Baby Wearing: Saya Carrier and Bitybean Ultra Compact Carrier

My first carrier: Saya Carrier borrowed from Rinka

Will I be a baby-wearing mother or not? This was a question I had to consider for some time. I observed, read up, and asked friends. Rinka Romero, a good friend of mine, have shared with me a lot of her rookie momma experiences, which includes baby-wearing. After a few discussions with her, I was sold. Next problem was what brand or kind to get! She lent me her Saya Carrier, and it was really awesome! It was comfortable and snug. It was a pleasant experience for both me and my son. I used it when my family and I went out-of-town. So convenient to have it with me because it frees up my hands. My mom even tried using it with Noah and liked it.

Noah relaxing in the Saya Carrier

I used the Saya Carrier for around two months only because Noah grew heavier and I was smaller than Rinka. Noah was already too low when I was carrying him for a longer period of time. But my love and need for carriers became stronger. I realized the big help it gave me. It allows me to do several things while carrying the baby. It also provides a means for my baby to fall asleep easily and sleep for a long period of time. I honestly cannot count the number of times where Noah would fall asleep while I was walking while wearing him.

So began the search for a carrier. Originally, I planned to get another Saya Carrier, but with a size smaller than what I borrowed and we can afford it. One weekend in May, I went to Expo Mom, a bazaar by Mommy Mundo. I went to the Indigo Baby booth and to check out the Saya Carrier and their available designs. Sadly, I didn't see anything I liked, though they had my size. I think that this was a blessing in disguise because that was when I found my match!

The Bitybean Cleverly Compact Carrier (photo from Mommy's Little Boss)

I found the booth of Mommy's Little Boss. They were selling different baby products: Dr. Seuss bibs and clothes, shoes that babies can use from newborn to I think eighteen months, and then I saw the Bitybean Ultra Compact Carrier. Mav, the awesome mom behind Mommy's Little Boss, was so accommodating and helpful to let me try out the Bitybean. It was the first time it was introduced here in the Philippines. It is made in Vietnam but designed by an American who was a dad. Its design is very similar to the popular, but kinda expensive, Ergo. As an introductory price, the Bitybean Ultra Compact Carrier was sold at 2500 php. Mav was honest enough to say she wasn't ready with any good (or bad) feedback about the product yet. In fact, she was asking me to give her feedback once I decide to purchase it. And so after trying it on and a discussion with my hubby, we decided to get the carrier.

The Bitybean is a must have for me because:
1. It is made in Vietnam. Asian. Supporting our neighbors.

2. It is small and lightweight. It can easily fit in the baby bag and since I use a small baby bag, it's perfect! It's almost the same height as a 250 ml alcohol bottle.

3. It may be used while swimming. Although I haven't had the chance to try it yet.

4. Anyone can use it: I, my husband, the yaya, and even my sister used it. Rinka, who encouraged me to write a review on this, and because she tried it and liked it, used it with her brilliant and cute daughter. Adjusting may take time but it is quite simple.

5. It is easy to wash/clean. Handwash or washing machine.

6. The material used to make it is not too warm when you wear it. It makes baby and the person wearing it comfortable and not sweat that much.

7. It helps lull the baby to sleep. Worked for me, my hubby, yaya, and sister. It gives the baby the snug feeling and babies like that.

8. Lastly, you can use it anywhere. We have used it while in the grocery, while window shopping, while at church, commuting, and attending different occasions.

Noah and I visiting (shopping) Mommy's Little Boss booth in the Mommy Mundo Bazaar

I was told that for the newborns (one to three months old babies), their legs can be guided or more secure, using the straps inside. 

You can also purchase the sleep/shade hood, for breastfeeding, protection from the sun and I guess when it starts drizzling. It also helps reduce distractions when baby is asleep. I don't have this yet, but thinking of buying it.

