I'm Katrina, mama to Matilda, a trained babywearing consultant and I also run West Pennine Slings (https://www.facebook.com/bdslinglibrary). Hold Close is here to help when you need more in depth help and advice on carrying your baby. What is involved in a consultation? A private consultation allows me to give you time and my full attention to assess your needs and aims with wearing your child. Be
fore the session I would need to gather information about you and your experiences as well as going through what to expect, the consultation can take place either at my home or a venue of your choosing such as your home (Mileage within 5 miles of BB2 is included in the cost, I am happy to travel so please get in contact for a quote outside this area). Each consultation is different but generally we will talk through what you would like to gain out of it and how we might go about it, go through various options and also practice tying techniques appropriate to your needs. What is involved in a workshop? In a workshop we will cover a predefined babywearing topic in a group of four to six individuals or couples, examples could include an Introduction to Babywearing, Moving on from Newborn carrying or Back Carrying to name but a few. Each workshop will vary but most will start with an initial discussion on the subject followed by a chance to get hands on and finishing with a final discussion about what we have covered. You will be able to ask questions at any point and we can steer the workshop in any direction that will benefit the group as a whole rather than sticking to a rigid schedule. It is also possible to book and host a private workshop if you have enough friends interested in the same topic, as the host your workshop is free. Please get in contact for more details, mileage charges apply as per consultations for private workshops. Who would benefit from a consultation or workshop? You are:
• Expecting and would like to carry baby when they arrive
• New to babywearing and would like help and guidance
• Already have a sling/carrier and would like to know how to use it
• An experienced babywearer who would like to expand their knowledge
• Looking to overcome a barrier e.g. a physical condition
What qualifications do I have? I have completed the Trageschule babywearing consultantancy foundation course in March 2012 and the School of Babywearing consultancy course in May 2013, as well as completing their Using Slings in Birth and Labour course. This allows me to carry out consultations and teach certain practical techniques on a one to one basis and in a group setting. I also have plenty of hands on experience carrying my lovely daughter Matilda! Consultancy Prices
• 1 hour demo only - Best for expectant or new parents who would like a taster session on babywearing, a basic look at the mechanics of using slings and the different types available - £10
• 45 minute consultation - Best for experienced babywearers or as a follow up consultation for those with very specific requirements or issues (E.g. wanting to learn a specific carry or experiencing shoulder pain) - £ 10 (Option to take a half price sling loan)
• 1 hour consultation - Best for intermediate to experienced babywearers or as a follow up consultation for those with reasonably specific requirements but may need more guidance (E.g. wanting to start doing back carries) - £15 (Option to take a half price carrier loan)
• 1.5 hour consultation - Best for beginner to intermediate babywearers with a more specific idea of what they need but with scope to explore other options - £20 (Includes 2 week carrier loan)
• 2 hour consultation - Best for beginner to intermediate babywearers with a thorough look through the mechanics of sling wearing, all the different types of slings and the chance to try carriers - £25 (Includes 2 week carrier loan)
• New baby package - Combine the 1 hour demo and 2 hour consultation, ideal for expectant parents - £30 (Includes 2 week carrier loan)
All consultations can be purchased as gifts and there is the option to add a hand knitted newborn pixie hat for £7.50
Workshop Prices:
• Individual workshops - £10 per person
• Couples workshops - £15 per couple
Workshops will usually last around two hours unless otherwise specified - You will need to pay a £5 deposit to confirm your place and will be told in advance of anything you need to bring. Workshops can also be purchased as gifts. Each consultation and workshop is different and doesn't need to follow the examples shown above, feel free to get in contact to discuss which option would suit your situation best. Times shown are approximate and allowances are always made for baby's needs.
