'Babywearing' support group celebrates 10 years next week

A group that supports 'babywearing' parents will celebrate its 10th anniversary next week.

The Mullingar Babywearing Ireland Sling Library is having its last 'sling meet' before its summer break in Cullion GAA Clubhouse next Tuesday, June 6, at 10.30am. The group will be raffling a sling at the event and everyone who attends will be in with a chance of winning.

Babywearing Ireland (BWI) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation offering impartial information about and support for the practice of babywearing and the safe use of baby carriers and slings.

Sharon Behan founded the Mullingar branch and is currently one of three volunteers in the group, along with Gemma Kelly and Rose Seberry. Other volunteers throughout the years were Susan Clery, Claire Haugh, Stephanie Sullivan and Laura Cullen.

Sharon says that babywearing has a lot of benefits for both parents and children.

"I have been babywearing on and off for 14 years and the parents I have helped are amazed how babywearing allows them to meet the contact needs of their baby and have their hands free to do all the things mothers struggle to do each day.

"There are plenty of scientific studies that measure the effects (on mothers and babies) of things like touch stimulation, close physical contact, holding infants upright, and skin-to-skin contact – all things that are naturally promoted when babywearing.

"Studies show that babies cry less (54%) when carried, mothers are more responsive to their babies and reflux symptoms are reduced.

"Babywearing improves babies' digestion, soothes and calms them and benefits the mother's mental health. Babywearing can help with back pain and ultimately gives you your hands back so you can care for other children and do every day tasks."

Contact bwimullingar@gmail.com for more information or contact the group on Facebook Babywearing Ireland Mullingar Sling Meet and Library.