Dahlia wrap Us United Wrap (tussah silk, merino)

Babywearers around the world

Storie 3/8: Bongi Hill
Coutry: South Africa
Wrap: Us United
Draw: www.dahliawrap.com/pages/formulaire-us-united
39% coton/cotton, 40% soie/silk Tussah, 21 % merino

When they was two

I'm a mama of one boy, Lukhanyo, but there was a time when I was a mama of two boys.

Earlier this year, I was a foster mom to a baby boy, S. He was sick and abandoned at the hospital where I work as a doctor. I can't tell you too much about his story because it's not mine to tell. Through a series of events, he ended up coming home with me and being part of our family. By that time, he had already crept into my heart as I had gotten to know him a little bit at the hospital. But I was still afraid and felt totally overwhelmed when we brought S home. I honestly had no idea how it would all go. Would I be able to know his needs and care for him? What would he expect if he woke up crying in the middle of the night? How did he sleep? How did he eat? The first few weeks were very challenging. Our lives were turned upside down as we adjusted to having him in our family.

I turned to what I knew would help me to connect with him and help him feel secure. Babywearing. I carried S as much as possible. I soon learnt what each of his expressions and cries meant. I grew confident in my ability to care for him. It was also just practical for caring for two kids under 2. I was able to spend lots of time bonding with S while still running around after my toddler. It was amazing to see how S transformed after a few weeks of being loved and nurtured. He became a content and loving little baby.

I miss S as if he was my own son because that is what he became. Babywearing helped me to form a deep attachment and bond with him. That was the foundation that helped him to heal.

When I had to let him go, it was really heartbreaking and I am still tender. It's especially hard at this time of the year because it's a time for being with the people that you love. But I have no regrets and would choose to love him all over again.

Bongi

Photograph: Adene Photography
Bongi Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Ndibambe/
Bongi Instagram: www.instagram.com/ndibambe