Spotlight on a Slingababy Consultant: Ana Vuletic

Can you give us a quick introduction as to who you are?
Hi, I am Ana. I have been babywearing for around 6 years now and I have an almost 6 year old girl Lena, and a 2.5 year old Tara. I am originally from Serbia, but currently settled in Finland. I started a charity Library called Lena’s traveling carriers 3 years ago with the idea to help all parents safely babywear and to create a place without mum shaming and full support. We rent everything for free and also provide mums support trough each stage of motherhood and beyond. Recently we extended our support by partnering with IT Academy to give parents the opportunity to learn new skills and help their career.

Can you tell us more about your journey from carrying to becoming a consultant to now?
As mentioned, not only did I wear both of my kids, I also created a group which covers 3 countries and has an army of babywearing consultants to support parents. My group has this strict rule of not allowing mum shaming in any way. In many other groups I was constantly seeing some advice which were pointing out big NOs and shamed parents for their decisions and I wanted to have official training because everything in my gut was saying that it can’t be one rule for all situations.

What is your favourite part about being a consultant?
Supporting parents and encouraging them to make decisions, providing them with all the love and watch them grow in confidence.

Would you share a special memory that sticks out for you?
There are many, but the ones that stick out the most are those that facilitated life changing moments. Once there was a little, amazing boy with spina bifida, full of life and eager for adventures and amazing parents who were always trying to find new ways to allow him to explore. I managed to find a specially designed carrier and with a help from the group Lena’s traveling carriers we gathered enough money to buy it send it as a new year gift. They were able to go off roads and seek new adventures and I am proud of all parents working together in this.

What tip would you give yourself if you could get back to the time before you were a parent?
The one tip I will give myself is to have all the patience in the world for my mum and be kinder to her, and also to be kinder to myself.

Why did you choose to train with Slingababy?
I wanted to introduce a new school in our countries and I read all great experiences and reviews and somehow I felt it aligned with my approach and I was right.

Do you want to say a few words about your Slingababy experience?
It was amazing experience. Lorette is a wonderful teacher, who knows really well to trigger all the right spots and inspire you to dig deeper and find your way. I think I gained a lot and above all I felt good and ready after finishing.

Anything else you would like to say about anything?
Be kind to each other, always.

How can people get hold of you?
Trough FB Page: Lena’s traveling carriers
IG: @lenastravelingcarriers
Email: lenastravelingcarriers@gmail.com
website: lenastravelingcarriers.com

Ana Vuletic with her two daughters in summer in Finland in front of the forest. Her 2 year old is in her favourite ring sling which has bugs on it.

Spotlight on a Slingababy Consultant: Rachel Coy

Can you give us a quick introduction as to who you are?
I’ve been carrying for 11 years after I discovered the dog wanted to go places the “all terrain” buggy didn’t. I’ve been running sling library for almost 10 years and consultant for 9. I’m I am a mummy of two. When not running library, I am a secondary maths teacher specialising in nurture provision. I run the North East Sling library from my home in Durham city but provide postal hire across the country and video consultations

Can you tell us more about your journey from carrying to becoming a consultant to now?
I started carrying with a variety of mainstream carriers that we were given by friends. When Henry was 4 months old, the infantino sling rider recall occurred. We had a different brand but couldn’t understand why it would be safe if slingrider wasn’t. So I set about trying to find solutions. I came across the babywearer and natural mamas and very quickly fell in love. I started with a meh dai but moved onto buckles (my favourite being connecta – we even have an exclusive range called Isaac’s Dogs and Henry’s Hogs) and eventually wraps.

There was no in person support anywhere near me when I started so without online forums I wouldn’t have known what to do. It was this lack of support which saw me launch the sling library. We have grown from 23 slings to 300+ in the almost 10 years we have run.

I started library in July 2011 and completed my first consultancy course in March 2012. I have then gone on to train with all uk based trainers and Jpmbb. For a while, before returning to full time teaching, I also taught peer support courses.

What is your favourite part about being a consultant?
The lightbulb moment parents get when they realise something they had discounted because it looked complicated is actually the perfect fit. It is their trust in me to select what I think will be the right fit that means the most.

Would you share a special memory that sticks out for you?
I went to do a home visit consult with a first time American mum. It was thanksgiving and she invited me to thanksgiving dinner.

The other, supporting a disabled mum carry her 3 year old so she could take her to nursery. I have then gone on to help her with her two other children.

