Babywearer’s Anonymous
Oddly, I’ve been thinking a lot about babywearing lately. I guess it’s not too odd, since I still carry Gwen quite often, but I find myself thinking about the fact that I’m not likely going to be able to wear her nearly as long as I was hoping.
And finding myself feeling guilty.
When I was pregnant with Gwen, I developped some NASTY varicose veins in my left leg. I had to wear support hose. One of my tip-offs that I might be pregnant again was a nice plump varicose vein running along my thigh. I poked it and thought, “Hmmm … it’s been a while since I’ve seen one of those … like … almost a year … OH CRAP.”
So, needless to say, the veins are back and I’m already wearing the support hose. During my last pregnancy, my midwives wanted me off work because it involved lifting that was adding extra strain to my cardiovascular system. I’m assuming it’ll be the same this time, only the lifting and carrying that I do now is of a very different sort.
I’m hoping to wear Gwen as long as possible, not only because I love it and she loves it, but also because I am one of the few people I know or have seen in Hamilton wearing a baby. And you know what? I believe that being visible and wearing your baby out of the house goes a long way toward normalizing babywearing and encouraging other people to do it.
I am, however, thankful that Gwen doesn’t hate our new stroller - in fact, she loves riding in it and gets excited when she sees me pull it out and open it up. But the best is still how she rests her head on my chest when I’m getting her in the Mei Tai and snuggles her head under my chin when I’m tying it.
She still loves transportation by mama the best!
