Dr. Doula's Hand-Crafted Wraps & Carriers
With Sankofa Wraps and Nguni "Imbeleko" Carriers, Dr. Doula celebrates the continued resourcefulness and innovation of women of African descent, and their abilities to create simple solutions for complex problems. Both are simple in design and are made to accommodate the diverse of needs of mothers while adding simplicity and adornment to their often complex lives. Dr. Doula is especially excited about introducing the imbeleko to Diasporic women of African descent who may have been interested in carrying their babies on their backs but are concerned about how they can do so securely. Both carriers shown on this page are hand crafted by Dr. Doula.
Sankofa Wrap/Carrier has multiple uses. It can be used to wrap/bind a mother's bely postpartum and to carry a newborn and infant as a front carrier to allow mom to become mobile when ready while keeping her new baby close to her body. It is made of light weight material with a convenient pocket to serve multiple purposes from birth and belly to baby and beyond. The wrap/carrier is approximately 6 yards long by 15 inches wide. The Sankofa Wrap/Carrier is available to Dr. Doula's birth and postpartum clients.
Nguni "Imbeleko" Carrier has its origins in Southern Africa with the various ethnicities that make up the Nguni people (i.e. Zulu, Xkosa, Swati, Ndebele, etc.). It is used to carry babies/toddlers on the back beginning at about 3 months. Imbeleko is a ceremony/ritual that is held after a baby is born to recognize their separation from the mother or the umbilical cord being detached, and their introduction to their ancestors. The literal translation is "the act of giving birth or to carry on your back". While it is now often made with fabric, it was originally created from goat skin and softened over time by the mother to be used to carry her baby/toddler on her back. Each carrier is approximately 20 in. x 23 in. with two 80 in. reinforced straps.
Nguni "Imbeleko" Carrier has its origins in Southern Africa with the various ethnicities that make up the Nguni people (i.e. Zulu, Xkosa, Swati, Ndebele, etc.). It is used to carry babies/toddlers on the back beginning at about 3 months. Imbeleko is a ceremony/ritual that is held after a baby is born to recognize their separation from the mother or the umbilical cord being detached, and their introduction to their ancestors. The literal translation is "the act of giving birth or to carry on your back". While it is now often made with fabric, it was originally created from goat skin and softened over time by the mother to be used to carry her baby/toddler on her back. Each carrier is approximately 20 in. x 23 in. with two 80 in. reinforced straps.
My South African mom and sister demonstrating how to use the "imbeleko" with the youngest nephew
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Dr. Doula offers Sankofa Wrap Sessions which include mother pampering with relaxation techniques and belly binding with a Sankofa Wrap as a postpartum service. |
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In indigenous cultures, women have always used decorative materials to adorn themselves that have also served very important functions surrounding birth. Women have used simple fabrics to support the weight of their bellies late into pregnancy, help manage labor, wrap their bellies to re-stabilize their postpartum bodies, and to carry their newborn babies with ease as they get adjusted to their new life routine.
In southern Africa the imbeleko is still used, but this is after the first few months once the baby is able to support its head and is stronger. For the initial days after birth, the Sankofa Wrap an ideal type of wrap for carrying your new baby. (The benefits of belly wrapping and wearing your baby are discussed in Dr. Doula’s Signature Course: “10 Things Every Women Should Know about Birth”) |
Disclaimer: In many African societies, babies are worn on the back with any kind of material that might be available. As with any indigenous practice, those deciding to carry their babies should understand that successful baby carrying will depend on a different type of trust or connection than what is often required in modern, western society. Dr. Doula's wraps and carriers do not come with instructions about size restrictions or weight limitations. Those desiring to use hand-crafted carriers or any other material to carry their babies who are not yet confident about their ability to carry their babies should consider using a commercial carrier that can be purchased with the desired design specs to minimize their risk and liability.
Baby Carrying Demonstrations by the "Zulu Doula"
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