BABYWEARING: A WAY TO REDUCE PND

Written by Jana Angeles

Reducing your chances of getting Postnatal Depression (PND) is possible when it comes to babywearing. Ross who is a UK Dad Blogger for Isablog has shared his struggles with Postnatal Depression and has written blogs sharing his personal experience with PND. He shares in one of his blog posts that babywearing has helped him with his Postnatal Depression. Contrary to popular belief, dads can also get PND and Ross is an example of a parent who has had to face the challenges of dealing with it. While babywearing is one way which could help parents experiencing any signs or symptoms of PND, getting professional help is always encouraged. So, how does babywearing reduce the effects of PND?

Gives you the freedom to get stuff done!

Babywearing gives you the opportunity to be able to do things without the hassle of taking a pram with you. You may want to catch up with a friend or get some house chores done. By simply babywearing, you give yourself the freedom to do more. Having bub close to you will not only allow you to move freely but it gives you the chance to keep them close to you when undertaking a task around the household. It could help you avoid feelings of discouragement and motivate you to be active and social with a family member or friend.

Close contact with bub = strengthening bonds

One of the key benefits of babywearing is that you have close contact with your bub at all times. You have them close to your body, which allows for skin-to-skin contact. Touch is key when it comes to growing your bond with your baby. Since babywearing allows you to touch constantly, it may help with the symptoms of PND. While raising a baby can be physically and emotionally draining at times, having close contact with them can start creating that bond, rather than have you as a parent feel isolated if you are experiencing the symptoms of PND.

Your baby is more likely to cry less

According to a study done by Loyola University Chicago, if a baby cries less, you are less likely to suffer symptoms of PND. It can be stressful for if you’re a new parent trying to calm down your newborn baby. You may feel like somewhat of a failure if you do not end up stopping bub from crying, which may lead to symptoms of PND. Through babywearing, it is a method that could help your baby feel at ease because of your close contact with each other. This will make it easier when you are about to feed them or when attending to their needs when they are crying.

They will sleep/nap for longer

Babies generally sleep/nap for longer when they are carried. One of the key advantages of babywearing is that it allows you to rock them to sleep again, especially if they have woken up from a short sleep cycle. This also saves you time from having to lift them up again from the cot and rocking them to sleep as well. In addition, babywearing can also help improve the way your baby sleeps at night. Since you have been in close contact with bub, it helps regulate their circadian rhythms much better. More sleep for the family equals a better wellbeing for all!

Helps increase your confidence as a parent

Since babywearing allows you to keep in close contact with bub, it gives you the opportunity to read your baby’s cues much more effectively. This is because when you are holding bub close, you are more likely to be in fine tune with their cues. Since you are being responsive to their needs through babywearing, you gain the trust of bub and helps create strong family ties, allowing you to become a happier parent as a result. This will give you a confidence boost in your ability to raise your newborn.

It is important to remember that babywearing is merely a suggestion that could help alleviate/prevent the symptoms of PND. However, we encourage all parents to seek professional help if the symptoms of PND worsen over time. There is no shame in asking for help, especially in situations where you are at risk of feeling isolated and depressed. Remember that you are not alone and there is support out there when you need it!