CAN I CARRY MY PREEMIE?

💜CAN I CARRY MY PREEMIE?💜

Well yes and possibly no.-It will depend so much on baby and yourself.

-It will depend on baby's weight, how the birth went and your recovery,

-It will depend if baby is still in hospital and under any medical treatment or investigations.

-It will depend if baby is attached to monitors/cables and if you are able to hold them yet.

💜 Can you just grab a sling and put it on the same way as the instructions though? NO. How to carry a preemie is very different and there are more considerations involved.

✔️ Working with a trained babywearing educator should be priority if you want to carry a younger or low weight baby. We are trained and insured to support you and adapt slings to support baby. We are trained to work outwith manufacturing guidelines and how to use the sling in different ways.

💜 Having that trained professional support can make a bit difference in carrying baby early or waiting until they are bigger.

💜I had a beautiful session in the neonatal ward yesterday with this Mum and gorgeous baby who arrived a wee bit early.

We worked with a 2 way stretchy wrap in a way to support his wee body and focusing on his airways and natural positioning.We looked at how to adjust and fit the carrier round him to support the way he would be held in arms.

💜What are some benefits of carrying a preemie?- Babies are calm and content

- Helps to regulate heart rate and temperature

- Helps improve breast milk production

- Increased oxytocin which is beneficial for baby and parent

Can my midwife or nurse support me to carry my preemie?

❌Unfortunately not, midwifes and medical professional are not trained in babywearing unless they have done so themselves. (But then they probably wouldn't be allowed to support in hospital)Many times, nurses or midwives may tell you that you cannot purely because they are not trained and do not know the correct information.

💜 If you would like to learn to carry while in hospital, please get in touch with your local consultant or one trained in working with low weight babies.

💜 I have helped many prem and low weight babies over the years and am always happy to help you have that connection.

🤔 If you have any questions please get in touch but remember, what works for one prem baby may not work the same for yours.

Laurna | Trained babywearing educator

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