Sleep Coaching Package FAQs
Do we have to use a crib?
Nope! Cribs, floor beds, co-sleeping and bed-sharing are all welcome here. For more info on bed-sharing, scroll towards the bottom of this page.
I’m exhausted, but how do I know my baby/child is ready?
I’m going to be honest: Your baby or child is probably not going to tell you they’re “ready” for a sleep change. Waking every 2 hours, needing feeds at every wake, latched all night, bedtime taking forever, or coming into your bed at 1am are likely all things that are working just fine for them, but not for you. The best time to make a sleep change is when YOU as the parent feel like something needs to change and you’re ready to support your child through it. It’s absolutely ok to have needs as a parent and make changes for your well being, even if it’s not something your child would naturally choose in that moment. This applies to all aspects of parenting, not just sleep! And, change can be made in a way that is respectful and responsive.
Will there be crying?
Yes, likely. It's impossible to promise a tear-free experience when we're helping a baby or child do something that different and new like nursing less, moving out of your bed, or learning independent sleep. However, I specialize in responsive support where babies aren’t left alone to cry as they learn new sleep skills. I believe that babies & children should get to have and experience all of their feelings, and we can be present to support them through those hard feelings while still making changes for family well-being.
Do you work with toddlers?
Yes, I work with children through age 5. For older toddlers, my approaches often do involve very brief periods of separation and returning if your goal is independent sleep, with lots of daytime prep work, communication and connection built in.
What is a “sleep plan?”
Your sleep plan is a written document that is completely tailored to your child and family that shows you exactly how to make the changes you're hoping for. Your plan looks at the holistic picture of your child's sleep, including circadian alignment, daytime rhythm, feeding suggestions, regulation support, a sleep approach for nights and naps, mindset coaching, and more. We co-create aspects of your plan together so that you feel fully aligned with the changes.
How long does it take?
When a plan is followed consistently, families usually see great improvement of sleep in 5 nights. My plans are designed to help you make meaningful progress in a short amount of time while staying responsive to your child and their big feelings.
Will we change the way my child falls asleep?
Yes, though I want to be clear: There’s NOTHING wrong with assisting to sleep if it works for you! But if you’re here, my guess is your little one wakes frequently and needs something from you to get them back to sleep, which means a lot of broken sleep for you. In our time together, we’ll help your child become comfortable falling asleep and settling back to sleep on their own, which will help them get back to sleep with ease when they naturally wake between sleep cycles, which means SO much more sleep for you! This does not mean you need to stop bed sharing, night feeding, or being present with your little one. You can be right there with them as they gain confidence with this new skill.
If you would like to keep rocking, bouncing or feeding to sleep, my Clarity Call will be a better fit.
Are your approaches gentle/gradual?
Many families describe my approach as gentle (see reviews here!). I do create gradual plans for big transitions like co sleeping to solo sleep, but even gradual and gentle change needs consistency and clarity. Some folks view “gentle” as making hesitant and inconsistent change, which often lacks the clarity our little ones need to actually adapt to the new way, and ends up involving more tears and frustration over a longer period of time. I truly believe clarity is the kindest, gentlest gift we can give our littles when they’re adapting to change, and my plans and coaching style reflect this.
Do I have to night wean?
Nope. We can still reach your sleep goals while feeding at night. I can also help you through the night weaning process if that’s aligned with your goals and it is appropriate for baby.
Do you work with bed-sharing families?
Yes! I help families achieve longer stretches and fewer night wakes while bed sharing.* I take a harm-reduction approach and teach safer bed-sharing practices based on the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's Protocol #6. While this differs from AAP recommendations, my focus is on helping families reduce risk and get better sleep within the choices that work best for your family. For babies under 12 months, I work with bed-sharing families who are fed exclusively breastmilk.
How do I know if your approach is right for my child and I?
If you’re ready for change and most or all of the above feels like a “YES", we’d likely be a great fit!
What is the timeline of your packages?
Book your package (payment, contract)
We have a planning call where we co create and talk through your sleep plan
After our call I’ll email you your sleep plan (turnaround time is 1-3 days)
You begin your plan whenever you’re ready (within 60 days of our call), and you have my daily support via email and calls as outlined in your chosen service while you implement your plan.
I’m ready! How do I get started?
Book a free discovery call below! If you’re ready to book now, you can find payment links on my services page. After you submit payment I’ll email you next steps.