Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does it take to see change?
A. All babies are different but with the support and personalised plan behind you most clients see change within the first week – many within the first few days. With healthy babies I usually work to a 10 day plan to get them sleeping through the night. Progress can depend on the type of sleep approach you choose but this will be discussed in the consultation.
In a small number of cases, there can be underlying medical issues that are affecting your child’s sleep that may not have been obvious up until the time that you start working on their sleep. If this is the case, we will sometimes need to pause the support period, whilst tackling those issues (e.g. a milk intolerance) and then come back to it once baby is more comfortable.
Q. Will I have to leave my baby to cry?
A. I am not a sleep coach who advocates shutting the door and leaving your little one to fend for themself and ‘cry it out’ all night long. If you are altering how your baby falls to sleep, then there is likely to be some form of protest but I have approaches that mean your baby will feel safe, loved and supported. I offer a range of different approaches to suit all types of parenting style and once I have discussed a full history of your baby with you we can work together to discover the best approach for you and your baby.
Q. Will sleep training affect mine and my baby's relationship?
A. I can remember asking this exact same question! And the answer is a flat out no! If sleep is an issue with your little one then enabling them to have good quality sleep can only bring good to the table. A happier baby and a happier you can only strengthen your bond.
Q. Do I get to choose the hours my baby sleeps?
A. I will always work in a way that suits you and your lifestyle as this needs to be sustainable. However I do suggest for the first few weeks we work to awake windows rather than times, to allow for optimal levels of sleep which can then lead to positive changes in your little ones sleep habits. Once sleep improves then flexibility is encouraged, and it can be tailored better to your daily routine.
Q. If my baby becomes unwell before or during sleep training, what will happen?
A. I would always recommend starting your sleep plan when your baby or toddler is well in themselves. If we have already had the consultation, then the plan will still be valid and the support period will start on the first day that you feel ready to get started.
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If your child becomes unwell halfway through the plan and is unwell in a way that means the sleep coaching cannot continue, then I will endeavour to pause your support period, returning when your child is well and healthy again.
Q. Do I need support after implementing our chosen sleep approach?
I offer a 121 support package on my website but I am also able to offer a consultation and tailored sleep plan without the support if you feel confident enough to continue alone. However I do suggest you take advantage of the support because it allows you to have a constant shoulder to lean on and often we make tweaks along the way. Each baby is different and what may work for one may not work for another so having me by your side can be the making or breaking of the whole process.
Q. Can we do sleep training with my baby still in our room?
A. Yes. Babies under six months old are almost always in the parents’ room. I recommend if a baby is 6 months or older that they transition into their own room at the same time as the sleep training.
Q. What are your qualifications?
A. I have trained and qualified as an infant sleep consultant with the best in the sleep training industry at the Parent and Baby coach sleep school. After experiencing sleep issues with my youngest I also feel that living through sleep deprivation qualifies me in understanding how a client feels which can be immeasurable when building a report with clients.
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I have a degree in Psychology and criminal behaviour. Whilst the criminal behaviour is not relatable my degree has provided me with a vast understanding of the human mind and behaviours. Sleep was a huge component to my degree and coupled with my Infants Sleep Qualification I feel I am more than qualified to help and support clients along their sleep training journey.