Enter any keyword(s) to search our Blogs.
Can I breastfeed while implementing this sleep program?
One of the most common questions I hear is, "Can I breastfeed while implementing this sleep program?" The answer is a resounding YES! Today, I want to explain how our gentle sleep coaching methods can harmoniously coexist with breastfeeding.
Can I breastfeed while implementing this sleep program?
Breastfeeding and Sleep Coaching: A Symbiotic Relationship
Breastfeeding provides your baby with essential nutrition, comfort, and bonding time, which are all crucial for their overall development and well-being. My guilt-free, gentle sleep coaching approach respects and supports the breastfeeding relationship, ensuring that your baby's nutritional needs and your breastfeeding goals are met while also working towards better sleep for the whole family.
Tailoring the Sleep Plan to Your Needs
One of the key aspects of our sleep coaching program is personalization. I understand that every family is unique, and so are their needs and routines. During our initial Sleep Strategy Session, we take the time to discuss your breastfeeding schedule, your baby's feeding patterns, and your overall goals for both sleep and feeding. This collaborative approach ensures that the sleep plan we develop integrates seamlessly with your breastfeeding routine.
Night Feedings and Sleep Coaching
Many breastfeeding mothers worry about how night feedings will be managed during sleep coaching. It's important to note that night feedings are perfectly normal and expected, especially for younger babies. My guilt-free, gentle sleep coaching methods do not require you to eliminate night feedings abruptly. Instead, we focus on creating a predictable and consistent bedtime routine that helps your baby distinguish between day and night, which can naturally lead to longer stretches of sleep as they grow and develop.
Help! I want to know how to night wean safely and easily.
Gentle Techniques that Support Breastfeeding
My gentle sleep coaching techniques are designed to be compassionate and child-led. This means we prioritize your baby's comfort and emotional well-being throughout the process. Techniques such as gradual withdrawal, gentle soothing, and responsive settling are all compatible with breastfeeding. These methods allow you to continue nursing your baby while also helping them develop healthy sleep habits.
Addressing Sleep Associations
One common challenge breastfeeding mothers face is the development of sleep associations, where the baby relies on nursing to fall asleep. While it's natural for babies to find comfort in nursing, our goal is to help your baby learn to fall asleep independently while still feeling secure and nurtured. We work with you to gradually introduce new sleep associations and routines that do not disrupt the breastfeeding relationship.
Support for Mothers
At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, I recognize that a well-rested mother is just as important as a well-rested baby. My coaching program includes support for you, the mother, to ensure that you are getting the rest you need. I provide guidance on self-care, stress management, and strategies to help you balance the demands of breastfeeding and sleep coaching.
Realistic Expectations and Progress
It's important to have realistic expectations when combining breastfeeding with sleep coaching. While improvements in sleep patterns can be seen relatively quickly, every baby is different, and the pace of progress can vary. My focus is on gradual, sustainable changes that support both your baby's sleep and breastfeeding needs. Child’s individual developmental and nutritional needs are considered when we make a plan.
Success Stories from Other Families
To give you a sense of hope and reassurance, I encourage you to watch our collection of video testimonials from other families who once shared your concerns with maintaining the nursing relationship with their child. Hearing their stories can provide you with a sense of community and confidence that you are not alone in this journey and that positive change is possible.
This mom benefited from a stronger nursing relationship after sleep coaching:
Achieving YOUR Goals! Maintaining Nursing Relationship During Sleep Coaching:
Yes, you can absolutely breastfeed while implementing my sleep coaching program. At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, I am dedicated to creating a sleep plan that supports your breastfeeding journey and respects your baby's nutritional and emotional needs. My gentle, personalized approach ensures that your baby receives the best of both worlds – the nourishment and comfort of breastfeeding and the gift of healthy sleep habits. Together, we can achieve a balanced and restful routine for you and your baby.
Ready to Sleep Again? Let’s Do This.
If you’re thinking, “Okay, I kinda-sorta-maybe want to try this, but I still have questions,”—that’s what I’m here for.
