A native Arizonan, moving to Illinois was quite the change for Perla Robertson. But she has to come to love Champaign-Urbana, as she and her husband have moved away and moved back — twice. Robertson is as a homeschooling mom of four young children – 7, 6, 4 and 2, with 26 months being the largest gap. Two years ago, she started the group now known as Babywearing International of Chambana (formerly Chambana Slingers), which has more than 200 members in the group. Perla is one of three Volunteer Babywearing Educators (VBEs) in the organization, and has furthered her training to become an Advanced Babywearing Educator. She gives extensively of her time to assist moms in finding the best carrier for each mom and child, and instructs them in how to wear their babies safely and comfortably. Formerly a music educator, Perla is still passionate about music, and can be found performing as a soloist at a local church.
See why we think Perla Robertson is a Chambana Mom to Know.
Q: What is babywearing?
Babywearing is a learned art. It’s the practice of using pieces of cloth to carry your child and it has been handed down from one generation to the next. You’ll find that most cultures have some sort of baby carrier that is/was commonly used. The Chinese used mei tais, Japanese used obi sashes, Koreans used podaegis, many African tribes use kangas, the Eskimos used Amautis. Many of these have been modified for us in modern times. At it’s very root, the purpose of babywearing is to make life easier for the parent by allowing them to bond with their child while doing dishes or laundry or playing with their older children.
Q: What got you interested in babywearing, and how did you receive certification as an instructor/educator?
I don’t actually remember how I found out about babywearing. I do remember the first time I used a carrier. My oldest was 2 days old and just wouldn’t sleep and would wail his head off if I laid him down. I eyed the ring sling in the corner and thought, “Well, that has to be better that the current state of affairs!” It was. And thus began my journey down the babywearing road.
I am an ABE (advanced babywearing educator) which is an accreditation earned through BWI (babywearing international).They offer three accreditations: VBE (volunteer babywearing educator), ABE and MBE (master babywearing educator). Each level requires a more advanced skill set as well as the ability to demonstrate teaching skills and knowledge on how to handle challenging situations. To attain each level, you are required to fill out an in-depth application form and questionaire, and then do a skills assessment to demonstrate your abilities.
Q: How do Champaign-Urbana parents get involved with your group and what opportunities does it offer?
Parents who are interested in joining the group can find us on FB by searching for Babywearing International of Chambana. We have two meetings per month: the 2nd Thursday from 10-noon and the 3rd Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 pm. We have an ever-growing lending library filled with close to 30 different carriers that parents can try out at the meetings. Carriers are available to borrow on a monthly basis to parents that choose the optional BWI membership, which is $30 for the year. In addition to the meetings, we also have weekly babywearing walks as well as playdates.
Q: What is your favorite babywearing product?
Before baby #4, I would have said a woven wrap, hands down. #4 has been a bit of a game changer, as he’s not really a fan of being wrapped up, so I’ve found myself using soft-structured carriers and mei tais quite a bit more. But, if a tornado was barreling down on me and I had to pick just one carrier, it would be a woven wrap.
Q: As a veteran mom, I understand you are a source of good advice :-). What advice do you give to new parents?
Ah, the million dollar question! Children can change at the drop of the hat. If something is going smashingly well (they are eating without fights, going to sleep nicely, etc.) don’t get used to it . . . it’ll change! Conversely, if your child is killing you with sleepless nights or suboptimal behavior, hang tight . . . it’ll change!
Q: What is your favorite thing to sing, and where do you sing in Champaign-Urbana?
Classical art songs are my favorite to sing because you have a beautiful and intellectual marriage of music and poetry. I also enjoy singing musical theater as old 1920’s and 30’s tunes. I sing with the group BACH (Baroque Artists of Champaign/Urbana) and I’m the soloist at the Christian Science Church in Champaign.
Q: What is your family’s favorite Champaign-Urbana event or place?
The babes LOVE going to Touch-A-Truck in the spring. We didn’t get to go this year and they were very disappointed. Our favorite place to go, by virtue of the fact that we go there all the time, is the mall. The babes like to play at the play area followed by a trip to Bigby Coffee to get Magic Milk.
Q: Tell me something most people don’t know about you.
Well, this past year my life has been quite the open book, so I’m not sure I have any secrets at this point! I guess I’d say that I feed my need to be creative by sewing. I’ve designed quite a few diaper bags and draft most of the patterns for the clothing and baby carriers I make.
Perla Robertson was nominated to be a Chambana mom to know. Nominate a mom or dad to know today!