Frequently asked questions.
What is sleep training?
Sleep training is the process of helping a child learn to fall asleep independently. We do that first through a variety of interventions. This includes making sure your child’s schedule is appropriate for their age and individual needs, providing an environment that promotes sleep, and establishing a solid and predictable routine for your child surrounding sleep. Next, we help them learn the skill of falling asleep independently. How do we do that? We can help them learn this skill like we do any other skill, whether that is riding a bike, reading, or learning to make a simple meal. We are present, we comfort them and provide them reassurance when needed, we help co-regulate them when they have become dysregulated, and we also allow them to practice the skill allowing a little more space and time to practice each time. These are all the same things we will do while helping your child learn to fall asleep independently. While we have to allow them the time and space to practice, we are there to help them along this journey and provide comfort and reassurance when needed.
Will my child cry?
Nothing has the ability to trigger my anxiety and fight or flight response more than one of my babies crying. It can take me from 0 to 60 in a matter of seconds. So, if your baby or child crying makes you feel the same way, I want you to know that I see, understand, and empathize with you. While it makes me incredibly uncomfortable to hear my kids cry, I understand that sometimes kids are going to cry even if the thing you are doing is in their very best interest. Whether that be strapping them into their car seat or taking them to the doctor’s office, sometimes things that are important for our kids will result in them crying. Why is that? Crying is a form of communication. Especially for our little ones that may not be able to use words yet, crying is a way to communicate with you. Let’s talk about crying in relation to sleep training. When we are sleep training, we are changing our little one’s routines and they may cry to communicate that this is causing feelings of frustration. Our babies love routines and they may protest the changes to their routine or preferred method of falling asleep, however, through responsiveness and tuning in with our little one’s needs we can reassure and comfort them while they are adjusting to these changes. This does not mean we are going to let our kids cry, and cry, and cry until they fall asleep without any reassurance from us. While we do have to give them room to practice falling asleep independently, which may inevitably lead to tears, we can respond to our children’s cries and provide comfort. So, while the tears may be uncomfortable, it is important to remember that sleep training ultimately can help them achieve better quality and quantity of sleep, which in turn has a positive impact on their growth and development. As parents we can rest assured that we are meeting their needs, responding to them when needed, and helping them learn a very valuable skill!
Does sleep training mean my child won’t wake up at night?
No. Even if you don’t realize it, everyone wakes up during the night. Waking up during the night is a biologically normal occurrence. In fact, waking up to 6 times during the night is considered normal. However, sleep training, and gaining the ability to fall asleep independently, does give your child the ability to work through these night wakings and go back to sleep if everything in their environment (and body) are conducive to sleep. Sleep training will not keep your child from signaling out to you when something is wrong that needs your attention. They will still awaken and signal to you if they need a diaper change, if they are hungry, or if they are uncomfortable.
What ages do you work with?
While we can establish a great, healthy sleep foundation from the beginning, it is best to wait until a baby’s sleep cycle has matured to start sleeping training. For most babies this occurs between 3-5 months of age. Sleep training is not just for babies though! I can work with you to help your toddler or younger child sleep better as well.
What is your stance on bedsharing?
I truly respect each parent’s decisions for their children regarding sleep, however due to the increased risk of unintended injury or death that accompanies bedsharing, I cannot ethically make sleep plans with the intention to continue bedsharing as the end goal, however if you are currently bedsharing (I totally understand and empathize with the the necessity of it!) and planning to transition baby to a bassinet/crib/safe sleep space in your room or their own room, I would love to help!
Can I sleep train if I am breastfeeding?
Absolutely! The answer to this is 100% yes! I have personal experience sleep training two of my own children while continuing a successful nursing journey. I would love to help you feel empowered with the right tools to support sleep while continuing your breastfeeding journey, if that is your goal!