My Journey as a Sleep Coach: Why I Stopped Promoting Sleep Training
I’ve always worked with families and children, and from early on, I noticed just how much sleep impacts everyone’s well-being. When parents aren’t getting enough rest, everything feels harder—patience wears thin, emotions run high, and even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming.
A bit of sleep deprivation is normal when you have a baby—but chronic exhaustion shouldn’t be something parents are expected to endure. Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental part of health and recovery.
The Reality: Most Parents Don’t Have Enough Support
In an ideal world, every parent would have access to ample support and paid parental leave, giving them the time and help they need to rest and heal. But let’s be honest—most families simply don’t have that safety net.
So when sleepless nights stretch into weeks or months, parents start looking for solutions. For many, that search leads to sleep training.
Why I Stopped Promoting Sleep Training
When I first began working as a sleep coach, I thought sleep training might be the answer. It seemed straightforward, structured, and effective—at least in theory.
But as I worked closely with families, I saw a different story. Sleep training often worked for a short while, but the results rarely lasted. More importantly, I noticed that for many parents, leaving their baby to cry felt deeply wrong. It went against their instincts and values.
That’s when I made a shift. I realized I could help families get more rest without separation-based methods and without asking parents to ignore their intuition.
And if you have tried sleep training? Please know—there’s no shame here. Every parent does the best they can with the information and support they have. My role isn’t to judge your past choices; it’s to help you move forward in a way that feels right for you and your baby.
A Gentle, Flexible, and Realistic Approach to Sleep
Instead of rigid schedules or one-size-fits-all plans, my approach focuses on flexibility and understanding the whole picture. Sleep isn’t just about what happens at bedtime—it’s influenced by your baby’s temperament, development, daily rhythm, feeding, environment, and your own well-being.
Together, we look at your days and nights to find realistic routines that work for your unique family—not strict “wake windows” or clock-based rules.
I also talk openly and honestly about safe(r) bedsharing—because many parents end up sharing a sleep surface at some point, whether they planned to or not. Rather than hiding or shaming this, I help families make informed, safer choices so everyone can rest with confidence.
What Gentle Sleep Support Really Looks Like
As a postpartum doula and holistic sleep coach, my work goes beyond naps and nighttime. I help parents care for themselves, restore balance, and create sustainable habits that support the whole family’s well-being.
Gentle sleep support means:
No rigid schedules or unrealistic expectations
No sleep training or separation-based methods
No shame for your choices or what you’ve tried before
Yes to flexibility, compassion, and realistic solutions
Yes to improving sleep for everyone in the family
Supporting Families Toward Rest and Connection
Today, my mission is to help parents reclaim rest, trust their instincts, and find solutions that feel good. Because better sleep doesn’t have to mean sleep training—and it doesn’t have to come at the expense of connection.
If you’re ready to explore a gentle, flexible, and evidence-informed approach to sleep, I’d love to support your family.
