Are you debating whether you need to contact a sleep consultant?

Have you been struggling with your child’s sleep issues for a while but are still debating whether you need to contact a sleep consultant?

The most important thing to remember is that it’s OK. You’re not a bad parent for trying something that is not working and then not knowing what other options you have. How do you know something if no-one told you?

It is with these sentiments in mind that I want you to consider the following:

1. Determine how you actually feel about your child’s sleep. All too often, parents feel highly competitive about sleep: who’s doing it “better”, who’s doing it “right”. It’s easy to get swept up in that. But remember, “your child’s sleep” is not an Olympic sport. You can’t medal in it! So don’t let yourself get caught up in the competition. Instead, really analyze how you feel about your child’s sleeping patterns.

2. If your 9 month old still wakes up once during the night to feed — does that bother you? Some of you might answer yes, but others will likely answer no.

3. If your child doesn’t nap at the same time each day — does that bother you? Again, some will say yes, and some will say no .There are two things to ask yourself here: ‘is my child getting enough sleep?’ and ‘do I feel fine about my child’s sleeping habits?’ If the answer to both questions is ‘yes’, then guess what? You have won. You’re a winner. It doesn’t matter what your mother, or your neighbor, or your best friend thinks about your child’s sleep; if you’re okay with your child’s sleeping patterns (and if your child is getting enough sleep each day), then you’ve won.

4. Competition over. If it’s necessary to make changes to your child’s sleeping habits, then call a sleep consultant. If not, then  leave it.

5. Of course, once you’ve completed step 3, and analyzed how you feel about your child’s sleeping patterns, you might come to the conclusion that you don’t like them one bit! If that’s the case, then by all means, make changes!

6. If your child’s waking too frequently at night, then take steps to begin sleep training. If your child’s napping is erratic and chaotic (or maybe even non-existent!), then begin creating a daytime schedule that will help her nap more regularly.

7. If you find that you need help making changes to your child’s sleep, I am are here for you.   I am ready to create a personalized sleep plan just for your family, and to support you as you implement it at home.

Read this and then decide. And remember it’s your choice and what is good for YOU and your family.  What is most important is that you are getting the sleep and rest you need in order to be a happy healthy parent.

Don’t wait until your child is 1 before dealing with sleep issues. I have many clients that come to me at 5 months who want to get it right from the beginning. Little babies learn bad habits fast, so correct them early and get a good nights sleep.