Let’s start with an easy first step, schedule a Sleep Strategy Session so me, you and your partner can have an 1 hr long zoom session so I can properly assess the sleep situation and determine if you need one-on-one sleep coaching support.
Let’s get your baby sleeping—and get YOU your sanity back.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
5 Reasons Your Child Was Awake Last Night—and How to Fix It
I was proud to participate in an INCREDIBLE PARENTING 101 SUMMIT that included 15 Parent experts discussing topics such as nutrition, speech. OT, potty training, toddler tantrums, siblings, toilet training and MORE. I was so impressed with each expert!
At the Parenting 101 Summit, I dove deep into the five biggest reasons why your child might be waking up at night and, more importantly, how you can finally put an end to it.
Picture this: it's 2 AM. You’re groggy, stumbling through the hallway, eyes barely open as you shuffle to your child’s room for what feels like the tenth time tonight. Sound familiar?
It’s a scene I hear about every single day—and it’s why I want to share something incredibly powerful with you.
Why You Should Watch This Video
I don’t just talk about sleep theory—I walk you through exactly how sleep works for little ones, and why it sometimes doesn’t.
I break down the myths, the misunderstandings, and the mistakes that keep your child waking up, night after night.
Here’s a sneak peek:
Bedtime is Too Late – We're not talking hours late; sometimes, even 15 minutes can make all the difference. I explain the exact sleep windows you need to watch for.
Too Drowsy at Bedtime – If your little one is already half asleep when you lay them down, you might be setting them up for multiple night wakings. I teach you how to spot the difference between "drowsy but awake" and "too drowsy."
Not Enough Daytime Sleep – Short or skipped naps can lead to restless nights. I’ll show you how to master “filling the sleep tank” so your nights are smooth and drama-free.
Inconsistency in Your Nighttime Response – Ever change things up out of desperation at 3 AM? Trust me, I get it. But I break down how consistency can be your biggest ally.
Unaddressed Medical Conditions or Developmental Leaps – Sometimes, the sleep struggles go way beyond what you think. I walk you through the signs and symptoms to look out for and what to do about them.
💡 If you’ve been banging your head against the wall, wondering why the wake-ups won’t stop, I’m telling you—this video will be a game-changer.
And to make it even easier, I’ve created two free guides just for you:
5 Reasons Why Your Child Was Awake Last Night (and What to Do About It) – Discover the hidden culprits of those restless nights and what to do about it.
Sleep Chart: How Much Sleep Does Your Child Need? – Get clarity on the optimal sleep amounts for every age and stage.
But here’s the thing: watching the video is just the start to uncover sleep,there are so many other parenting concerns. The PARENTING 101 SUMMIT featured experts from all areas of parenting…think…nutritionists, parenting coaching, etc.
If you want to go all in with getting expert insight into your parenting journey You will likely want to Unlock the VIP Package of this Parenting 101 summit.
I’m thrilled to share the VIP Package for the Parenting 101 Summit. Not only will you get access to my session, but you’ll also unlock every expert interview—each one packed with actionable strategies, insider tips, and parenting gold.
Sleep is Solvable
I want you to know this: sleep is always solvable. You don’t have to live in a fog of exhaustion, and you certainly don’t have to battle bedtime every night. With the right tools, the right knowledge, and the right support, you can make this change.
Join me, watch the video, and grab that VIP package if you’re ready to take back your nights.
Because you—and your child—deserve peaceful sleep.
Ready to finally sleep through the night? Let’s make it happen—together.
Ready to Sleep Again? Let’s Do This.
If you’re thinking, “Okay, I kinda-sorta-maybe want to try this, but I still have questions,”—that’s what I’m here for.
Let’s start with an easy first step, schedule a Sleep Strategy Session so me, you and your partner can have an 1 hr long zoom session so I can properly assess the sleep situation and determine if you need one-on-one sleep coaching support.
Let’s get your baby sleeping—and get YOU your sanity back.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
From Rock Bottom to Playful Mornings: One Family’s Epic Sleep Win
Let me take you inside a recent coaching conversation—one of those moments where I get off the Zoom call, happy tears in my eyes, and shout “THIS is why I do this.”
