Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sleep train?
I believe strongly that no one should feel pressured to parent their child a certain way. You know your child best, and you know what works for your family. I also think it’s okay if what was working isn’t working anymore, and you would like to make change. I would love to meet you where you are and find a way to get to where you want to be!
What is your background/qualifications?
In my pre-mom life, I obtained my Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders and worked as a speech-language pathologist in the acute/ICU and rehab hospital settings with patients with stroke, brain injury, and degenerative diseases, among others.
When I decided to turn my passion for sleep into a new job, I became a certified pediatric sleep consultant through the Cradle Coach Academy program.
What methods do you use?
I am trained in a variety of sleep training methods, and all of my recommendations and methods are science and research-based. There are many techniques on the continuum of very gentle to “Cry it Out/Extinction”. I tend to fall somewhere in the middle for most of my clients. I believe in being a responsive parent while also passing the baton to them to achieve independent sleep. I take great care in learning specifically about your child and family when determining which method will be best for you. In my custom sleep plans, you are given 2 detailed methods from which to choose, so you have options when implementing your plan.
How long will sleep training take?
My clients see positive change in their child’s sleep within just a few days! Sleep training and meeting your sleep goals can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks depending on which method you are implementing. Children thrive with consistency from you! Regardless of the method, sticking to our plan and responding consistently will help you exceed your goals!
What about crying?
I do everything I can to prevent unnecessary tears when developing and implementing the plan for my families. Remember, I am a mama, and I’ve been where you are. I also know that many times we have to support children through their feelings, especially because we can’t always eliminate or suppress them. When you begin teaching your child how to be an independent sleeper, we are changing things up on them (things they have likely been used to their whole life), and we can certainly expect them to protest and have feelings about that. That’s okay. It’s temporary. When we respond consistently and confidently, they are able to identify this new pattern and often quickly show us they are SO capable! Taking this step towards healthy sleep habits for your child will benefit them (and your whole family) for YEARS to come!
