Babywearing Week
The first week of October is Babywearing Week, and we're so delighted to hear from our community! Read about each family's story on parenthood, babywearing journey, and more.
Jessica-Michelle Austin
"Our family and friends showed up for us in ways we could never have imagined...So thankful we have these people."
How far are you in your parenting journey?
Over 1 year!
Tell us a little about your story. Give us a self intro about you and your family!
My name is Jessica-Michelle Austin! My husband, Michael, and I have 2 children: Jackson who is 2 years old, a 7 week old baby girl named Ella-Kate, and a 3 year old chocolate lab named Mia! We live in Allen, TX. My husband is a financial analyst and I am a labor and delivery nurse! I was able to deliver both of my children in the same room just 22.5 months apart surrounded by my sweet coworkers and OB who are more like family! We love going on family walks, picnics in the park, playing music as a family (I play piano and my husband plays guitar), going on roadtrips to visit family in Houston, and Friday night movie nights in our living room!
Tell us about your parenting journey. What are some challenges you've faced? What was something you wish you knew ahead of time?
I think the biggest challenge we faced was this last pregnancy. Upon returning from our babymoon at 27 weeks pregnant, I was admitted to the hospital on L/D for 3 weeks. During that 3 weeks I had a kidney stent placed, 2 kidney stones, iron transfusions, a blood transfusion, a dance with urosepsis, and received IV nutrition. For the rest of the pregnancy, I was unable to work. That was one of the hardest things managing our toddler going to Montessori school each day, my husband working, our dog at home, and me being in the hospital. All of this to say, I wish we would’ve known ahead of time how important your “village” is. Our family and friends showed up for us in ways we could never have imagined with cleaning our house, taking our toddler to and from school, driving up to take care of us, stocking our fridge, and bringing us warm meals. So thankful we have these people now, but I wish I would’ve had all of them with our first pregnancy! We were the first of our friends to have kids so we didn’t have any friends who had littles. So thankful we do now!
What is your experience with babywearing? Have you used our Konny Baby Carrier during your newborn to toddler phase? How was it?
My first didn’t like any of the baby carriers we had bought and I wanted to wear him so bad. I feel like we tried everything! I came across Konny Baby while pregnant with my second and purchased the Konny Baby Carrier. Best decision EVER!!! I use it everyday! Whether grocery shopping, going to church, going on family walks, or cleaning the house: I always know my baby will LOVE being carried in the Konny Baby Carrier!
What benefits have you experienced from baby wearing?
Baby wearing is something that really comforts my newborn! We have experienced a new level of bonding and it makes me have the ability to be more mobile at home with my toddler! I’m able to give both kids comfort and attention because I can baby wear!
"We have experienced a new level of bonding and it makes me have the ability to be more mobile at home with my toddler! I’m able to give both kids comfort and attention because I can baby wear!"