Here’s what Mom said:
“We had our first night where we all slept well. First night. He slept. I slept. I felt so good.”
This, my friends, is what I call a turning point.
It’s not just about your baby sleeping longer.
It’s about what happens the next morning.
When the whole family wakes up refreshed.
When the baby is playful.
When Mom and Dad can actually look at each other and say, “Hey, we’re doing okay.”
And then she said something that stopped me in my tracks:
“I feel like we died as a couple and have been reborn through getting better sleep.”
Let that sink in.
Because when you're running on fumes, relationships suffer.
You start to lose sight of your partner, your patience, your joy.
But with consistent sleep comes healing. Harmony. High-fives before 9 a.m. And, in this case, a little marital resurrection.
And it gets better.
“You saw us at rock bottom. Now it’s all coming back together.”
They’re still in the thick of it—just wrapped night coaching and heading into nap training—but they’ve got momentum. Tools. Confidence. Even better? They’re seeing how this journey impacts everything:
🍼 Baby is more cheerful.
🍽 Appetite and picky eating is massively improved.
🧠 New skills are emerging. ("Ball!" is the new favorite word.)
💬 And the two of them? Learning how to take turns, trust each other, and show up fully.
They’re not just getting through the nights—they’re making vacation plans with their baby in mind. They’re owning their decisions with zero guilt. And yes, they said:
“Joanna’s job is really cool. This transformation was almost as miraculous as when I got LASIK eye surgery and could see clearly after surgery.”
Hey, I’ll take “eye surgery-level miraculous” any day of the week.
Look, if you’re reading this and thinking, “There’s no way that could be us,” let me tell you something:
You’re not broken.
You’re not failing.
You’re just tired.
And I’ve got a path forward.
This family leaned into coaching, trusted the process, and now they’ve got sleep and got their life and relationship back. And soon, they’ll have a video testimonial to share, because yes—it was that good.
So if you’re at rock bottom (or just hovering above it), know this:
You don’t have to stay there.
Let’s rebuild something better—together.
Ready to Sleep Again? Let’s Do This.
If you’re thinking, “Okay, I kinda-sorta-maybe want to try this, but I still have questions,”—that’s what I’m here for.
Let’s start with an easy first step, schedule a Sleep Strategy Session so me, you and your partner can have an 1 hr long zoom session so I can properly assess the sleep situation and determine if you need one-on-one sleep coaching support.
Let’s get your baby sleeping—and get YOU your sanity back.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
The Top Baby Names of 2024—And What They Say About Parenting Today
So today, I’m inviting you to press pause on the to-dos and join me for something fun, meaningful, and a little nostalgic:
✨A peek at the top baby names of 2024—and how they’ve evolved over the past 10, 50, and 100 years.
Because believe it or not, these names tell a deeper story about who we are as parents right now, in this moment. 💛
🎉 2024’s Top Baby Names Are In
According to the Social Security Administration, the top names so far this year are:
Girls
Olivia
Emma
Charlotte
Amelia
Sophia
Boys
Liam
Noah
Oliver
Elijah
Mateo
There’s a lyrical, international flavor here—modern, but not trendy for trendy’s sake. We’re seeing strength, softness, and a whole lot of heart.
➡️ And that tracks, doesn’t it? Parents today are seeking names that feel timeless but also meaningful.
👶 2014: Ten Years Ago
Let’s time-hop back a decade. The top names then?
Girls: Emma, Olivia, Sophia, Isabella, Ava
Boys: Noah, Liam, Mason, Jacob, William
You’ll notice overlap—and that’s not a bad thing.
It signals stability, affection, and names that feel like home.
If you’re raising a 10-year-old right now, you may hear 3 Emmas shout “Here!” at school drop-off, but there’s a reason it’s been a classic. It sings. 🎶
🕰️ 1974: Fifty Years Ago
Now things get even more interesting.
Girls: Jennifer, Amy, Michelle, Kimberly, Lisa
Boys: Michael, Jason, Christopher, James, David
These names are solid, familiar, and in many ways reflect a generation of kids who were raised in the dawn of suburbia and Saturday morning cartoons.
