Frequently Asked Questions
What sleep difficulties can you help with?
Any non-medical difficulties. Early rising, bedtime troubles/resistance, night wakes, weaning, transitions, attachments, nap struggles and more!
What is sleep training?
Sleep training is a planned and consistent approach to aid in a child’s learning process. There are numerous methods/approaches and it is my job to help you understand the differences and to guide you through a method you can carry out consistently.
How do I know if I am ready to sleep train?
Sleep training is a commitment. You want the best for you and your child, but you are unsure if you have the energy to see it through. Book an introductory call with me and I will help assess where you are at. Otherwise, it is best to wait until you know that:
You and your partner are on the same page,
You are committed to a multi-week process, and
You do not have any major disturbances during this time (moving, visitors, holidays, or the like).
Will my child cry?
You are looking for things to change from how they are now. Change and learning something new can be hard so protesting or discontent with the situation is normal. Crying is a young child’s only way of protesting that change. There are not any sleep solutions where your child will not cry, but I teach both slow and more direct techniques. I help guide you to a sleep coaching method that you are comfortable with.
My child is not yet 4 months of age from their due date. Can I sleep train them?
I want this journey to be one that is positive and successful for your family. Professional help waits until 16 weeks from a child’s due date so that we know that they are physically and developmentally ready for a consistent schedule. Sometimes just setting the stage before 16 weeks allows sleep to naturally occur when it should, and this is called sleep shaping. Please see my Sleep Foundations package.
How fast will I experience results?
Every child is different. My plans are developed with your child’s and your needs in mind. Depending on the method that is right for you, the timing of your progress can vary. We will discuss this and other expectations during your consultation. If you are committed to your plan, you can expect to see much progress by the time we are done working together, but your commitment to the process needs to extend beyond that for lasting results.
What are your mottos?
“Start as you wish to finish” …….. whups, didn’t quite happen?...... then “You can’t expect change without making a change”!
Can I still feed my baby during the night?
Yes. I will work with you towards a plan where you do not have to feed your baby during the night if it is medically appropriate, but if it is not appropriate or you are not ready, we will discuss a plan that includes a nighttime feed.
Can you do the sleep training for me?
In short, no. I want not only your child to learn new skills, but for you to as well. If I was to do it for you, you will end up in a situation of falling back into old habits because you yourself haven’t made the changes necessary for lasting success. I do offer in-home support on a case-by-case basis. Please contact me to discuss the particulars.
Can I co-sleep and sleep train my baby?
Co-sleeping poses a high risk to baby’s safety, and I do not work with those families wishing to continue co-sleeping. I do however work with those families wishing to move to either room sharing, or those who have a defined, separate sleep space for their child (including a regulated bedside attachment).
My child goes to daycare. Can you still help us?
Absolutely! Some daycares are more facilitating than others with requests, but I can tailor a plan that incorporates daycare days and that adapts accordingly.
You only offer sleep help up to the age of 6. Why don’t you offer sleep help for older children or adults?
Sleep struggles are found across all age categories, but as we age, sleep habits become more and more ingrained. Life experiences and more factors start to come into play as we age. Psychological, social, behavioural, and lifestyle aspects start to hold more weight in one’s life, and these factors can affect an ability to sleep. Many of these factors are best addressed by a psychologist, counsellor, nutritionist, medical physician, and/or a combination of, and are beyond what my expertise can cover alone.