Valley Sling Babes

Valley Sling Babes was started by April Jones in February of 2007. We had recently moved to the area, and were disappointed to find the closest babywearing support was in North Portland. Another local babywearer and I did a few classes at the Newberg Library that summer trying to find other local babywearers. We found one or two. So my husband helped pick a name, and I jumped in offering monthly meetings. Lesley Woodruff joined as a co-leader a few months later. Our focus is local outreach to our community through things like offering education to birth classes and New Mom's groups. We look forward to expanding our outreach to the surrounding areas as well in the coming months. Valley Sling Babes meets on the first Wednesday of every month.

April Jones – Wife to Adam, and mother of two lovely daughter

I have lived in the Portland area since 1996, and am currently making a happy home in Newberg, OR... In between sewing projects, planting and preserving food, and Israeli folk dancing, I advocate and teach babywearing to anyone interested in learning more… friends, neighbors, even check-out clerks!

I started baby wearing with our first child right away, although I had no idea what I was doing. I had been given a ring sling and a couple of mama-made pouches. Oh, she hated those pouches! Because she wanted to see everything, and we only knew the cradle position. So, taking a tip from a picture online, we tried the ring sling and sat her up more. She fell asleep in it. Success!

Since that time, we have learned a lot more and logged many hours of joyful babywearing. We live in a culture that often separates us from our family and greatest supporters; we mommies are doing the job of many people, alone. Babywearing is a tool to help us succeed in caring for our families. My heart for mommies to be close to their babies and still be able to get things done has inspired me to share our love of babywearing.

Lesley Woodruff

My husband Bob and I learned about babywearing during my first pregnancy and instantly knew that hands-free was the only way to go. Long before Lucy was born we had acquired a ring sling and a soft- structured carrier and liked to imagine how the baby would actually look in these carriers. Lucy fit wonderfully in each and spent many, many happy hours in them both.

I continued to learn about babywearing and became a co-leader for Valley Sling Babes in an effort to help local moms and dad get their babies in arms and out of car-seat carriers. Lesley spends a great deal of time cooking tasty, healthy, even elaborate food, while simultaneously dirtying every dish in the kitchen. I also enjoys camping, home improvement projects, writing, quilting, knitting, and pushing Lucy on the swings. Her second baby is due in March 2009.

Slingmamas:

Slingmamas was started in October of 2006 by Amber Langeliers and Miranda Roller. We started the group mainly because we saw a great need. It was frustrating for us to get stopped at Target (among other places) by Mommies wondering where they could find something that comfortable and our inability to really and truly help them. Telling someone to go online and try to educate themselves was not a good solution. We wanted a group that would feed that need. Education and access to resources was exactly what we needed. The non-profit NW Babywearers was formed in the summer of 2007, and we included other local groups so that parents can find the perfect group for them. Our focus is hands-on help for parents. We also do education classes for baby groups and hospitals. Our next goal is community outreach to needy families that are looking for carrier support and donations. All caregivers should have the resources to be able to keep their little ones close to them. Slingmama meetings are in Vancouver, WA on the first Thursday of the month.

Amber

I’m Amber Langeliers, wife to Jason for the past 9 years and mama to Noah (4 yrs) and Esther (2 years). Baby #3 is due in February. I learned about babywearing from my sister when she had her first baby. I began wearing my own babies and have found it to be a lifesaver in so many ways. Though it’s great to have a comfortable carrier while I’m out and about, I especially love it while I’m working outside on our 5 acres. Without babywearing, I wouldn’t be able to keep up. I am a natural childbirth educator and a Doula. Babywearing is a must while my tiny babes attend births with me In my spare time, I like redecorating, gardening, and taking care of my one lone chicken.

Babywearing advocacy became a passion for my sister and I when we realized how much more nurtured and independent our kids are while being raised attached to us. We wanted to share that same knowledge and abilities with other parents and caregivers. N.W. Babywearers’ groups and outreach are growing beyond expectation.

Miranda

My name is Miranda. My husband Dave and I have 4 kids: Adin (7), Elisabeth (5), Isaac (3) and Ephraim (born April ’08). I began babywearing out of necessity when Adin was born. He was very high needs and required constant contact with me. It led me down a different parenting path than I had intended, and I’m thankful every day for that. I loved wearing my babies close to me in slings, but my carrier obsession didn’t start until I was pregnant with Isaac. I discovered Mei Tai’s and wraps and have never been the same. Babywearing has helped me truly connect with my children. I can see the loving result of our bond especially now that they’re getting older. I want to share that gift with other Moms.

Besides my passion for babywearing advocacy, I home school the 2 oldest kiddos and am trying to keep my house in order (not so easy with 4 little ones). I like to raise veggies and flowers, and am hoping to talk my husband into getting some chickens by next summer…soon to be followed by goats! I also enjoy reading, home decorating, baking, natural childbirth, cloth diapering and surfing the web late at night when everyone is sleeping.

Sling Babes:

The Portland chapter of NW Babywearers was created to fill the need for instruction and guidance about wearing newborns, infants, toddlers, and young children in the metro area. Babywearing is increasingly important here in the city where using public or non-motorized transportation is the norm, and walks to the market or store are a way of life. Meetings are held the third Sunday of every month at Milagros in NE Portland. Our lending library contains wraps, ring slings, pouches, meitais, and other carriers. Come learn how to wear your baby from birth through early childhood and remain hands free!

Heidi Weiss

I have been babywearing since the birth of my daughter in 2006. I believe deeply in the principle of keeping moms and babies close, and have worn my baby to work since birth. I know that babywearing has helped immesurably to strengthen my bond with my daughter, as well as to provide a foundation of loving support and confidence.

I am a Certified Pilates Instructor and Nutitional Therapy Practitioner, practicing out of my inner Southeast studio, Portland Pilates Collective and Wellness Center. I am also currently pursuing a degree in Public Health from Portland State University as part of the Oregon MPH program. I received a BA in Chinese from Reed College in 2001.