✨In sleep coaching, I often work with millennial parents whose own names came from this list
👑 1924: One Hundred Years Ago
Drumroll, please...
Girls: Mary, Dorothy, Helen, Betty, Margaret
Boys: Robert, John, William, James, Charles
These names feel vintage now—but they’re circling back in a big way (have you met a baby Betty or Arthur lately?). There's a pull toward the classic, the sturdy, the sweetly old-school.
Why?
Because when the world feels uncertain, we crave names that anchor us.
So, What Does All This Have to Do With Parenting Today?
Everything.
Choosing a name is often the first major parenting decision we make.
And whether we go bold, traditional, global, or nostalgic, we’re doing what all good parents do:
We’re looking ahead. Dreaming big. Grounding our kids in something meaningful.
Just like sleep routines, daily rhythms, and gentle boundaries—names are part of the identity we help shape.
Real Talk From a Sleep Coach
I’ve seen it all. And one thing I know for sure?
No matter what name is stitched on their lovie or printed on their preschool cubby tag, what our children need most is the steady, loving presence of us.
That means giving them sleep, structure, connection—and yes, maybe even a bedtime song that includes their name. (Bonus points if it rhymes. 😉)
Your Takeaway Today 💡
If you’re naming a baby, let this be your gentle reminder:
There’s no “perfect” name.
Choose one that feels like a hug—to you and your future child.
Know that every generation has its own flavor, and that’s something to celebrate.
And if you’re parenting a tiny human (no matter their name), remember…
You’re doing beautifully.
❤️ Want a Little More Support?
If your child Olivia (or Mateo or Dorothy or Ziggy) isn’t sleeping well right now… you don’t have to go it alone.
✨Let’s talk about how I can help your family sleep well.✨
Book a free call and let’s get you back to rested, rooted, and ready for whatever’s next.
Ready to Sleep Again? Let’s Do This.
If you’re thinking, “Okay, I kinda-sorta-maybe want to try this, but I still have questions,”—that’s what I’m here for.
Let’s start with an easy first step, schedule a Sleep Strategy Session so me, you and your partner can have an 1 hr long zoom session so I can properly assess the sleep situation and determine if you need one-on-one sleep coaching support.
Let’s get your baby sleeping—and get YOU your sanity back.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
Did your pediatrician NOT help
You know that feeling when something just isn’t right?
That was Brittany and her husband Jack. A loving, intuitive, powerhouse couple who was doing all the things to support their daughter. But when it came to sleep? Well... it was more chaos than calm.
Her daughter wasn’t just skipping a nap or two.
She was overtired. Restless. Melting down by day, and wide-eyed by night.
Every time she voiced concerns, the pediatrician handed her the same line:
“Some kids just have lower sleep needs.”
They refused this to be their reality
They said to me:
“I’ve always heard other parents talk about their kids being happy in their crib. I was like... um, well, that is not our experience. She’s in our bed and still not sleeping well….,But we want her to be happy in the crib”
Boom. That moment? That honesty? That was the starting line.
When Brittany reached out, she didn’t want some rigid “cry-it-out” formula.
She wanted support, strategy, and solutions that respected her daughter’s temperament — and her family values.
Real Life. Real Plan.
So we built a custom sleep plan just for them:
✨ Gentle, not jarring
✨ Consistent, yet flexible
✨ Rooted in science, with room for intuition
And her daughter? We lovingly started calling her “Curveball Queen” because she kept us guessing — and we kept adjusting. That’s what responsive coaching looks like.
We focused on:
A clear and calming bedtime routine
Making the crib a place of safety and soothing, not stress
Reclaiming rest, one night at a time — without pressure or drama
We stayed in close touch. Tweaked and adjusted the plan to meet parental values, intuition and readiness of the child. We cheered on every small success.
This wasn’t just coaching — it was teamwork.
Fast forward a few weeks?
✅ Sleeping through the night
✅ Napping like a pro
✅ Calmer days, fewer meltdowns
✅ Parents who get to Netflix and wine without interruption
Yes — their bedroom became theirs again.