What tip would you give yourself if you could get back to the time before you were a parent?
Trust yourself. Firstly, you are in charge of your destiny. Secondly, when you are a parent that you know your baby better than anyone else.

Why did you choose to train with Slingababy?
Lorette’s enthusiasm and understanding. Her patient style and willingness to not just stick with the “normal”
That and she got me to concur my nemesis is carry – the robyns hip carry.

The opportunity to repeat days if necessary too

Do you want to say a few words about your Slingababy experience?
Life changing!

How can people get hold of you?
Rachel@northeastslinglibrary.co.uk
Facebook page www.Facebook.com/northeastslings or phone 07989242664

Rachel Coy carrying a demo doll on her front

Rachel Coy carrying her son in a woven wrap on her front

Rachel Coy carrying her son on the front in a buckle carrier. They are kissing each other

Spotlight on a Slingababy Consultant: Emma Cooper

Can you give us a quick introduction as to who you are?
I am mum to two, older child is 6, younger child is 20weeks – finding my sling skills so helpful with needing to care for two children!

I live in south Gloucestershire, I am one of the three Bristol Sling Ladies, and am building my consultancy (Emma Cooper Carrying) in the Yate / Chipping Sodbury / Bradley Stoke area.

I walk my dog every day, and I used to enjoy swimming and exercise every week although the pandemic has totally thrown that out of sync!

I love empowering parents and carers, it’s such a joy to help them be confident, comfortable and safe in their carrying journey.

Can you tell us more about your journey from carrying to becoming a consultant to now?
Eldest born 2015, came to slings out of necessity as I had two dogs and lived in a flat with no garden!

I quickly learned all the amazing benefits of carrying, for myself and for my daughter, and found the online community. I wanted to help build the bristol sling community and began volunteering for Bristol Sling Library in the winter of 2015.

I loved helping people and so began my training: I did Born to Carry Peer Supporter training in April 2016, School of Babywearing Consultant training in February 2017, and Slingababy Consultant training in April 2018 – followed by Slingababy Feeding in Slings course in the summer of 2019. The Slingababy CPD has been amazing and I have attended a number of babywearing conferences (MBCC, Carry on London, The Wrap Show) where I have broadened my skills and knowledge.

What is your favourite part about being a consultant?
The look on a new parent’s face when their child snuggles in and they fee totally hands free for the first time!

Would you share a special memory that sticks out for you?
A dog walking mums group grew out of a Facebook thread about babywearing coats! We used to walk in local woods every Monday morning for two years, it was like a walking workshop where we shared parenting experiences, sling knowledge and mutual support. It was such a special time from when I was 30 weeks pregnant until we had rampaging toddlers!

What tip would you give yourself if you could get back to the time before you were a parent?
I paid for a sling consultation, which helped me hugely… I wish I had bought a babywearing coat whilst pregnant!

Why did you choose to train with Slingababy?
I heard so many good things about Slingababy and I wanted to be part of the family – the other two Bristol Sling Ladies had already trained with Lorette in 2015. The CPD was also an attractive aspect.

Do you want to say a few words about your Slingababy experience?
Lorette is inspirational, I love the empowerment she brings and I love the community she has created

How can people get hold of you?
Text/Whatsapp 07780667556 or website www.emmacoopercarrying.com has all my details

Emma Cooper carrying her little one in a woven wrap

Emma Cooper carrying her little one in her arms

Spotlight on a Slingababy Consultant: Kimmy Milham

Can you give us a quick introduction as to who you are?
I am mother to Thomas (7) and Matilda (5) and I have a stepson Blake (12) with my husband Simon who is also a Peer Supporter in our Library. We live in Maidstone, and run Mid Kent Babywearing. We offer a Sling Library as well as workshops, social events, and consultancy services.

Can you tell us more about your journey from carrying to becoming a consultant to now?
I used to work in Visual Merchandising, and when I fell pregnant with my daughter a bit sooner than we planned I wanted to do something that kept me close to my children before they started school and I could return to work. Initially I applied to be a breastfeeding peer supporter, but as fate would have it the course was full, so I looked into how to train in babywearing as it was also my passion.

What is your favourite part about being a consultant?
I love being able to help so many people who would otherwise think they are unable to successfully babywear. I myself talked myself out of so many carriers because I thought they wouldn’t fit my body type, so I enjoy being able to open so many options to people who also believe they are limited or cannot carry.

