Amy Swaagman
Tell us a bit about yourself (where you’re from, what your hobbies are, etc.) I was born and raised in Columbus, I stay pretty busy between working full time on a night shift and staying home with my 2 young ones during the day so when I have a minute or two I sneak into my craft room. Right now I'm making sensory bottles, key chains, and other odds and ends. I used to be a hard core gamer but married life and kids it's hard to find time to invest much into it anymore. On my nights off I love playing board games with my family. Latest craze has been a tabletop game called GloomHaven, I highly recommend if you like very in depth games. |
Normal day for me starts sleeping in as much as two kids will let me! Usually we have an activity for my 3 yr old in the morning, swim class, clay class, gymnastics and playgrounds are our favorites. When my husband gets home from work that's when I have to leave for my job. Babywearing really gets us through these days so the baby and I can keep up with the toddler. By night I'm a supervisor for technical support.
Tell us about your family (significant other, children, fur children, other pets, etc)
Marred to my best friend and gaming partner for 8 years. We have two little ones (3 & 9mths) and two doggos (German shep and a shih tzu)
When you were pregnant, did you plan on wearing your baby?
It took us 3 years to have our first child, so while struggling with fertility meds and procedures, research kept me sane. All that I found solidified wanting to use baby carries from the getgo. I started with an ergo 360 and infinteno meh Dai from my baby shower.
What do you love about babywearing?
I've worked outside of the home full time after both maternity leaves so it's helped me feel connected when I am home. My husband also loves to wear our kids so it's common to see us in a grocery stores or out and about in carriers. Wearing my youngest has been a saving grace to spend 1on1 time with the older child. I love the different fandoms that I can subtly show off in my carriers like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings.
Which one of your carriers do you use the most and what do you love about it?
I am pretty universally open to all types of carriers. I would say ring slings are my favorite followed by SSCs. I don't have a perticular favorite brand though and as my children have grown and entered different stages my "go to" carrier has shifted along with them. I have woven wraps in every size and have sewn my own Meh Dai because I like to have a carrier for every occasion.
Tell us about your main role within the CBW Leadership Team?
I am a Saturday skills workshop leader for our Grove City location! Lately I've been focusing on Stretchy station because my youngest is still small enough for stretchy wraps. My youngest was born premature so I've been building up a collection of pictures and information targeted towards extra small babies and how they fit in each type of carrier. It's been rewarding to help other moms of preemies feel understood and answer their specific unique questions.
What additional role(s) do you have within the CBW Leadership Team?
I am on our social media and web team. That means keeping the Facebook group & page running smooth, assisting online fitchecks, and creating weekly engagement posts.
What drew you to become a leader for our community?
I felt so welcomed from cbw leaders and members when I was a new mom. I wanted to be able to help out in our community but also be able to involve my children. It's the perfect volunteer opportunity because both kiddos come with me to each skills workshop!
What activity are you most likely to rely on babywearing to get done?
Umm, the list is too long! Shopping, toddler activities/classes, late night gaming, cooking food, cleaning, etc.
What skill do you hope to master over the next year? (does not have to be babywearing specific but it *can* be)
I recently feel I've mastered the Meh Dai which wasn't a favorite with my 1st born but now I love it! I think once my squirt of a baby gets bigger I'll want to master double hammock woven carries with fancy finishes.