Yes — connection, romance, and evening conversations came back.
(And yes — I did a little happy dance with them.)
Let’s Get Real:
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual. But support? That’s out there — if you ask.
If your child was struggling in the pool, you’d get a swim coach.
If they were stuck in math, you’d find a tutor.
So why not bring in a gentle sleep coach when bedtime feels like a battleground?
Because here’s the truth:
Sleep is a skill. And like any skill, it can be taught — with compassion, consistency, and connection.
You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through this.
If you’re stuck in survival mode, let’s change that.
You deserve rest. So does your little one.
Peaceful nights are possible. Truly.
Big thanks to Brittany for allowing us to share her story. You're a total inspiration.
▶️ Watch Brittany share her sleep transformation in this short video
And while you're here, check out these next steps:
📖 Read the article: Why Hire A Gentle Sleep Coach
📖 Download the Guide: Do you need a sleep coach?
Are you struggling with your child's sleep? Could you use some support?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
Alternative Methods to Cry It Out
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Let’s get your nights back.
You’re not alone — and I’m right here walking beside you.
Can Co-Sleeping and Sleep Coaching Work Together? Yes—Here's How
Co-sleeping and sleep coaching don’t have to be at odds. In fact, they can work beautifully together—especially when your approach is child-led, attachment-focused, and tailored to your family’s values.
I talk to a lot of parents who are curious about improving their baby’s sleep, but feel stuck. They love the closeness and benefit of what that co-sleeping brings in those early months… for some families, co-sleeping is how they bond, how they nurse more easily and how they get any rest at all in the newborn phase 0-6 months. But as baby grows and gets more mobile and alert, sometimes things in the co-sleeping arrangement start to shift and it is no longer “as easy” as it once was…for example, , maybe their baby is waking every hour, needing to nurse back to sleep, or only settling for one parent. Maybe no one is sleeping well anymore in the co sleeping arrangement..
And yet the fear is real: “Sleep coaching means giving up co-sleeping, right?”.....Not necessarily.
Let’s unpack how co-sleeping and sleep coaching can absolutely coexist—and even thrive—when the plan is respectful, responsive, and aligned with your parenting philosophy.
First, Let’s Define What We Mean by “Co-Sleeping”
Co-sleeping can look like:
Bed-sharing: baby sleeps in the same bed as one or both parents
Room-sharing: baby has a separate sleep space (crib, bassinet, floor bed) in the same room
Floor bed setups: where the baby sleeps on a low mattress, often with a parent nearby
Many families begin co-sleeping intentionally—and others find themselves there out of sheer exhaustion. Either way, it’s a deeply personal choice. And like all parenting decisions, it’s okay for it to evolve.
You Can Honor Attachment and Improve Sleep
Here’s the truth: supporting your child’s sleep does not mean abandoning your parenting values.
You can:
Maintain your nursing relationship
Continue room-sharing or using a floor bed
Respond to your child with love and consistency
Move at a pace that feels right for you
In fact, the most successful sleep coaching plans are those that are customized to your unique situation—not one-size-fits-all methods that push harsh timelines or ignore your baby’s cues.
A truly child-led, attachment-honoring approach supports secure bonding and healthy, independent sleep.
The Turning Point: When Co-Sleeping No Longer Works
For many families I support, co-sleeping was working—until it wasn’t.
They tell me:
“We loved co-sleeping for the first few months. But now he wakes up every hour and I’m not functioning.”
“I’m ready for some space again, but I don’t want to traumatize him.”
“We want sleep support, but everything we read online makes us feel judged.”
Sound familiar?
This is where a gentle sleep coaching approach can be transformative—not because it forces a change, but because it supports the transition you're already feeling called to make.
What Does Child-Led Sleep Coaching Look Like?
Child-led doesn’t mean waiting endlessly for sleep to magically improve. It means:
Respecting your child’s temperament (especially alert babies who need structure)
Making gradual, loving changes based on readiness
Offering support when needed—and pulling back when possible
Prioritizing drowsy but awake at bedtime so your child learns to self-soothe, with you nearby as needed
We often start with small shifts: adjusting the bedtime routine, introducing a predictable sleep window, gently reducing crutches like nursing or rocking once the child is ready.