Would you share a special memory that sticks out for you?
I can’t pick just one, every single message I get from happy clients makes me burst with pride. I remember them all and on my darkest days, or quiet weeks, I reread them and remind myself I am not an imposter!

What tip would you give yourself if you could get back to the time before you were a parent?
You’re not tired, you have no idea what tired is! Stop judging parents, you have no idea how hard it is! Oh and Super Nanny doesn’t have a clue.

Why did you choose to train with Slingababy?
I looked at all the babywearers I aspired to be like. I was in a lot of different Facebook groups and always admiring different videos or pictures, or even just their stories and personalities. I very quickly found all the educators I loved were part of the Slingababy family, so there was no question who I wanted to train with.

Do you want to say a few words about your Slingababy experience?
Slingababy has changed me beyond babywearing. The training made me look more into myself and how I approach others. The community has moulded me, and continues to do so to this day over 4 years later! It really is a family, even if I stopped babywearing (I won’t!) I know I would still have my Slingababy love.

How can people get hold of you?
You can reach me via the website midkentbabywearing.co.uk on Facebook and Instagram @/MidKentBabywearing on Twitter @MidKentBW or via email on midkentbabywearing@gmail.com

Kimmy carrying her son Thomas on her front in a woven wrap

Spotlight on a Slingababy Consultant: Marta Mróz

Can you give us a quick introduction as to who you are?
I’m Marta, Pole living in Italy (since 2006) with my family: two girls born in 2013 and 2016, husband nerd and two cats (polish one, that made 1700km from Poland 15 years ago in a car).
I’m a physicist, in a previous life I was a researcher, now I am just a lecturer. I love to find common points between the science, and in particularly physics, and babywearing. 
I started to work as a babywearing consultant in 2015 collaborating with different local associations.
Since 2018 I am a part of “Oasi delle Madri” project.
I collaborate with associations and the maternity home, running “on road” sling library.

Can you tell us more about your journey from carrying to becoming a consultant to now?
All started with 3 different stretchy wraps given to me by friends and my sister. My first girl was carried almost all the time, she had had reflux and it was our safe habour. I feel so good and confident with carrying that when she was 3 month old I took a train to Paris to reach my husband.
When she was 4 month old we bought our first woven wrap, a neobulle, and a baby carrier, a manduca. I found local consultants that guided us through.
We could not immagine our lives without slings!
In 2015 I did my first consultancy training course with Portare I Piccoli.
In 2016 I started a 2 years master in the art of parenting and gave birth to a preterm girl. She showed me a different meaning of babywearing, which was mostly that I was not trained and everything was not as expected.
I felt that I still needed to learn a lot! It took me a while to find the path that feels mine but as proverb says: “good things come to those who wait…but better to those who search for them”…in 2020 I did my Slingababy consultancy and Feeding and Carrying course.
These courses gave me a boost!

What is your favourite part about being a consultant?
The smile on parents /family’s faces, that is coming from very deep in their heart….to share moments both with laughters and cries (cries)….
This incredible feeling when few years after their consultation, parents are writing and sharing their new babywearing journey with their new child. 

Would you share a special memory that sticks out for you?
Presenting a workshop in 2018 at a babywearing conference, where I could merge my two passions: physics and babywearing. Linking physics with babywearing and making physics accessible and fun to all participants…I was presenting in both Polish and English “simultaneously”… and by the end my brain was muddled up and I added some Italian. But it was marvellous experience full of discussion.
I was invited again the following year and it was great experience.

What tip would you give yourself if you could get back to the time before you were a parent?
Do not be so hard with yourself. Ask if you need help. Learn a little bit more about a being a parent before becoming one.

Why did you choose to train with Slingababy?
I was searching for a while for a new training to learn something new, something different, to get something more than technique…I was hungry :-)
 I was searching and…then Slingababy website catch my eye – Lorette’s SMILE!
I FEEL that this is something that gives me butterflies. It was the best choice I have done!

Do you want to say a few words about your Slingababy experience?
The course was very intense…and full of caffe!
After those 4 full days, I needed time to settle all the information, feelings and experience.
This experience encourages you to a different way of thinking, out of the box thinking. It leads to long term conscious changes.
Being a part of Slingababy community is like a being in a big, open loving non-judgemental family.

How can people get hold of you?
On fb:: @MartaSlingababy
On IG:: @Martasek_Mroz
Website: www.oasidellemadri.it and www.allattareinfascia.it
Mail: marta@oasidellemadri.it

Marta with her husband taking a walk in nature. Green trees behind them and the path going down. Smiling and carrying their daughters. Summer time.

