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