Babywearing is a trend that does not look like it is going anywhere anytime soon and for good reason. When you wear your baby, you can promote bonding and closeness while still having your hands free to do other tasks. It enables you to be more mobile and take your baby places you may not be able to get a stroller, like a hiking trail.

Best of all, babywearing creates a convenient way to breastfeed your baby. If you are going to wear your baby, it is best to do it safely. Not only does this protect the baby, but it makes caring for your child more convenient. Here are some tips you should keep in mind when wearing your baby and breastfeeding.

Benefits of Babywearing

Wearing your baby has many benefits for you and your baby. For starters, being near you helps to keep your baby calm. The result is that she develops into a secure and confident toddler.

Having your baby close, especially if you can manage some skin to skin contact, can help her to regulate her own physiological rhythms. That nearness can also be useful in facilitating nursing. If you wear a nursing-friendly top, you can breastfeed easily without much adjustment or even being very obvious about it. Activities like grocery shopping, window shopping with friends, brunch, or just taking a walk can simply be done while wearing your little one...and best of all, breastfeeding done at the same time!  You simply make sure your baby is in a comfortable position for the both of you and make sure that her head is properly supported.

These are benefits for mom, too, because self care is an important ingredient for a happy relationship with yourself and baby. Having a baby does not mean that the world will stop for you. There are still chores to be done and errands to be run. There may even be other children who need care. If you can wear your baby, you may find that you have your hands free to accomplish other tasks. In fact, you may even be able to manage other tasks while you are actually breastfeeding.

Methods of Babywearing

• Sling- A piece of fabric that loops around one of the mother's shoulders, across her body to the opposite hip. Your little one may begin taking an interest in the world around him while in this type of carrier. A sling is an easy option to facilitate nursing as the baby is able to be brought down by adjusting the sling strap through the ring. Re-adjust to bring baby back to "kiss the head" position when finished feeding. 
• Wrap- A wrap is also a piece of fabric. In this case, however, just as the name says, the fabric is wrapped around the mother's torso and, generally, both shoulders. It creates a secure place for the baby to rest.
• Soft-Structured Carriers- These are more like backpacks. They can be worn on the back or the front and offer a more structured seat for your baby. They have straps that go over the parent's shoulders, giving them their backpack-like appearance.

How to Breastfeed In A Carrier or Sling

One of the great things about wearing your baby is that he is always close enough to make breastfeeding convenient. Here is a step-by-step guide.

• If your baby is old enough to sit up, you generally want his bottom at or above your navel during general wearing. Ensure his head is close enough to kiss.  During breastfeeding, he can sit lower in order to access your breast then re-adjust to the proper higher position when finished. 
• Keep an eye out to make sure that his face is not smashed into you and that his airway is not blocked.
• Once your baby is in position, it is usually pretty easy to be discreet about opening your top's nursing access to feed her. If you are wearing a nursing tank top or nursing hoodie, the design can make quick access that much more simpler and more convenient. These specially designed tops for breastfeeding are also great for promoting skin-to-skin contact with your baby outside of using the carrier.

A Few Safety Tips 

One of the big concerns about babywearing is safety and positioning the baby to be ergonomic correct. Safety is especially important if you are also breastfeeding while wearing your baby. It is possible to do all this if you follow a few rules.

• Make sure your baby's head is supported. If his head flops around she can be injured and have difficulty maintaining her airway. Keep his head close enough to kiss.
• It is okay for your baby to be in a lying position while nursing if you are stopping to sit somewhere, but you need to support his head. When you are not breastfeeding, it is best for your baby to be in an upright position and again, sitting high enough in the carrier.
• Practice carrying your baby over a soft surface like a bedside until you are confident about your carrying method and securing the carrier.
• Check your carrier for signs that it is becoming worn. If it is carrying your most precious cargo, you want to make sure it is in working order and everything is in tact.  Overstretched wraps and slings should be replaced. 
• When your baby is not nursing, make sure she is positioned properly in a sitting position with legs supported to the knee. The knee should be higher than the hips.  When legs are dangling from the hip, this can result in hip dysplasia.
• While having your hands free may allow you to do other things while caring for your baby, it is best to do activities that allow you to sit while your baby is feeding. Or doing something that is more leisurely like a slow walk when baby is feeding.  Being up and moving around can increase the risk of choking.  

