What is Holistic Sleep Coaching?
Many of you have probably heard of sleep training. You follow a certain method of putting your baby down at bedtime, usually with the goal of getting them to fall asleep independently and sleeping ‘through the night.’ Holistic sleep coaching is different. While most holistic sleep coaches operate similarly, this is how I personally define holistic sleep coaching.
Looking at the full picture
The way your baby sleeps is not just dependent on how they fall asleep - it’s so much more than that. Your baby may love their crib and fall asleep easily, but they still wake up frequently because their tummy hurts or because it’s just too bright in their room. Looking at all pieces of the puzzle (environment, daytime activities, daytime sleep, aches and pains, development, personality etc.) helps address the right things without expecting your baby to fall asleep by themselves and thinking only that will help them sleep better.
Creating realistic expectations
The reality is that almost all babies need some sort of help falling asleep and falling back asleep. Even if your baby ends up sleeping through the night at some point, they may start needing you again at a later point. During the sleep coaching process, I talk with parents about biologically normal sleep and help them accept that sleep durations may vary and that while we can do certain things to improve sleep, biologically normal wake-ups are not something that can be ‘solved’.
Individualized support
Your family is unique, and giving you cookie-cutter advice is likely useless. While I do have my knowledge about sleep and many strategies that are evidence-based in my toolbox, you will receive advice that is tailored to you, your baby, and your goals. Imagine telling a single mom of four that her baby needs to sleep in the crib for all naps. Or telling parents who love snuggling their 3-year-old to sleep that they aren’t allowed to do that anymore. Sleep coaching means getting creative and coming up with a plan that works for you.
Balancing needs
Each family member has their own unique needs and wants. Ignoring a dad’s pain just because his baby likes to pinch his arms while falling asleep is less than ideal. At the same time, it is not the best approach to suddenly withdraw all support from your baby at bedtime because you are tired. I try to find ways to meet your baby’s needs while also helping you get the sleep you need.
Parents as experts
I may be the sleep expert, but you are the “your-baby-expert.” That means that we work as a team, and we will discuss together what works and what doesn’t. At the end of the day, I want to empower you to find a sleep strategy that feels good! I also want you to feel confident enough to handle future sleep challenges on your own - even if that means working myself out of a job!
Working with a holistic sleep coach may be the right choice for your family if you don’t want to sleep train but still want help navigating your kid’s sleep. If you are interested in working 1-on-1 with me, please message me!