Spotlight on a Slingababy Consultant: Laurna Hislop

Can you give us a quick introduction as to who you are?
I am a carrying consultant and sling library based in the Scottish highlands. I have been trained and working for 6 years.
I offer one to one sessions, workshops and training sessions. Recently I have been working online and offering the same to be able to support as much as I can.

Can you tell us more about your journey from carrying to becoming a consultant to now?
I started carrying 7 years ago when my daughter was born. We have a dog so I saw it as a practical thing only. Then when my daughter had Reflux I saw really how beneficial it was for her and also for my PND.
Luckily a local training session became available so I started when she was 6m. Then I looked and continued my development with full consultanncy training.
I am always learning and eager to take more training so I have more skills to offer my clients.

What is your favourite part about being a consultant?
Seeing that look of comfort, happiness, love, relief on a parents face when we find the right sling or carrier.
Seeing how much effect carrying can have on a parent and family is why I do what I do.

Would you share a special memory that sticks out for you?
I have so many.
I think the first time my daughter settled and fell asleep in the stretchy once I worked it out.
The relief I had and how I felt myself again. I was able to relax and have a cup of tea without her screaming in pain.

Also the first time I wrapped my son in hospital with all my knowledge and training. Being able to wrap him instantly while having a catheter!

What tip would you give yourself if you could get back to the time before you were a parent?
Book a session, read the instructions! You can get so much more out of a sling or carrier if you know how to use it properly. It makes all the difference!

Why did you choose to train with Slingababy?
Because I heard how empowering and amazing it was! And it was all true! Slingababy has been one of the best things I have ever done!

Do you want to say a few words about your Slingababy experience?
It’s mind blowing! I have reattended once and plan to again just because there is so much to learn. Even if you have been working and carrying for years, there is so much to each small step, it’s great to look at things in a different way.

Anything else you would like to say about anything?
Lorette is amazing 😉

How can people get hold of you?
You can get in touch at www.coorieinwithlove.co.uk
Or on my facebook or Instagram, both under @coorieinwithlove

Laurna Hislop carrying her child on her back

Spotlight on a Slingababy Consultant: Emily Taylor

Can you give us a quick introduction as to who you are?
I’m Em! I live in Coventry in the UK with my husband – who is also a Slingababy consultant – and two sons. Everyone in our house is neurodivergent, our children are home educated and I work from home running CalmFamily and It’s A Sling Thing so our life is pretty full and generally chaotic!

Can you tell us more about your journey from carrying to becoming a consultant to now?
When I was pregnant with my oldest child I firmly believed in all the baby books about schedules and teaching your baby to fit them. When my son arrived it became *very* quickly apparent that he hadn’t read any of them. I was presented with a child who screamed if he wasn’t held and wouldn’t sleep unless on me or my husband and then only for about 45 minutes anyway.
Paul had wanted to carry their son anyway so we’d started looking at carriers but once our son was here it became very much needed. I found a local sling consultant and we went along and learned to wrap. 7 months later I was well and truly hooked and setting up a sling library, having found a community of like minded parents locally and online. I’d learned much more about what is really going on with babies and believed passionately in slings as a tool. A friend mentioned Slingababy to me and I resolved to go!
Now I do much less sling specific work, because it has grown into something encompassing more general support for parents with the wonderful team at CalmFamily who welcomed me with open arms. But those early sleep deprived days are what led me here.

What is your favourite part about being a consultant?
My favourite part about being a consultant is seeing a family have that ‘click’ moment where it all makes sense and someone else is listening and supporting them in what they need rather than lots of people telling them what to do.
Seeing parents feel empowered to make choices which are right for them and their families is amazing. 

Would you share a special memory that sticks out for you?
A couple of years ago I was in the supermarket when a woman stopped me. I vaguely recognised her, but she told me that she had been one of the first people I had done a sling consult for way back in 2014 with her first baby, who was just a few days old at the time. She now has three children and had carried them all and wanted to thank me for helping her feel that her choice to carry was the right one for them and to support them to do so. It was such a wonderful thing to hear.

What tip would you give yourself if you could get back to the time before you were a parent?
Read the baby not the book! And follow the science…

Why did you choose to train with Slingababy?
Honestly I chose to train with Slingababy because it was local to me and that meant it was easy! But I’d also seen friends and people I admired talking about Lorette’s approach and it felt different to some other training options out there.

