// My Babywearing Journey + Ergobaby Giveaway

I could write post after post after post on why babywearing is so important to me, but in order to save you from absolute boredom, I'll try to sum it up nicely in this one entry... When I had so much trouble with breastfeeding (and feeling like an utter failure), babywearing is what "saved" me. I spent the first couple of weeks feeling like I would never bond with Linden because I was so mentally and physically exhausted from stressing over him eating. I was so worried that all of those "breast is best" articles were right and breastfeeding was bonding. Since I couldn't breastfeed successfully, I wouldn't ever bond with my baby, right? Wrong. (Thank goodness!) And I have a handy little wrap to thank for it.
I knew I wanted to wear Linden since I first found out I was pregnant. I loved the thought of having him close, all the while having my hands free. It would be the best of both worlds. Endless snuggling that allowed me to be a productive work at home mom. Since I wasn't sure what wrap to start out with or if they were worth the cash, I began by using a DIY wrap I had made. It served us well while Linden was still hovering around his newborn weight. Of course thanks to his reflux and incessant spitting up, the crazy amount of washing it endured caused it to check out early on. While it didn't last for long, it opened me up to the wide world of babywearing and everything it entailed. I learned very quickly how beneficial it was for both me and Linden. I began wearing him the moment I was physically able to (post-caesarian) because it seemed so natural. From womb to wrap.

Babywearing is so beneficial for both the carrier and the baby. It has helped me create a bond with Linden that is stronger than almost anything. It's also helped me become incredibly tuned in to his personal "schedule." I'm always aware of when he's hungry, tired, or in need of a new diaper. Linden isn't a huge fan of tummy time, so wearing him helps him strengthen his neck muscles. (That kid has a big head in relation to his body, so strong muscles to keep it up are key haha!) One of my very favorite things about wearing him is I always know when he's ready for a nap because he'll burrow his sweet little face into one of the straps of the wrap where it's dark and cozy. (Anxious mom alert: If your kid does this, you'll freak out thinking he's going to suffocate. Luckily a little adjusting of the strap makes for the perfect little airway! I was worried sick after he developed this habit.)
It's not all about the baby and mama bonding either. Mike was having a hard time feeling super connected to Linden in the earlier weeks because L refused to be held by anyone other than me, and because Mike is gone all day to school, then spends most nights studying like crazy. Linden wanted me to feed him, hold him, soothe him, etc. It took a little bit of practice, but once Mike got the hang of the wrap, Linden was totally game to be worn by Dad. Seriously, it was such an exciting moment for us. Not only did it allow Mike a chance to really bond with L, but it also allowed me to take a shower, get some work done, and be alone when needed. Things that become absolute luxuries once the little ones show up.

Me preaching about babywearing may seriously be bordering on kicking a dead horse for some of you, but it's so hard to keep quiet when it's hands down the one thing that I feel really saved me (and Linden) these first few months. It hasn't been a walk in the park, but wearing him has been exactly what we both needed. And with that being said, I'm super excited about sharing the babywearing love with y'all! I'm certainly no expert on the subject, and in fact I'm still pretty clueless about wearing outside of wraps (soft structured carriers, wovens, etc, etc!). But I'm eager to learn more as Linden grows!

As an Ergobaby Brand Ambassador I am over the moon to share this giveaway today. In celebration of October being World Babywearing Awareness Month, one lucky reader is going to win an Ergobaby 4th Trimester pack which includes a wrap in your color choice and a set of Swaddlers! (Remember when I shared the Swaddlers in my Newborn Essentials post?! They are the bomb dot com!)
I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to use the Ergobaby wraps these past couple of months. I promise I'm not just saying this, but they're amazing! At first I was worried there'd be too much fabric and they'd be cumbersome (my DIY wrap was much thinner), but they provide the perfect amount of support and stretch, and they still breathe, too. That way Linden is cozy when it's cool, but not too warm when it's hot out. They have a handy little pocket on the front even. (I may or may not use this for my phone and a spare pacifier or three haha!) After a handful of washes each, they're still holding up like new. (When you have a reflux baby, you get used to doing a lot of laundry! SO. MUCH. LAUNDRY!) I alternate between the Clay and Eucalyptus wraps, and I never leave the house without one! One of my favorite things about babywearing is spreading the love when out and about in public. Without fail, every time I wear him in a store, someone comments or asks about the wrap. We may live in a small town, but it's so fun to see babywearing become more and more normal around here.

As far as the giveaway goes, you don't have to be pregnant or a mom to win. Enter for a friend, give as a gift, or donate to a local women's shelter if you'd like! If you're curious about babywearing and you want to try it out without shelling out a lot of cash, enter and test your luck! I promise you'll be so stoked to have these in your arsenal. My hope with this giveaway is that another mama out there experiences just how powerful babywearing can be. It has had such a positive impact on my experience as a new mom, and I really want one of y'all to have that, too!

ENTER TO WIN AN ERGOBABY 4TH TRIMESTER SET

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck, friends! I can't wait to see who wins!