PRAMpering

Parents come to me for a variety of reasons such as – they are struggling to find the joy in parenting, their basic level of cognitive functioning is impaired, the lack of sleep is impacting their relationship with their partner. The impact, if not addressed can potentially have negative implications for my clients and this is what leads to our work together.

My sleep recommendations are based around evidence-based, age-appropriate sleep biology and strategies. Consistency in approach and commitment to the approach agreed is the key to success. Babies take great comfort in knowing what is coming next and it helps them to learn quickly. If a plan built around your baby and your family’s unique experience, goals and objectives is something you are committed to then there is no reason why our sleep work together should not succeed.

My approach is 'low and slow' and for good reason. It can take up to 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic and sleep coaching is no different. If you are looking for quick results (e.g. results within 3 days) then my approach is not for you. If you are looking for a life-long better sleeper then continue reading. Within this 66 day timeframe, parents report seeing some positive changes within the first few days of implementing sleep coaching techniques. These initial changes might include a baby falling asleep more quickly or sleeping for longer stretches. With consistent application of sleep coaching methods, significant improvements are often observed within the first two weeks. This might include the baby sleeping through the night or having more predictable and longer naps. For some babies, it can take weeks to establish stable sleep patterns. During this period, parents may need my help to to continue reinforcing sleep routines and to address any setbacks or regressions.

Your baby, your rules. As a Mum of two I know first-hand what it’s like to be advised to take a sleep approach that jarred with my fundamental values and belief system. It is this experience that led me to my sleep work. My approach is gentle and holistic and shouldn’t involve anything that feels uncomfortable or unnatural. If anything it should complement the bond that you have with your baby.

If we compare learning how to sleep to losing weight, if weight is lost too quickly chances are fundamental behavioural changes to how we live our lives haven’t taken place meaning the likelihood of gaining weight again into the future is high. The same goes for sleep – by teaching a baby how to go to sleep happy and content over time it becomes a part of who they are and how they behave.

Comparison can be the killer of joy and for many of us, our babies sleep can seem fine until we talk to a friend or family member or neighbour. On realising that their baby is ‘sleeping-through’ we start to think that we have a problem. However, if this conversation didn’t happen and you feel that nothing is broken, then there is nothing to fix.

If breastfeeding, the support of a non-lactating partner (birthing partner, relative, friend) can be helpful. If you have more than one child the help of a babysitter or some interim childcare and support, especially at bedtime, can be extremely helpful as it frees you up to concentrate on your child’s sleep as you bring it to it to a better place.