Do you want to say a few words about your Slingababy experience?
Training with Lorette was transformative for me. I don’t say that lightly – it literally transformed my life.
Not just in changing the work I did, or my approach to carrying, but in how I approached people and family and life.
Slingababy gave me a way of thinking not just a way of using slings, it gave me a community and it gave me people who I consider family. I am incredibly grateful to Lorette for her presence in my life.

Anything else you would like to say about anything?
If you’re considering training with Slingababy, do! I have done a lot of sling training and a lot of other training and the Slingababy experience is one of the best things I have ever done – I’ve revisited the course on multiple occasions as well to help with my continuing development.

How can people get hold of you?
You can find me on Facebook at CalmFamily and It’s A Sling Thing, our website is CalmFamily.org and you can find the rest of the ways to contact us there!

Emily Taylor and her 2 children

Spotlight on a Slingababy Consultant: Becky Young

Can you give us a quick introduction as to who you are?
I’m Becky and I run Northamptonshire Sling Library & Consultancy with a great team of consultants and peer supporters. We have been running since 2015 and in non Covid times hold sessions all over the county.

Can you tell us more about your journey from carrying to becoming a consultant to now?
I started carrying my eldest right after she was born as we had a very young puppy. She had hip dysplasia and I was very worried about getting it right. I went with a friend along to the nearest sling library and thought it was such a great service. Carrying became a huge part of our lives not just for practical reasons but also for the community that was built within our local area. We spent most days with friends we had met through sling meets. I did my peer support training in 2015 to help out at the library and loved it so much that I did my Consultancy training with Slingababy in 2016 at 34 weeks pregnant!

I continued carrying my eldest through my 2nd pregnancy where I could and then when my middle daughter was born with a complex genetic condition, it became a life line. Looking back now, I don’t know how I managed with it all but I do put a lot of our strong bond down to carrying. I hadn’t been able to hold her for some time when she was in NICU and when I finally could, it was very lovely not to have to put her down. It also allowed me to connect with my eldest who had been separated from us too. I am very glad I had completed my training before she was born. Something that has always stuck in my head is Lorette saying ‘what’s the alternative’ and this has pushed me to think of ways things can be done. We have carried through some very complex circumstances and the benefits to all of us have been huge.

Then I had our 3rd baby in 2018 and it became even more of a life saver. Having a newborn and all that entails on top of a child who had just started school and a toddler with complex medical needs was intense. Being able to use a sling saved the day on many ocassions! I had quite a rough physical recovery but was glad of my training and confidence in knowing how to carry safely in alternative ways.

2.5 years on and carrying still plays a huge part of our lives. We like to walk and little legs can’t always manage. Reconnecting after a busy day for everyone. Wanting to see what’s going on in the kitchen. The cuddles may be fewer but they are just as special.

What is your favourite part about being a consultant?
I absolutely love seeing the look on the face of a caregiver when their baby has settled in the sling, sharing that feeling is amazing.
I have a special love for working with families in special circumstances and helping them figure out how to safely carry their little ones. 

Would you share a special memory that sticks out for you?
Definitely putting my middle daughter into the ring sling for the first time when we were in the transitional unit of NICU. Making up her feeds with her cuddled up next to me after not being able to hold her or having to wait for someone else to pass her to me.

What tip would you give yourself if you could get back to the time before you were a parent?
To accept help when it’s offered. If it’s not offered, ask for what you need.

Why did you choose to train with Slingababy?
Recommendations from another Consultant who had absolutely loved the course and raved about the angles it was taught from. She was absolutely right!

Do you want to say a few words about your Slingababy experience?
Something that sticks with me is how it’s not just about slings. The experience has permeated every area of my life and strongly sticks with me even though it was almost 5 years ago! I learnt so much more than I could have comprehended and I would love to repeat parts of it to soak up even more! The course challenged how I think, beliefs I had previously about carrying and mostly gave me a huge sense of freedom on what was ‘allowed’ which certainly came in handy with carrying my own children and in my work.

Anything else you would like to say about anything?
If you’re thinking of a Slingababy peer support or Consultancy course, do it!

How can people get hold of you?
www.northamptonslinglibrary.com
contact@northamptonslinglibrary.com
https://www.facebook.com/northamptonslinglibrary
07392 070046

Becky Young and her three daughters