I had a straightforward pregnancy and the thought of my first child arriving early hadn’t been something I had considered or even had been discussed with me. Yet at 9.30pm one Sunday night my waters broke. I was 30 +6 weeks.

We quickly made our way to the hospital, and after monitoring us they didn't seem concerned. So, we were told we would probably be sent home after 24 hours. We were left in a room waiting for the doctor that had been called to an emergency. After that things seemed to happen very quickly and the next time, we saw a midwife there was panic.

They quickly gave me a steroid injection (this helps baby's lungs to develop) and wanted to get us to the labour ward as quickly as possible. In the lift my husband said he saw the panic in the midwifes eyes as I lost control of my legs and started shaking like crazy (I was in a wheelchair). Luckily we made it up to the ward as once I laid on the bed I felt her head coming out. They had to whip my jeans off and saw she was arriving!

Until about 18 months ago I couldn’t have told you what perimenopause was and I assumed that Menopause was a long way off. When I started my periods my Mum said “You know you can get pregnant now right?”. That was both my period and sex talk! Ah Mums of the 80’s! So you can see how I might not have been prepared for this.

I had only just started to get a grip on my menstruation cycle (big thanks to the book ‘Period Power’ by @_maisiehill_ ) and like a lot of women and girls I had for a long time felt it was something to be ashamed of and not discussed outside your own bedroom, let alone your own home. But having a Daughter myself I was adamant that I would be more educated not just for me, but for her too. Ellies really going to love our period and sex talks! Bring on the diagrams and uterus’s with smiley faces :D

Babywearing In Winter - Our top tips

Getting out on those crisp winter days can be a real delight for both Parent and baby. Watching the leaves fall, hearing the crunch of snow beneath your feet. It’s a very special experience to wrap up close to our baby or toddler and go for a walk in the fresh air.

But If you want to babywear in winter as the weather gets colder it can be hard to know how to dress your baby or toddler while in the carrier or sling so they are not too hot or cold.

Read our top tips for what to dress your baby (and yourself in!) whilst using slings and carriers in cold weather…

I'm walking through beautiful woodland, hair freshly washed and flowing, as I feel the gentle rhythm of my baby breathing on my chest, deep in slumber. I'm at one with mother nature, I am literally mother earth IRL! 

Then I have my baby and find that the Instagram babywearing fantasy I created for myself and my newborn is far from reality. I have no fucking idea how to fit this wrap, my baby screams every time I try to put her in it, my hair is on day 6 of dry shampoo and I’m left feeling frazzled. I’m as far from ethereal as you can get. I give up. My baby hates it! 

This sound familiar? Okay some reality checks before we start, because babywearing is just absolutely bloody amazing. It's one of the most natural and beautiful ways for us to bond with our babies and on a practical level it's a god send for being able to settle your little one, be hands free and If you have an older child, to be able to comfort both your babies at the same time. But it also takes a bit of knowledge (we're here for that) and a bit of practice.

So here are my top 6 tips for helping your baby (and you!) to relax and be happier in the carrier/sling.

What’s the issue with narrow based carriers?

When it comes to babywearing, we applaud anyone for wanting to wear their baby and be the kind of caregiver that is responsive and close to their baby. Especially during the 4th trimester, when your little one still identifies as being part of you. Holding them often during this time (and after) has lots of positive impact for your babies development, creates a healthy and secure attachment, calms your baby during times of distress and allows you to respond to your babies needs. As well as creating lots of oxytocin between you both, which supports breastfeeding and is called the ‘love hormone’ for a reason. Oooh don’t you just love those snuggles!