Mom 101: An Ajumma’s Best Friend
When you become a mommy in Korea, you don’t expect any helper around unless you’re financially blessed. Lucky are those who live with their in-laws (in terms of having free baby-sitters). But in so far as looking into the lives of ordinary Korean moms (whose circle I am happily friends with), these “ajummas” have to contend with their resourcefulness so they could get things done. And so… baby slings, carriers and/or Korean blanket carriers become every ajumma’s best friend.
They work wonders in terms of working around the house is concerned. You can vacuum the floor, cook, wash the dishes… all these and more while soothing your baby or putting your baby to sleep. I have only used the above sling twice or thrice (only when I was left with no other choice) while doing household work as I prefer to do things while my baby is sleeping in the crib – other times Baby Dynamo entertains himself in the play mat or the high chair. But I have seen my friends moving around the house with grace even with baby bundles on their chest or on their backs. The independence and self-reliance are amazing, actually.
On one of those rare times I used my baby sling to work around the house, Baby Dynamo had to cry for milk. I just can’t stop working when I suddenly felt like a genius – I allowed Baby Dynamo to feed from me while I was moving around the house. He slept in the sling while feeding from me. Then it was time to pick up Little Dynamo from the playroom. No way I had to disturb my baby to change my clothes… didn’t have the heart to. Bingo! I remember the knit poncho I bought from Baguio.
So, the baby sling made Baby Dynamo cling snugly to me and the knit poncho covered me decently -and in style -while I went down to pick up my Little Dynamo. Who would have known my sleeping baby was still feeding on me while I was walking around? Clever, huh! Who can beat a woman and a mother’s resourcefulness?
hope you won’t mind me but i thought namuel’s legs were a little straight in the first picture… you might want to check these…
http://www.storchenwiege.com/babycarrierresearch.htm
http://www.continuum-concept.org/reading/spinalStress.html
he was struggling, that’s why hahaha… but the mom wants the photo op for the blog post. duh!
yeah the carrier is really effective but it can also cause you a lot of back and hip pain….but just like what you’ve said if you’re a mom in korea an dyou don’t live with your in-laws there’s no other choice…..kkkk
you’re right, cher, one gets strained back and hips. i really don’t like using it unless i’m left with no choice. i admire those who still manage to look graceful amd poised.
did it for 2 years… masakit sa balikat pero ang saya naman kasi pag magkalapit kayo ng anak di ba? tanggal lahat ng pagod
ayan, miss ko na tuloy noong baby pa si seonggyu
simple lang yan, betchay. have another one har har har. you’re right, it makes mom and child closer and the comfort that you can give to the baby while carrying him around (while doing your work) gives you a happy baby.
it looks like your kid won’t be able to breath well if you cover him like that…..just out of concern, don’t risk doing that again.
hahaha… thanks for the concern. no worries, though. it’s a knit poncho and ponchos are supposed to be loose so there’s ample room for air to come in. but of course, it’s only good during cool weather as we currently have here in korea. wearing it on a hot summer day is unthinkable.
thank you for the greeting ate Wendy! always dizzy here but seeing other moms being called by their little ones “omma” makes me all the more excited..