FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For Your Information

WHEN IS THE EARLIEST I CAN SLEEP TRAIN MY BABY?

Whenever you are ready to get more sleep! To me, sleep training means teaching your child how to sleep independently. Independent sleep skills can be taught at any age. I've worked with babies as small as newborns. Of course sleep training a 10 week old baby will look very different from sleep training a 2 year old. That is where working with a sleep consultant is wonderful because you get a complete customized, age-appropriate plan. We want to meet our babies/toddlers where they are developmentally, that is why sleep training is not one size fits all!

WHY SHOULD I HIRE A SLEEP CONSULTANT?

As a Family Sleep Institute Certified Sleep Consultant, I am always up to date on the latest sleep research and responsible for Continuing Education Credits each year. If you want to make sure that we are a great fit, consider scheduling a Free 15 Minute Intro Call. Working with a sleep consultant gives you the chance to work 1-1 on creating a sleep plan that fits the needs of your family, and holds you accountable to following through on the plan.

HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK AND HOW WILL YOU COACH ME?

First you will want to visit my Services page, and find the consultation that best fits your needs. If you are unsure, feel free to schedule at free 15 Minute Intro Call. After selecting and paying for your package, we will schedule your Phone Consultation. Before the Consultation you'll fill out a small form just to give me a clearer picture of your child/children's sleep needs. During the Consultation we'll then review your answers and together we'll discuss what kind of sleep methods and techniques you'll implement over the next two weeks After the Consultation, you will receive a complete Sleep Plan personally written by me with you and your family in mind, and over the next two weeks I will coach you via email in implementing the plan. You all will soon be well on your way to sleeping gracefully each and every night!

WILL I HAVE TO LET MY BABY CRY IT OUT?

There are several different sleep training methods that we will discuss. I offer each family all of the options, and together we'll choose a path that makes practical and emotional sense. Working with me is about more than just a sleep training method, because I also support you in all of the elements that make up healthy sleep habits.

With all of the methods, I cannot guarantee that there will be no crying. During sleep training, crying is often times a normal part of the process. It is your child communicating to you that they are protesting having to fall asleep under new conditions! The tears will not do them any harm, and in a short period of time your child/children will adjust happily to their new sleeping arrangements and there will be much less protesting at bedtime and naptime. I often hear from clients that their child is MUCH happier and in better spirits during in just days after working with me.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BREASTFEED AND SLEEP TRAIN?

YES! It is absolutely positively possible to breastfeed and still train your baby to sleep well. It is also possible to sleep train and keep in night feedings if that makes you feel more comfortable. After working with me, you'll be amazed at how nice it is to feed your baby and then have them soothe themselves back to sleep on their own!

CAN YOU HAVE MY BABY SLEEPING WITHIN A WEEK?

Results will very from child to child, so it is hard for me to give exact timing. Some babies will adjust in a few short days, while toddlers who have been having sleep issues for a while could take a few weeks. The key to success with all the kiddos is consistency when implementing your personalized sleep plan! I always recommend that you have two weeks at home with little interruption to your schedule when you begin your time working with me.

DO YOU OFFER A GUARENTEE?

I can only guarantee that I am committed to helping your family, but ultimately it's up to YOU to remain consistent, follow directions and implement the sleep plan I've developed! With all of the families I have worked with, those who have followed the plan step by step have all reported positive outcomes. Like I've said, successful sleep training 100% will depend on your discipline and determination (but that's also why you have me as a coach to keep you motivated!). If for some reason you are implementing the plan and not having success, it's possible (but very rare) that there is an underlying medical issue affecting your child's sleep that would require medical attention.

DO YOU HAVE SLEEP PRODUCTS YOU RECOMMEND?

Yes! You can find some of my must-haves here!

DO YOU OFFER OVERNIGHT SLEEP TRAININGS?

I do not personally do overnight sleep training in homes. This is mainly because I cherish my eight hours of sleep every night in my own bed :). However, if you are interested in overnight services, I would happy to create a custom plan for you. I have partnered with the fabulous Doulas at Carolina Birth and Wellness, who are experts in overnight baby care. Using a team approach, I will work with you and the Doula to create a custom sleep plan. The Doula will then be at your home overnight to implement the plan. Read more about other services offered by their Postpartum Doulas.