We take baby steps—literally and figuratively.
Real Families, Real Results
One of my recent clients beautifully illustrates how co-sleeping and sleep coaching can work together. This family had planned to co-sleep and loved it—until their baby began waking every hour and no one was getting rest. Mom still wanted to nurse, and they had a floor bed setup they didn’t want to give up.
We created a customized plan that introduced gentle coaching while honoring their goals. Within a couple of weeks, their baby was falling asleep independently, sleeping through the night, and still enjoying a warm, connected bedtime routine. No crying it out. No guilt. Just steady progress.
“I thought I’d have to give up co-sleeping entirely to get sleep help. Joanna met us where we were and helped us build better sleep habits without sacrificing connection.”
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Choose Between Sleep and Attachment
If you're feeling like you're at a crossroads—yearning for more sleep but afraid of what that might mean—take heart. You don’t have to sacrifice your values to improve your baby’s sleep. You just need the right support, the right tools, and a plan that puts your family at the center.
Whether you continue co-sleeping or transition to independent sleep, you can do so with gentleness, clarity, and confidence.
You are the expert on your baby. Sometimes you just need someone to walk alongside you—offering guidance, reassurance, and a clear path forward.
Please know that I do NOT advocate the "cry-it-out" method. As a certified Gentle Sleep Coach, I emphasize a guilt-free and gentle sleep coaching process that respects your child's developmental needs.
Let’s work together to restore peaceful nights for your family. Contact me today and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours with information on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
Join the "Sleep is Bliss Tribe"
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Happy Father’s Day
This one’s for you.
You—the dad who gets up at 2:17 AM for the third time tonight.
You—the dad who sings lullabies off-key just to calm your baby’s cries.
You—the dad who’s juggling work, dishes, and diaper duty without asking for applause.
From the bottom of my heart:
Happy Father’s Day.
Because being a dad today? It’s not about just “bringing home the bacon.”
It’s about being hands-on, heart-led, and fully present—even when you're running on fumes.
You’re not just helping with bedtime.
You’re building trust, modeling love, and shaping your child’s nervous system to feel safe and secure.
That’s not small stuff. That’s life-shaping stuff.
And while we don’t often talk about the toll it takes—the long nights, the fatigue, the mental load—you deserve to hear this:
You’re doing a phenomenal job.
We see you.
We honor you.
We appreciate you.
Your presence is the magic.
Your consistency is the security.
Your love is the foundation.
So today, enjoy your child's hug. Eat the pancake breakfast made just for you. Smile at the handmade card.
And maybe—just maybe—sneak in time for yourself.
Because you, too, deserve to be celebrated.
Happy Father’s Day,
This Father’s Day, Skip the Dinner Date—Try This Instead!
In the recent episode of "We Can Do Hard Things," titled "Date Nights: Why They Suck & How to Make Them Great," Glennon, Abby, and Amanda delve into the intricacies of maintaining connection and excitement in relationships. They discuss the limitations of traditional "date nights" and explore alternative ways to foster intimacy and understanding between partners.
As Father's Day approaches, it's an opportune moment to reflect on how we celebrate and connect with the fathers in our lives. Instead of the customary dinner date, consider embracing the concept of a "date day"—a dedicated time to engage in meaningful activities that strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.
Rethinking the Traditional Date Night
Traditional date nights often come with expectations and pressures that can detract from genuine connection. The routine of dinner and a movie, while enjoyable, may not always provide the space for deep interaction or shared growth. In the podcast, the hosts highlight the importance of breaking away from conventional molds to discover what truly brings partners closer.
Embracing the "Date Day" Concept
A "date day" offers the flexibility to explore new experiences together, free from the constraints of evening schedules. This approach aligns with the idea of "unknowing" your partner—allowing yourselves to see each other in new lights and contexts, fostering a renewed sense of curiosity and appreciation.
