Babywearing Voices: Sarah Hieb
Oct 21, 2024Sarah's journey into babywearing is a testament to her dedication to community, education, and support for parents. As a passionate advocate for babywearing, Sarah's story inspires anyone considering a path in babywearing education and consultancy.
Sarah first encountered babywearing in 2018 when her son was born. At the time, the Babywearing International (BWI) chapter she joined had just dissolved. Despite her enthusiasm, she felt inadequate compared to trained educators, which fueled her determination to seek formal training with the CBWS Foundations Training.
In 2020, amid the pandemic, Sarah realized the vital role babywearing played in her community. The organization was struggling, and Sarah stepped up to provide the leadership it needed. "Foundations was very humbling," she recalls, describing the training as inspiring and eye-opening.
Understanding that not everyone could commit to full consultant training, Sarah encouraged her fellow volunteers to take the Newborn Training as a more accessible option. "I felt like the newborn training offered a lot for a very affordable price..." she explains, noting its value for those facing the challenges of newborn babywearing.
Sarah’s dedication led to the creation of her business, Joyful Baby Co., which offers nationwide baby carrier rentals. This service allows parents to try various carriers before making a significant investment, ensuring they find the best fit for their needs.
"I was motivated by the desire to get more people confident with babywearing," she says.
Beyond babywearing, Sarah teaches prenatal, postpartum, and baby-and-me yoga classes. She has found joy in incorporating babywearing into her yoga practice, creating sequences where parents can wear their babies during sessions.
"Even mentioning that I’m a babywearing consultant plants a seed," Sarah shares.
Recognizing that her role may evolve over time, Sarah emphasizes the importance of empowering new leaders in the community. This foresight led her to support CBWS students by hosting the CBWS Carrier Library, providing access to various carriers without the need for a significant financial investment.
Her involvement in The Working Group has further enriched her business approach, helping her empower caregivers in her community.
"Profitability is not about amassing carriers; it's about leveraging services and expertise," she explains.
In her advice to aspiring consultants, Sarah emphasizes: "Foundations training is an invaluable resource that deepens your understanding..." She believes it equips consultants with so much more than technical knowledge and connects them to a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Sarah's journey is a shining example of how dedication and community support can transform a passion into a powerful force for good. Her work continues to inspire and empower parents, making babywearing more accessible and enjoyable for all.
If you'd like to learn more about Sarah's babywearing consultant journey and the incredible work she's doing with her clients, feel free to connect with her on her various platforms:
- Website: www.joyfulbabyco.com
- Facebook: JoyfulBabyCo
- Instagram: @joyfulbabyco