The Unexpected Solution to the Agony and Pain of Clogged Milk Ducts and Mastitis Infections

The Unexpected Solution to the Agony and Pain of Clogged Milk Ducts and Mastitis Infections

The Unexpected Solution to the Agony and Pain of Clogged Milk Ducts and Mastitis Infections

Are you a nursing mom?

Have you ever experienced the pain and agony of clogged ducts….or worse, a mastitis infection?

Do you want to learn an unexpected solution to help you overcome these difficult challenges?

Listen to this incredibly informative interview about a new wonderful therapeutic solution to help solve this important concern for all nursing moms! Dr. Elise Hamilton from Hamilton Chiropractic is passionate about helping nursing moms stay healthy and vibrant during their nursing years! (click the image below to listen).

Pediatric Chiropractic Care is so important for post-partum moms and babies. To find a trained and certified Pediatric Chiropractor for you and your baby you can go to ICPA4kids.com

If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, you can find Dr. Elise Hamilton at

Hamilton Chiropractic

248A Harbor Blvd

Belmont, CA 90042

650-394-6045

drelisedc@gmail.com

www.hamiltonchiros.com

Facebook

Informative blogs on the benefits of pediatric chiropractic care for moms and babies can also be found through her website: Click Here to learn more about Clogged Milk Ducts and Mastitis infections.

Sleep Matters...For Everyone

Do you want to stay up-to-date on all the incredible information and interviews I have to share?

If so, please join my Facebook and Instagram tribes.

Solve your child’s sleep struggles once and for all — so everyone finally sleeps again.

I help sleep-deprived families get where they need to be: well-rested.

There Is No Need To "Cry-It-Out"

I Offer Guilt-Free and Gentle Baby Sleep Coaching

Easy and calm bedtimes, quiet, peaceful nights, reliable naps and confident parenting are yours.

With proven, evidence-based methods, an expert, signature process, and full-service support,

I help you tenderly teach the “skills of sleep” to your child.

I am a tenured Sleep Coach and I make sleep training easy with minimal tears.

I have Helped Over 800 Families Sleep Through The Night.

That’s More Than 2,400 Family Members Now Sleeping Better.

Let Me Help Your Whole Family Sleep Better, Too.

Click below to schedule a live 45 minute Sleep Strategy Session where you can gain expert insights from a tenured sleep consultant into how to tackle your baby sleep struggles once and for all!

I Want Sleep Now!

3 Simple Ways New Parents Can Save on Pregnancy and Baby Needs

Did you know that pregnancy can cost anywhere from $9,000 - $250,000, depending on whether the mother has health insurance?  

But that amount doesn’t even take into account other pregnancy necessities, such as maternity clothes, pregnancy books, prenatal vitamins, morning sickness meds, body pillows, noise machines, stretch mark prevention cream, and more--that are essential for getting through any pregnancy comfortably (or as comfortably as possible!)  

Emily Graham of MightyMoms.Net has some advice on budget-friendly pregnancy preparation. My hope is that these tips and resources provided will help alleviate at least some of the money worries new moms face.  

Do you have a new baby on the way soon? If so, you may feel overwhelmed by the pressure to prep for the months ahead. That pressure can be even more intense when you are prepping for a new baby on a tight budget, but it doesn’t have to be when you use these simple savings tips.

Stock Up on Baby Supplies Without Spending a Cent 

If you’re like most expectant moms, you’ve likely got a lot of items on left to buy on your shopping list. Little things, like nursing bras and bottles, can really add up, but you want to at least make sure you have a few items that will make life as a new mom easier. One such thing is a nursing bra made for hands-free pumping from a company such as Kindred Bravely. Stocking up on a couple of these can be a lifesaver for busy new moms, especially when they are back at work and still need to pump. You may need to cover the costs of your nursing bras, or you could luck out and have your insurance help out with this expense. One thing that’s for sure is that a breast pump must be covered by your health insurance, per insurance laws. Being able to cross this must-have maternity item off your budget can be so helpful. You can put the savings toward more nursing bras or other items on your nesting checklist. Want even more free baby gear? Look online for new mom freebies that can cut down your new baby budget even more.