Wearing your baby has many benefits. It promotes bonding and allows you to care for your baby while having your hands free. The closeness of wearing your baby can give you skin-to-skin contact and also makes breastfeeding easier and more discreet. If you are careful about your baby's safety and comfort, there is no reason you cannot enjoy the convenience of wearing your baby.

One very important part of preparing for your new little one is preparing to breastfeed. By preparing, you can feel much calmer and in control when the time comes, thus making it a more enjoyable and successful experience. Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to prepare.

Purchase Clothing You Can Breastfeed In 

In order to make breastfeeding easier, you should consider purchasing some clothing that are easy to breastfeed in. Thankfully, there are so many options now for tanks, tee shirts, and hoodies that are nursing-friendly. These tops have hidden slits in them that allow you to breastfeed your baby without ever having to remove any of your clothes.

These tops are so convenient when you are nursing in a public location, such as a restaurant, the park, church, etc. They can also allow you to start nursing your baby much faster, which can reduce a lot of stress for you when you have a hungry baby who wants to nurse right away. 

If you are baby wearing, these tanks can snap down for easy nursing access and make baby wearing and breastfeeding much more possible.

Sometimes being a new mom, it's harder for some to adjust to nursing in public spaces. The fears and concerns are real, and clothing that offers privacy can certainly relieve the anxiety and nerves for mothers just getting used to it. 

Make preparing for breastfeeding easier by packing your hospital bag with nursing friendly tops like this mom in her Cozy Nursing Hoodie.

Bun's Ribbed nursing tanks are stretchy for wearability during pregnancy and well into postpartum, creating coverage and comfort for nursing in public.

Visit With A Lactation Consultant 

Another great way to prepare for breastfeeding is to meet with a lactation consultant or take a lactation class before you give birth. A lactation consultant is a professional breastfeeding specialist who will let you know what to expect in terms of your milk coming in, pumping, helping your baby get the right latch for the first time, showing you how to hold your baby when nursing, and much more. They can also answer all of your questions and put a lot of your worries at ease.

Set this up at the hospital you give birth in because most of the time, a lactation consultant will come visit.  You can start breastfeeding within the first hour of giving birth and it will be essential for you to garner as much support and expertise as possible to be off to the right start. Discuss that this is part of your birth plan to breastfeed. 

Prior to this, you can attend a group breastfeeding class taught by a lactation consultant or you can choose to have a one-on-one consultation. Taking a lactation class before the baby arrives can boost your confidence and give you the much needed knowledge to prepare you for your nursing journey.  If you so desire, you could meet with the lactation consultant again after you've had your baby for even more help hands-on help with nursing your baby.  Many have mommy meet up lactation support groups that are even free to attend. 

It's just not always that easy and doesn't always come naturally for many.  Reaching out can be very empowering and even relieve potential for PPD. 

Talk With Other Breastfeeding Moms 

Some of the best advice that you can get in terms of preparing to breastfeed is from other moms. You can join a mom group in your local area, or even find one online. You could also do something as simple as calling up some of your friends who breastfeed and discussing with them some of your questions and concerns. 

Ask them what they are eating. What is their schedule. How long did it take them to get the hang of everything. 

The support of other moms can also come in handy when your baby arrives and you begin to actually breastfeed because they will be there to encourage you and help you as you begin your breastfeeding journey with your little one.

Keep in mind, everyone has a different experience. Take everything with a grain of salt and use this opportunity to be selective and gather all kinds of information to make your best judgements for what would work best for you. It's okay if someone has less than positive advice to vent to you, but then move on to the next support person that can offer more useful and encouraging words to you.

