Babywearing: Cultures from all over the world use baby carriers to keep baby close and to incorporate children into everyday life. There are many reasons to "wear" your baby. This workshop will discuss the benefits of baby-wearing and explain the pros and cons to a myriad of different carriers including slings, wraps, pouches, frontpacks, and backpacks. You will be shown how to use different carriers ranging from the very traditional to the most modern. There will be time for you to "try on" carriers and see for yourself which are most comfortable and convenient for you.

Baby-soothing: While babywearing is a very popular way to soothe babies, there are so many more.  From Shh-ing to Swaddling and everything in between, we'll discuss a myriad of ways to help keep baby calm and happy both day and night.  The class will also have an emphasis on fussy-bellied babies and how to reduce "cranky belly."

Lea Wolf is mother to daughter Ma'iingan (1/02) and co-founder of Happy Bambino. She is a Native woman (Bad River Anishinaabe) and has lived in Madison for the better part of 8 years, having moved here initially to attend the University. Lea has a bachelors in American Indian Studies and Educational Policy, and has completed the coursework for her master's in Educational Policy at the UW. She and her daughter's father strive to co-parent Ma'iingan in ways that support and build upon the values of parenting that they hold dear.  Lea is a birth/postpartum doula.