Check Out Online Coupons to Trim Your Pregnancy Prep Costs  

As a new parent on a budget, online coupons and promo codes are a simple way to save. Many corporations, like Procter and Gamble, offer coupons on their website, but you can also browse dedicated coupon and discount sites. You should be able to find plenty of coupons and promo codes to help out with pregnancy and baby costs, but you should also make the most of your effort to find those great deals. Most grocery stores and retailers allow customers to stack coupons on eligible products, and you could end up paying little to nothing for the items in your shopping cart. Of course, the big savings do not have to stop with stacking. Once you checkout, be sure to save your receipts, and remember to use a rebate app to put even more money back into your budget. You can save up for cash back or choose from gift cards to help you snag more baby and pregnancy products for less cost.

Talk to Friends and Family Members About Throwing a Baby Shower  

If you have a network of friends and family nearby, chances are they have offered to help during your pregnancy. So, take them up on that offer and ask them to help organize a baby shower. You can even provide your host or hostess with some budget baby shower tips, so you can have a baby shower without feeling guilty about the costs. Help your friends out by providing some inexpensive parting gifts for attendees (hint: you likely already have a few around your home) or see if someone has some leftover decor that can be used for your shower. You can help your hosts and guests out even more by registering for budget-friendly gifts. Be sure to include some pregnancy and baby basics on your registry, but look for easy ways to save on those essentials, such as opting for previous models or sale items. Once the shower is over, also be sure to thank your friends and family for their generosity by sending timely thank yous. Most people are happy to help you welcome your new bundle of joy with a few shower gifts, and it’s a good way to get the gear you need without going over your own budget.

Being ready for a new baby takes some planning, especially when it comes to sticking to a budget. So, use the tips above to add more savings to your pregnancy prep budget plan, and make sure you, your home, and your bank account are all prepared for the new arrival.

Sleep Matters...For Everyone

Do you want to stay up-to-date on all the incredible information and interviews I have to share?

If so, please join my Facebook and Instagram tribes.

Solve your child’s sleep struggles once and for all — so everyone finally sleeps again.

I help sleep-deprived families get where they need to be: well-rested.

There Is No Need To "Cry-It-Out"

I Offer Guilt-Free, Gentle Sleep Coaching

Easy and calm bedtimes, quiet, peaceful nights, reliable naps and confident parenting are yours.

With proven, evidence-based methods, an expert, signature process, and full-service support,

I help you tenderly teach the “skills of sleep” to your child.

I’ve Helped Over 800 Families Sleep Through The Night.

That’s More Than 2,400 Family Members Now Sleeping Better.

Let Me Help Your Whole Family Sleep Better, Too.

Click here to schedule a live 45 minute Sleep Strategy Session where you can gain expert insights into how to tackle the sleep struggles once and for all! (small fee applies)

I Want Sleep Now!

Photo Credit: Unsplash

What You Might NOT KNOW About Your Pelvic Floor

Do you know the REAL basis to Women's Health & Vitality.

It is not what you expect!

As you probably know by now by now, I am always out "in the field" gathering information and resources on important topics that will help you navigate all the elements of motherhood.

After extensively interviewing Lori Yu, a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, I have to admit, I had been woefully uneducated in this area and I had completely misunderstood and misjudged this important area of my anatomy.

I am proud to bring you critical information about women's health and vitality regarding the importance of maintaining the Pelvic Floor.

My hope in sharing this information is that you too will tune into this critical area of women's health that is often overlooked and NOT discussed. Trust me, THIS IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Please take 20 minutes to listen to this truly important and valuable information from Lori You of Yu Physical Therapy.

Watch the interview, click on image below:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvDaBPV7d9w?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Amazing information, right?? 

If you have questions that you want to ask Lori, she is ready and available to do a Pelvic Floor Triage Session: Book a phone or zoom/skype session with Lori to learn more about pelvic health or ask questions about your current situation.Cost:  $40.00/ 15 minutes  

Lori Yu, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist at Yu Physical Therapy

Website:  https://www.yuphysicaltherapy.com/

Phone:  1-650-224-6886

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yuphysicaltherapy/?hl=en

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Yuphysicaltherapy

Be on the look out for another interview with Lori where we will continue the conversation and learn how an un-engaged pelvic floor is one of the main reasons moms experience the dreaded "mommy pooch"....Yes, this surprised me too! All along,I thought mastering the perfect  "plank pose" was going to help me overcome my "mommy pooch", I have been wrong on this fact for 15 years post birth!