Photo from Mommy's Little Boss: BityBean with sleep/shade hood

You can use the Bitybean carrier for front and back carrying. For the front carrying, the baby has to face you, never facing outward. And for the correct position, you should be able to kiss your baby's forehead. 

Noah and I enjoy back carrying, though we don't do it often. Someone has to help me every time I carry him on my back. One time in the grocery, he fell asleep while on my back. The Bitybean is THAT comfortable for him. 

There is also a fleece infant liner, to make it more comfortable and warm for the baby. But living in the Philippines, and with Noah who easily prespires, we didn't find the need to buy it.

Maximum weight for the Bitybean is 40 kilos.

I have been using the Bitybean carrier for a little over five months and I see myself using it until I am able, until it can carry Noah's weight. Maybe in the future, if God gifts us with another child, I will definitely use it for him/her.

This is my journey of baby wearing. I really really recommend using either the Saya Carrier and/or Bitybean Carrier. They are both easy to use and the quality is good, but I think I am more inlove with the Bitybean. Both have made me love motherhood more.

You can check out the Bitybean Ultra Compact Carrier in Facebook through Mommy's Little Boss.

Reminiscing the Birthing Experience Eleven Months Later

So here's the real story of my giving birth. I gave birth through Caesarian delivery, something we did not expect. I had a birth plan ready but we did not really show it. I thought I would make it with normal delivery, but my doctor found out there was a problem with my pelvic bone area. I went through the pain of labor. Epidural. Reached up to eight centimeters. I was almost there. And I could manage it. But the Lord had other plans. I had to go through emergency c-section.

Vaguely remembering this photo of me and my baby

A painful memory of giving birth is not being able to see my son for about two days. I saw him right after the operation and that was it. I was stuck in my hospital room. 

To be honest, my experience after giving birth was traumatic. I wish I knew I wouldn't delivery normally. I wish I was able to request for rooming in of the baby or at least to have him brought to me the day after I gave birth. I was pretty much asleep the whole day after giving birth, and my dad, who was the pedia, probably wanted me to rest that's why the baby wasn't brought to me. Stories about visitors seeing him and from the nurses, made me long to see him soon. So my OB said that if I could walk already, I can go to the nursery and see him. 

It pained me to not have control over things. It was my hubby who had to assist me in EVERYTHING. My son, obviously was formula fed, something I decided against before I gave birth. I did not get to breastfeed for about 2 days. I had to go through blood transfusion. I had an allergic reaction to the transfusion which caused me to have fever. I could not eat properly. I was not allowed to go to the bathroom. Gross. Painful. Traumatic. I cried. I pitied my husband for being my nurse, myself for being so useless, and the baby, who I couldn't be there for.

As I began to feel more normal and more emotionally stable, I managed the situation better. I believe I am a fighter. And so is my God. I prayed for the allergy and fever to go away. I fought against it. I prayed and convinced myself I will be able to stand and walk and see my son. And so, I won the battle. I was able to see him, finally. The first time I held him in my arms, I cried. He was so beautiful. And he cried loud. And he had his father's dimples.

Noah with my father AKA his pedia. Look at the little boy's dimples.

I will never forget how my husband selflessly took care of me. Add to that my parents, who made sure we had everything we needed. A great blessing is that my father is the pediatrician! My in-laws are also the kindest people on earth. My mother-in-law even gave me a foot massage because my feet were swelling after giving birth. Friends and family were there to pray for me/us, celebrate the new bundle of joy we have, and just simply be there for us. It was during the same gross, traumatic, and painful moment that I experienced being loved and blessed by so many people.

My hubby and my mom visiting Noah in the nursery

Aside from bringing home a big handsome baby boy, I brought home with me lessons in life.

Life is full of uncertainties and I should be ready with that.
I am not always in control of my life.
It is okay to depend on others.
If you believe something will happen, it will. As long as it is God's will.
God always answers prayers.

Almost a year after, I relive the experience. I am left with a heart in awe of how one begins the journey and miracle of becoming a mother.

Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."