THE PRACTICE OF BABYWEARING

The importance of babywearing was discussed during the International Babywearing Week held at University of Southeastern Philippines’ on October 19.

When I was still single, I used to see moms who do babywearing, which means carrying their baby in a sling or baby carrier, at the mall or at any public places. It’s either they wear the baby in front face-to-face with mommy or the baby faces outside. Some also wear their baby at the back just like having a backpack. I have never realized its importance until I have a child of my own.

I got to meet the mommies of DaWow Moms at USEP Social Hall where the International Babywearing Week was celebrated last October 19, 2018. The group DaWow Moms is a community of mommies who advocate attachment and natural parenting like babywearing, usage of cloth diapers, breastfeeding, and a lot more.

Korai Amaya-Alconga, one of the admins, is an expert on babywearing.

“Babywearing empowered me to be the best parent I can be. It enables me to sooth my baby during growth spurts or whenever she feels sick. I can do work while my baby is comfortably sleeping on my chest. I can travel with kids, carry bags and be confident that my baby is safe as I carry her. I can easily attend to my children’s needs because my hands are free,” Mommy Korai said.

There are several types of baby carriers like the classic, soft-structured, backpack, and pouch carriers. Aside from that, there are ring slings and stretchy or woven wraps too.

“Who could’ve imagine a simple tool can turn you into a confident and strong parent?” Mommy Korai said.

The social media has put pressure on new moms, like me, in terms of applying the traditional practice of taking care of babies. It has brought back the glory including of babywearing.

So here are other moms who also find the importance of babywearing to their motherhood journey. I hope they can give us some inspiration.

Axel May Clapano

“I do get a lot of negative feedback when wearing my son. Sometimes, I just ignore them and smile. But, when I do have the chance, I always say that babywearing is backed up with medical studies and it is widely available online. I won’t do anything that I think would harm my child in any way.”

Alexandra Borja-Dionisio

“I have clingy babies, a newborn and a 1-year-old. Babywearing is my way to bond with them and give them equal attention. I consider tandem wearing as a way to keep me at peace when parenthood and household chores get overwhelming. It also gives my body a bit of that physical exercise.”

Jessa Sumagaysay

“My daughter was only less than a year when we started babywearing. The easy access to breastfeeding, the comfort that it brings to me, and the security to my child are my topmost

priorities. With babywearing, every errand runs smooth. We travel a lot even before kids. But now, our itinerary plans have upgraded into something special because of babywearing.”

The writer will appreciate comments, questions, story suggestions, and even coverage requests for parenting-related events. Reach out to her through ara3casas@yahoo.com, at Ara Casas-Tumuran on Facebook, and @tumuranfamily on Instagram.