Are you struggling with your child's disruptive sleep patterns? Please know there is NO NEED to live in a sleep-deprived haze, there is hope and help available. Talk to a Sleep Expert to learn the right next steps to get where you want your family to be: well-rested!

Sleep Matters...For Everyone

Do you want to stay up-to-date on all the incredible information and interviews I have to share?

If so, please join my Facebook and Instagram tribes.

Solve your child’s sleep struggles once and for all — so everyone finally sleeps again.

I help sleep-deprived families get where they need to be: well-rested.

There Is No Need To "Cry-It-Out"

I Offer Guilt-Free, Gentle Sleep Coaching

Easy and calm bedtimes, quiet, peaceful nights, reliable naps and confident parenting are yours.

With proven, evidence-based methods, an expert, signature process, and full-service support,
I help you tenderly teach the “skills of sleep” to your child.

I’ve Helped Over 800 Families Sleep Through The Night.
That’s More Than 2,400 Family Members Now Sleeping Better.

Let Me Help Your Whole Family Sleep Better, Too.

Click the button below to schedule a live 45 minute Sleep Strategy Session where you can gain expert insights into how to tackle the sleep struggles once and for all! (small fee applies)

I Want Sleep Now!

3 Ways to Improve a Parent’s Sleep

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It can be surprising for mothers and fathers just how exhausting it can be to adjust to a newborn’s sleeping habits. You may not realize how severely your new sleeping schedules can affect you, but losing sleep regularly with a newborn can lead to serious sleep deprivation.  

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 76% of parents have sleep problems. For parents who need to be able to think and cope, especially if you have infants and small children, this degree of sleep deprivation is particularly detrimental to your personal and family life.  

In order for you to best take care of your baby and your family, you must take care of yourself as well. Here’s what you can do to make sure you and your partner keep your sleep and your sanity under control with a newborn:  

1. Communicate With Your Partner and/or Support System

Even before you bring your baby home from the hospital, you should communicate with your partner or support network about how much sleep your body needs, including how you handle sleep deprivation.  

Some people are more sensitive than others to sleep disturbances, based on individual conditions like susceptibility to depression, mood disorders, or other diseases. Knowing this information in advance helps with your spousal relationship and expectations for each other prior to the baby coming home.  

2. Avoid Taking On New Roles or Responsibilities

It is important that you avoid adding anything else to your plate when you have a newborn. It can even be tempting if you have an older child to plan a special day outing with him or her to make up for less attention at home, but even that can be a mistake.  

In addition to not making additional commitments and not taking on new responsibilities, it is even time to delegate chores and other tasks you took on pre-baby. This can mean giving visitors to your home tasks or chores to do while they are there. Don’t try to be the perfect hostess or fret about what your house looks like to others.  

It can be easy to say you can do things yourself, but when having a newborn, just say ‘yes’ to any help you can get from guests, spouse, or any other family member. 

3. Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps

When it comes down to sleeping or doing chores when your baby is asleep, choose sleep every time. When the baby is asleep, lie down and rest, even if you don’t think you can actually fall asleep.  

Just like with not taking on new responsibilities, this means turning off your phone while you rest and forgetting about your to-do list. Pick a quiet, relaxing environment in which to rest, and dim the lights.  

Sleeping as much as possible is essential to combat postpartum symptoms of depression and mood-related disorders. Remember, the longer more time you can carve in for napping, the better! 

It can feel all alone when you are up at night with a crying baby, where you may only get a cumulative three hours of sleep per night, but you are not alone as this is common. Keep your eye on the horizon, as your baby will sleep at night in a matter of time.

Author’s bio: Ashley Little is a writer for Mattress Advisor, a site dedicated to helping others get their best sleep each night.

Do you want to stay up-to-date on all the incredible information and interviews I have to share?

If so, please join my Facebook and Instagram tribes.

Solve your child’s sleep struggles once and for all — so everyone finally sleeps again.

I help sleep-deprived families get where they need to be: well-rested.

There Is No Need To "Cry-It-Out"

I Offer Guilt-Free, Gentle Sleep Coaching

Easy and calm bedtimes, quiet, peaceful nights, reliable naps and confident parenting are yours.

With proven, evidence-based methods, an expert, signature process, and full-service support,

I help you tenderly teach the “skills of sleep” to your child.

I’ve Helped Over 800 Families Sleep Through The Night.