Ideas for a Memorable Father's Day Date Day
Outdoor Adventures: Plan a hike, bike ride, or picnic in a scenic location. Sharing physical activities can invigorate your connection and provide opportunities for meaningful conversation.
Explore Your City: Be tourists in your own town. Visit local museums, parks, or landmarks you've never seen. Discovering new places together can reignite a sense of adventure.
Shared Hobbies: Engage in a hobby that your partner loves, or discover a new one together. Whether it's cooking a new recipe, gardening, or painting, shared creative endeavors can deepen your bond.
Learning Experiences: Attend a workshop or class together—be it a cooking class, dance lesson, or a lecture on a topic of interest. Learning side by side can be both fun and enlightening.
Volunteer Together: Spend the day contributing to a cause you both care about. Volunteering can provide a sense of shared purpose and fulfillment.
Prioritizing Connection Over Convention
The essence of a successful "date day" lies in prioritizing genuine connection over adhering to traditional norms. By intentionally choosing activities that foster closeness and understanding, you honor the spirit of Father's Day in a way that resonates deeply with your unique relationship.
As we celebrate the fathers and father figures in our lives, let's embrace the opportunity to create meaningful experiences that reflect our appreciation and love. After all, it's these shared moments of joy and discovery that truly strengthen the bonds we hold dear.
But what if time away feels impossible?
If the thought of stepping away for a few hours—let alone an entire date day—feels impossible because of your child's sleep struggles, you're not alone. Many parents feel trapped by unpredictable naps, bedtime battles, and night wakings that make any kind of break seem out of reach. If this resonates with you, I want you to know that there is hope. Teaching your child to sleep well isn’t just about them—it’s about giving your whole family the rest and freedom you deserve. If you're ready to create a solid sleep foundation that allows you to reconnect with your partner (and yourself), I'm here to help. Let's talk.
Are you struggling with your child's sleep? Could you use some support?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
Alternative Methods to Cry It Out
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
You Are Not Alone: Navigating the Emotional Struggles of Sleep Deprivation
You’re Not Alone: The Sleep Deprivation Struggle Is Real
Let’s be real—running on fumes and trying to keep a tiny human alive is no joke.
If you’re up night after night, rocking, bouncing, or doing whatever it takes to get your little one back to sleep, I see you. It’s exhausting. It’s overwhelming. And it can make you feel like you’re failing.
But here’s the truth: You’re not failing. You’re just sleep-deprived.
Sleep Struggles Don’t Mean You’re a Bad Mom
I’ve worked with enough families to know that sleep challenges are normal. They don’t mean you’re doing something wrong or that your child is doomed to be a “bad sleeper”. Some kids just need a little extra help figuring out this whole "sleep" thing. And guess what? That’s okay.
What’s not okay? Beating yourself up over it. Thinking you have to “tough it out” alone.
The Emotional Toll Is Real
When sleep deprivation takes over, the thoughts hit hard:
“I’m failing as a mom.”
“Why is this so easy for other parents?”
“I love my baby, but I’m so drained that now I feel resentful.”
“I don’t tell anyone because I don’t want to be judged.”
“My partner and I are fighting about sleep, and it’s making everything worse.”
Sound familiar? That’s because sleep deprivation doesn’t just mess with your energy levels—it messes with everything!
it messes with your mind,
It messes with your emotions,
it messes with your relationships.
And pretending “you’re fine” when you are not….That’s not the answer.
You Deserve Rest, Too
Here’s the thing: asking for help isn’t weakness. It’s smart.
Sleep coaching isn’t just about getting your child to sleep better—it’s about helping you feel like yourself again.
So if you’re in the thick of it, running on empty and wondering if things will ever get better—know this:
You are not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own, either.
Let’s get your family sleeping again. You deserve it.
Ready to reclaim your evenings? Let’s connect.
Please know that I do NOT advocate the "cry-it-out" method. As a certified Gentle Sleep Coach, I emphasize a guilt-free and gentle sleep coaching process that respects your child's developmental needs.
Let’s work together to restore peaceful nights for your family. Contact me today and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours with information on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
Join the "Sleep is Bliss Tribe"
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.