baby backpack carriers

You might have been hunching your shoulders in an effort to stop the backpack from tipping baby out the back. Also you might have been tucking your butt under to counterbalance the load on your back.

Sure, non-Western women have done it for ever, but they were probably starting out more physically active in everyday life too, so they are stronger! Also, the more primitive backpacks carry the baby very firmly and close to the body, whereas some modern backpacks keep the baby way out the back which can be less inherently stable.

I'm not necessarily right. These are just my thoughts. I always used a plain fabric meh tai for all my babies back int he 1980's, so I am not familiar with structured backpacks.

Louise

You may have to experiment with different carriers and slings. Like Louise said, if the baby is right up against you, it's easier to stand correctly.

I use a ring sling, and I've been trying to figure out how to walk without hurting myself. Carrying her on my side is a no-go now. Right in front works okay except that her head hits my chin because she's getting taller. She's not comfortable on my back. I guess I'm hoping she walks early, but if her current rate of locomotion is any indicator, she'll walk late.

I have found that where ever I have her strapped on, she has to be high up. If she's slouching down in the lower lumbar area or ON my hip or around my belly in front, the prolapse is much, much worse very quickly. If I keep her high up at my ribcage or in my mid back, it's better. The whole problem with that type of carrier, Joanne, may be the weight at your hips. I, for one, can't deal with it.

Have you seen the Maya wrap?

I have used this one for 2 children: http://www.ergocarrier.com/ and it seems to be the best one to not exacerbate my prolapses. Be sure to keep the whole woman posture when using it, or any carrier!

I used a moby with no problem, it was excellent, until my baby starting grabbing so now I got a Beco to do back carries and I find my pop a little worse too. I suspect it's the abdominal constriction at the belt, and losing my posture. At this point, I don't see any other way of getting anything done around the house! I've loosened the belt part, and I'm trying to concentrate on posture, hoping the pop will stabilize...

I have a maya wrap ring sling for quick on/off but don't like it for wearing the baby any length of time. too asymmetrical for me, especially with baby on my back.
I am most successful with back carries using a meitai high and tight. I am long waisted so the waist strap is usually right under my ribcage but above my navel and doesn't bother my prolapses. tight is also important so I don't have to hunch to keep baby from flinging herself backwards. because apparently that's a fun thing to do when you're 5 months old.
I like my wraps too (I have the didymos wraps) but am having trouble getting the baby in tight enough. was easier for me when wrapping an older baby so I'm not giving up yet.

We live across from a large wilderness park and I've taken my very chubby 8-month-old in a Kelty II pack. I am very, very short so even with the height of the pack sinched down, the bulk of the weight rests on my hips, not my natural waist. I tighten the strap across the top of my chest and distribute the rest of the wait on the top of my hip bones . This actually pulls me into WW posture. It forces a natural curve in my spine. I've checked myself before and after carrying him and see no difference, feel no difference. I usually only carry him for an hour or so.

The one thing that I do need to be cognizant of is keeping my shoulders from rounding too forward.

Momato2boys, you've got it! You are doing what I thought would work best. If the hipbones carry the weight, you are carrying over your centre of gravity, which is good. there should be little downward weight on your back. The strap across the front will help keep your upper torso upright, particularly if it takes the load off your armpits, allowing your shoulders to drop forward naturally, rather than having to force them forward to keep the shoulder straps firmly on.

I also think keeping the total time short for a start is good for baby and you, *at least* until you get used to it.

Louise

On topic, I wanted to ask about that weight-on-hips thing. I'm glad it works for some, but I think that would totally mess me up. Maybe the way the carrier sits is different from what my sling does. But the sling over one shoulder is NOT working and I've got to figure out something else to do.

Off topic, while I've got you naturally-minded mommies' attention, can I ask about breastfeeding? I have to have tons of pillows and cushions everywhere to maintain posture while I'm nursing. Behind my back, under the baby, under my elbow, etc. It's a real pain, especially if I'm nursing while I'm at the table eating, which is typical. Any tips? I'm also still nursing my 2 1/2 y.o., and she's so long and heavy, it's impossible to maintain posture while nursing her (it's not for very long, though, twice a day). I find myself reclining back into pillows on my bed, my spine curved into a C--the worst position to be in, but the most comfortable to be in! I have to say, though, that after I nurse like that my belly aches from holding my legs up.

Off topic: How about nursing in "side-lying" position on a bed or the floor? (When mine was little enough we fit on the sofa too.) I also do cross-legged on the floor, bending over far enough for my boobie to reach the baby on my lap. And what about having them sit in your lap, upright, to nurse?

On topic: I worry about carrying a bigger baby... so far I'm using the Beco but with the waist strap totally loose. It's supposed to use the hips as well as shoulders for distributing the weight, but it constrict my abdomen as a result.

Hey, what about nursing in the sling? That's how I survive in public, esp. restaurants.

I think side-lying is great, if you can. might look funny at a restaurant!
I don't like nursing in a sling, just easier for me to take baby out of the sling and use the sling to cover my exposed belly.

on topic: I carry bigger babies in a meitai, but I wear 'em high, so the waist strap is well above my waist. I have a long torso, so its easy that way.

re nursing your 2 1/2 year old, could she sit on your leg facing you so you are completely upright? or is she too long now? i'd be clear on how you need to position, and let her figure out what works to make it happen as she is big enough to do that now.

re baby, i found nursing sitting up, i'd sit in the middle of the room do that i had no risk of reclining. i had a u pillow and mostly just support my elbow that was holding babe. the rest was up to my muscles. but, i had a fast nurser so didn't have to sit for ages. otherwise i fed lying down a lot. but maybe try sitting up without stuff behind you to see if you can hold posture on your own?