The Beauty of Babywearing: Bonding, Comfort, and Hands-Free Parenting

At Simple Smyles, we believe that the small moments create the deepest bonds — and babywearing is a beautiful example of that.

Whether you're wrapping your newborn close to your heart or carrying your growing baby as they explore the world, babywearing offers countless benefits for both you and your little one.

Why Babywearing Matters

1. Deepens Bonding
Keeping your baby close helps regulate their heart rate, breathing, and body temperature — especially in the early months. The physical closeness naturally strengthens the emotional bond between you and your baby, fostering trust, security, and love.

2. Supports Emotional Development
Babies who are frequently carried often show stronger signs of secure attachment. They tend to cry less, feel more easily soothed, and develop emotional resilience as they grow.

3. Makes Life Easier
Babywearing keeps your hands free while still keeping your baby close. Whether you're making a meal, going for a walk, or simply navigating daily life, a carrier allows you to multitask while still being emotionally and physically connected.

4. Encourages Physical Development
Being worn upright helps babies strengthen their neck, back, and core muscles naturally. It also supports healthy hip development — especially when using ergonomic carriers designed to maintain the "M" position (knees higher than hips).

5. Creates Community Moments
Babywearing often sparks conversations and connections with other parents and caregivers. It’s a simple way to create community while doing what feels natural and nurturing for your baby.

Babywearing Safety Tips

While babywearing is wonderful, safety is key! Remember these simple guidelines:

✨ Tight and secure: Your baby should be held snug against your body without loose fabric.
✨ Visible and kissable: You should always be able to see your baby's face and easily kiss the top of their head.
✨ Chin up and clear: Ensure baby's chin is off their chest to keep airways open.
✨ Supported back and hips: Choose carriers that promote proper posture and hip alignment, especially for newborns.

(And of course, always check the specific instructions for the carrier or wrap you’re using!)

A Final Word from Simple Smyles

Babywearing is more than just a practical tool — it’s a way of moving through early parenthood with gentleness, connection, and intention.
However you choose to carry your baby, know that you are building a relationship rooted in safety, trust, and unconditional love — one simple, beautiful moment at a time.

Interested in learning more?
Our Simple Smyles workshops cover newborn care, babywearing tips, and emotional wellness for new parents.

Hiring a Doula in Ontario: Is It Worth It?

If you’ve landed here, chances are you’ve heard the word “doula” floating around your prenatal world—and you’re curious. Maybe you’re wondering if you really need one, or if it’s just another trendy birth add-on. Let’s clear that up, together.

At Simple Smyles, we’re big believers in informed choices and personalized care. So this post isn’t about convincing you that everyone should hire a doula. It’s about helping you understand what doulas do (and what they don’t), how they might support you, and what to consider when deciding if they’re the right fit for your journey.

What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained, non-medical support person who provides emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after birth. Think of them as your calm, grounded, go-to support person—someone whose only job is to help you feel seen, supported, and safe.

There are two main types of doulas:

• Birth Doulas support you throughout your pregnancy, labour, and delivery.

• Postpartum Doulas support you after baby is born—helping with feeding, sleep, emotional recovery, and adjusting to new parenthood.

✨ What they DON’T do:
Doulas don’t offer medical care. They don’t deliver babies, make diagnoses, or replace your doctor or midwife. Instead, they work with your care team to help you advocate for yourself and feel as prepared, informed, and calm as possible.

Why Hire a Doula? (The Real-Life Benefits)

Research shows that continuous support from a doula can lead to:

• Shorter labours

• Fewer requests for pain medication

• Lower risk of c-sections

• Higher rates of breastfeeding

• Better emotional adjustment postpartum

But beyond the stats, here’s what our clients say they value most:

• Someone who gets it—and helps explain what’s happening

• A steady presence in the room (who isn’t family or medical staff)

• Comfort techniques like breathing, counter-pressure, and positioning

• A gentle advocate when emotions run high or plans shift

• Emotional check-ins during those early, foggy postpartum days

How Doulas Fit Into Your Birth Team

Great news: doulas complement your care team—they don’t compete with them.

• If you’re working with an OB in a hospital, your doula can bridge the gap between medical care and emotional support.

• If you’ve chosen a midwife, a doula offers continuity during labour and can stay after birth to help you transition into postpartum.

• If you have a partner or co-parent, doulas don’t replace them—in fact, they often strengthen your bond. We support both of you through the experience.

In other words: doulas hold space so everyone else can show up more fully.

How Much Does a Doula Cost in Ontario?

Doula services aren’t currently covered under OHIP, but they may be covered under:

• Extended health benefits (check your “health spending account” or wellness benefits)

• Employee wellness funds

• First Nations, Métis, or Inuit-specific programs

• Student insurance plans

Typical rates (as of 2025):

• Birth support packages: $900–$1,800+ depending on experience and what’s included

• Postpartum doula hourly rate: $30–$50/hour

At Simple Smyles, we also offer payment plans and are happy to work with your budget when we can. We believe in accessible care.

When to Book a Doula (And How)

We recommend reaching out to book your doula around 20–28 weeks of pregnancy. This gives you time to:

• Get to know your doula

• Build a birth plan together

• Access prenatal education and emotional support well before labour

Most doulas offer a free consultation (we do!), so you can chat and see if the vibe feels right.

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Doula

Here are some great conversation starters:

• What’s your birth philosophy?

• How do you support partners or other support people?

• How do you handle unexpected situations (like a fast labour or C-section)?

• Are you available 24/7 after a certain week?

• What happens if you’re at another birth? Do you have a backup doula?

The goal is to find someone you feel emotionally safe with. You should leave your consult feeling supported—not sold to.

Final Thoughts: So... Is It Worth It?

We might be a little biased, but we say yes—if it’s in your budget and it feels like the right fit for you. Doulas don’t make your birth experience perfect (no one can). But they can help it feel more connected, grounded, and supported.

Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, an epidural, or a scheduled C-section—this is your story. A doula is just one more layer of care to help you feel less alone, more informed, and more in tune with yourself and your baby.

You deserve that kind of care.

💛 Want to learn more about working with a Simple Smyles doula?
Click here to book a free consultation or browse our Toronto-based offerings!