Community Canvas with Molly Ortiz-Shea

This month, hope&plum would like to take you on the journey of another one of our babywearing community members. She’s someone whose warmth, thoughtfulness, and determination shine through everything she does. A longtime babywearer and devoted parent of three (with one on the way!), she brings intention and creativity to motherhood in ways that are uniquely her own. Her story is about more than babywearing—it’s about listening to her body, adapting with care, and finding solutions that honor both her needs and her family’s. We’re so excited to introduce you to Molly and share how her journey and perspective contribute to our community canvas.

What’s your name?

Molly Ortiz-Shea

Who’s in your family?

My husband Charlie, myself, daughters Rayne (13), Joi (12), Ziva (3) and Violet (eta March!).

Where are you from? Where do you live now?

From Middlesex County, Massachusetts, currently residing in Chelmsford, MA.

What 3-5 words best describe who you are?

Loving, dedicated, passionate, caring and, my husband says, intelligent.

Give us a little background about yourself.

I have EDS, short for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which is a connective tissue disorder with systemic effects across the body. Some people have mild cases and just need to be more careful; some people end up with a spinal fusion and 20 surgeries. It’s totally person-dependent, and last I checked there were 13 subtypes of EDS. I have type 3, the hypermobile subtype, which means I’m prone to subluxations (a half dislocation) and full dislocations of any joint in my body with no trauma required.

How and when did you find out you had EDS?

I went to a new doctor in 2016 with a laundry list of symptoms and issues and that was the diagnosis I received after a 2 hour appointment.

What makes your babywearing experience unique?

I have subluxated my hips, sometimes multiple times on a daily basis, and they cannot handle the pressure that a waterfall style carrier puts on them. I could be wearing a 12 pound, three month old for 20 minutes, and my hips would be screaming at me. And as a short-torsoed person, there’s not enough room between my hips and my breasts for a giant waistband to go and then safely and comfortably wear my baby in a waterfall style carrier. I’ve tried them, and they just don’t work for me. I started babywearing back in 2012, so there weren’t many buckle options out there that weren’t bulky and basically unbearable for me.

What does a typical day look like for you and your family?

I’m a SAHM, so we get the big sisters off to school and then Ziva and I spend our day together either playing and puttering around the house or doing errands till it’s time to get the bus.

Are there other parts of motherhood that you have a different experience with or perspective about?

I have to be very strategic with my energy and what I use it for. I also have POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and I’m very sensitive to caffeine. I have to limit consumption drastically, and it’s hit or miss whether it acts like caffeine should act, gives me tachycardia, or just makes me sleepy. So I can’t re-up my energy with coffee throughout the day. What I have for the day when I wake up is it.

Tell us about your babywearing journey: Why did you choose to babywear? What did you start with? What have you learned on the way?

I was 21 and needed to do dishes with a very clingy baby girl! Due to our budget and carrier availability, I started with a Moby wrap, a DIY ring sling, and a Wrapsody wrap. This was back in 2012, so the SSC market really had NOTHING as far as apron styles, which is what I learned I needed. I don’t use any of those carriers anymore, but sometimes I miss my Wrapsody wrap even though it got uncomfortable as my babies grew. But I’m glad I’ve found other options that work for me on my babywearing journey.

What made babywearing really click for you?

Once I found apron style carriers and hope&plum, it was a total game changer! I could finally have the ease of a supportive buckle carrier without the pain and discomfort of a waterfall waist!

What’s your favorite hope&plum carrier?

I love my meh dai when they’re small and the Lark after they’re over 17 lbs. I have to be selective about which carriers I use (and for how long) after a certain weight. Because as much as I love my meh dai, my babies sag too much and cause joint pain. I can’t use a ring sling at all after 16 pounds. I’ve found what works for me through trial and error, but I love that I can still babywear with different options!

What’s the best thing you ever ate or a meal you never get tired of?

Shrimp picatta from ruby tuesday. Doesn’t exist anymore 😩

What animal would you be for a day?

A dolphin!

If you were an action figure, what would be two of your accessories?

A kindle and a Mary Poppins bag equipped with everything!

What are your top 5 emojis?

🤣😍🫣👏🏻🧐