To Be a Sling Dad

To fully explain why slings are for me;
I will write out my story for all to see.

Our journey began with disappointments and frowns;
It certainly had its ups and its downs.

We struggled to conceive the natural way;
Until IVF put our worries at bay.

Watching our fetus develop and grow;
Beginning as our only embryo.

From that moment on I just couldn’t hide;
My feelings of joy and fatherly pride.

The day soon arrived and Isaac was born;
Promises were made and vows were sworn.

To grow from a man and into a dad;
And guide him through the good and the bad.

I would tackle the nappies and late night feeds;
Whatever the wants and whatever the needs.

Fast forward two years I’m a dad in full swing;
There’s no doubt in my mind this is thanks to the sling.

Before I carried I was a father in fear;
Driving hands tied and unable to steer.

I lacked control and that parental bond;
A happy exterior I skilfully donned.

But, I now stand tall Isaac strapped to my side;
Full of confidence and baby-wearing with pride.

The passion of slings has encompassed my soul;
Filling my body and making me whole.

Sharing this love is the next great thing;
And the reason I’m now Peer Supporting.

Whether it be shouting “sling spot” loud in the street;
Or helping out at my local sling meet.

The Sheffield Slings community, all are second to none;
And are now like a family, to me, my wife and my son.

So to end this little poem I have a final thought;
A parent should have access to answers that are sought.

My mission to help in spreading the word;
A baby-wearing message that needs to be heard.

Whether mother or father, you should not care;
This closeness is something that either can share.

When my son’s fully grown and flown the nest;
Slings is the subject I want to know best.

If you want your baby close enough to be kissed;
I will continue to support and assist.

By Paul Webster