they want your loving support again, you will be right there. Let's not disparage other parenting choices; we all make the decisions we do based on the information we have. Choose what works for you and your child. Here is Sharon's real story of carrying her older child; a brief moment of respite in a long day. "We were holidaying in France. It was a breezy day, we visited a small town which had lots of cobble streets, steps, gateways and castle walls. It also had some little shops and cafes. We had a full day walking and exploring, the boys playing knights and castles and other pretend games. Running in and out of doorways, up and down steps. After a full morning's adventures we ran down lots of steps towards the beach. The beach was really cold. The 6 yr old got grumpy, the 4 year old got grumpy. We found a little playground and stopped for snacks and a play. After our break we began the walk back to the centre of the town where our car was parked. A long walk back along the promenade along the shore. The 6 year old was content running up and down steps, finding and throwing pebbles, the 4 year old had had enough, he was cold and tired. A tantrum or a full bum plant and "I'm not moving" was imminent. I had the ring sling as a scarf, it was keeping me warm. "Would you like to go in the sling" I asked. Of course, the answer was "yes", the anticipation on his face, the frown turning to a smile as I got the sling ready! I lifted him and secured him, he snuggled into me. It's evident in the photo - the contentment that the closeness and the warmth brought to us both. I choose that over a grumpy tantrum any day."
06.01.2022 Join BVI in a huge online party that will last the whole of Babywearing week.
02.01.2022 Postnatal depression is a reality for many women. It occurs in all cultures and can happen to child bearing women of all ages. Pregnancy is the common factor. I...t can happen after miscarriage or stillbirth, normal or traumatic delivery, or caesarean delivery. It can occur after a third or a fifth baby. Sometimes it happens after a first baby only. Sometimes it happens with a third baby, but not with the first two. Sometimes it happens after each pregnancy. Postnatal depression can be debilitating. Women may find themselves struggling with tasks that have never felt difficult before, and wondering when they will feel capable of loving their baby, or of taking care of themselves again. This RUOK day we would like to reach out to all the mothers who are dealing with Postnatal anxiety and Depression. Please take a minute and think about how YOU are going. #ruokday This article discusses the impact of babywearing on Postnatal Depression and is a recommended read for anyone interested in supporting new mothers: https://aimeegourleyni.com//the-impact-of-babywearing-on-/ This article may also be helpful reading: http://www.sheffieldslingsurgery.co.uk/post-natal-depressi/ If you are struggling through the depths of PND, or are caring for someone who is PANDA is a wonderful organisation, and well worth reaching out to: http://www.panda.org.au/ If you need help, please don't wait. You can do a quick screen at Beyond Blue or call their helpline 1300 22 4636 https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au//maternal-mental If you need to speak to someone there is also always someone available at Lifeline 13 11 14 [image is of a mother with pink and purple hair and white skin looking at her child who she is carrying on her front in a baby carrier. The child has dark hair and is looking past the camera. Text on the image says "Babywearing allows me to be the parent I wish to be".]