Purchase The Appropriate Supplies

There are a few different nursing supplies that you can purchase that make nursing more convenient for you and more enjoyable for you and your baby.

• One thing that you may want to consider purchasing is some soothing cream for your nipples. In fact, start now, well before you give birth!  Every time you moisturize your growing belly, do the same to your nipples.
• Well moisturized skin and nipples will save you heartache from pain and dry, cracked nipples.  Use 100% shea butter, natural oil, or lanolin. These creams are safe for your baby and you can easily spread them on your nipples after your baby is done nursing.
• If you have inverted or flat nipples, you may want to consider purchasing a nipple shield, just in case your baby has a hard time latching on. This can help them to get better suction at first and then you can stop using the shield once they have a good latch.
• A nursing pillow is a great thing for you to buy because it puts your baby at the perfect height for nursing. It also allows your arms to rest because they don't have to hold the baby up.  We would say that this is a mama must have!
• Nursing pads. Your breast will leak, so keep these handy.  Be sure you have a bra or sports bra ready as well.  Something without wires is best, to avoid clogged milk ducts and further complications.
• Call your insurance for your breast pump! Do this a month away from the due date.  Your insurance should provide the pump fully covered, but this can depend on your insurance so make this part of your to do list.
• Don't forget those game changing nursing tank tops and hoodies for ultimate ease, convenience, comfort, and style.

Summary

In order to prepare to breastfeed your baby, it is important that you purchase the appropriate clothes for breast feeding, you visit with a lactation consultant to learn more about the process of breastfeeding and what to expect, that you talk with other moms for first hand experience and advice, and that you purchase the appropriate supplies for nursing.

To learn more tips about preparing to nurse your baby, you can visit us here. 

Speaking of...blue is having a major moment for us this season.  Not only is blue in trend fashion wise...scuba, dazzle, and ocean blues in particular, but blue reminds of the blissful ocean waves. Where to go you ask? Try gorgeous Playa Vista with the family for an daytime outing that will relax the mind and calm the senses.

 WALK: near the MAC breakwater aka Ballona Creek Bike Path. It's about 3 miles roundtrip if you go down all the way and back up to the bridge down the running walking path. Stay to the side and watch for bikes.

You may be lucky to catch a glimpse of the UCLA row team and definitely you will see gorgeous sailboats venturing out as paddle boarders and kayakers alike stroll along the calm bay.  Seals will occasionally pop out as they enjoy the beautiful nature scape as much as we do. 

The energy is quiet and non touristy here. This is the perfect spot for a stroller walk, and better yet a stroller run if you are trying to get away from the crowds and shopping areas in Santa Monica.  It's free and something parents and children will enjoy.  Have a moment alone?  This place radiates relaxing energy and the fresh breeze will compliment your soon to be meditative and mindful experience. 

The Playa del Rey beach is clean and wide for the kids to run around and the volleyball nets are not far behind.  Walk paths, warm sand, food spots.   

EAT: 

The Shack is nearby for a killa burger and bloody mary stop which gets crowded on sports days but never too insane.  It's casual and beachy with a kids menu that even adults will want to try.  Sandals, shorts, and sea salty hair welcomed here.

Playa Provisions, also, on the same strip, offers small batch gourmet ice cream and delicious food.  The outdoor patio keeps you cool and is perfect for the kiddos.  The fare is fresh and seasonal.  It's steps from the sand so go grab a bite then head to the beach in a jiff.

For the moms that love wine, and who doesn't, go to Bacari.  It's a sweet little wine bar in Playa Del Rey that's across from the Shack.  It's small so go early enough to miss a crowd.

There's many more spots to hop along with the kids or without. All in walking distance.

WEAR: Something that is easy and breezy. Pair your nursing tank with a printed shawl and bohemian inspired cotton skirt.  Feeling cold weather?  Go for layers and exchange the above for a printed cardigan wrap and boots.  It does get cool at sunset so keep layers at hand.

robertwilsonassociates dazzle blue nursing tank top.