That’s More Than 2,400 Family Members Now Sleeping Better.

Let Me Help Your Whole Family Sleep Better, Too.

Click the button below to schedule a live 45 minute Sleep Strategy Session where you can gain expert insights into how to tackle the sleep struggles once and for all! (small fee applies)

I Want Sleep Now!

Baby Sleep Tips For The Spring Time Change 2019

Spring Forward on 3/10/19

Spring Forward on 3/10/19

It’s Daylight Savings time again: It is time to “Spring Forward”! In the US, we will turn our clocks ahead one hour this weekend at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 10th, 2019 and in Europe, it is Sunday March 31.

I am looking forward to the extra daylight and a dose of Vitamin D from the sunshine.  As with all time changes, the family should be prepared and expect some sleep disruptions. Below are some baby sleep tips and strategies on how to tackle it all.

Be patient as it does take the body 7-9 days for the natural circadian rhythm to get back on track.

If you employ these tips, it will be easier for you to support yourself and your little ones through this time-change transition.

This time change can often be very difficult for children. After all, imagine being used to a 7pm bedtime and now it’s been moved to what your body feels is 6pm!

To make the transition easier, I have outlined some baby sleep tips to help your baby or toddler make a gentle change. Don’t worry. There are a couple of ways to tackle this transition and you can choose the one that suits your style and your child’s needs the best.

• Before the time change…be diligent that your child is getting adequate naps so that they aren’t overtired.

• Be prepared for your baby’s bedtime to feel earlier, since it actually is earlier. Remember, we’re jumping ahead a full hour, so what used to be 6:00 p.m. is now 7:00 p.m. (but it will still feel like 6:00 p.m. to your baby).

• Exposure to morning light can help the body “reset” the circadian rhythm. If it’s too cold, open the windows and let in some natural light. 

• Try to get at least thirty minutes of sunlight first thing in the morning for that initial week to help your body tune into the time change.

I recommend that you choose between two transition methods for Daylight Savings Time.

Transition Method 1: Pretend that Nothing Has Changed on March 10.

• Best method for families with children with “early rising” tendencies (up before 6am)

• Best method for busy parents who already feel “rushed” at bedtime.

If you have a child that actually wakes up before 6am, than this may be the right method for you.  This method is probably the easiest for most families, as you will follow your daily routine according to the clock, but everything will be pushed ahead one hour.

If you choose this method do the following:

• Move your clock ahead an hour on Saturday night 3/9/19, and proceed with your normal day Sunday.

• Note: be aware that following this “do nothing approach” means your child will lose an hour, which has the potential to create a struggle at bedtime, because bedtime will be a full hour earlier than it was last night.

• Because your baby or toddler is not aware that the time has changed, they will wake up at their normal time (hopefully), but instead of 6:00 a.m., it will be 7:00 a.m. (see what I mean about solving that pesky early rising issue?).

  • However, don't let your child sleep past 7:30 or 8am or else bedtime will be harder.

  • Proceed with your normal day, and be sure that your meals and naps, and bedtime are at the appropriate time (you may have to watch the clock).

Remember that your baby will be going to bed at their “regular time”. For example, if your baby is used to a 7:00 p.m. bedtime, put them to bed at the NEW 7:00 p.m. (which was previously 6:00 p.m.). It is very possible that meals and naps will fall into place naturally with this method, but be prepared that your child may not actually be tired at bedtime yet. Remember, they don’t understand why they’ve lost an hour, and it’s suddenly still light out at bedtime, so you may have to be a bit flexible or now might be the time to install those room darkening shades.

Transition Method 2: Make DAILY adjustments

• Best for families that know the time change will be hard on their kiddo

• Best for families who feel more secure when they “plan in advance”

• About 5-7 days before the time change, begin putting your child to bed 10-20 minutes earlier, moving the time back every day or few days until you reach a full hour. So, if your child has a 7:00 p.m. bedtime, you want to begin with bedtime at 6:40 p.m. then 6:20 p.m., then 6:00 p.m.

• Be consistent as possible with your baby’s food and sleep schedule. This means that you need to shift all meals, snacks, and naps earlier as well.

• Watch the clock to stay on the new schedule of 30 minutes earlier.

• Don’t forget to wake your child a bit earlier to help with this transition schedule.

• After about a week, your child should be back at their 7:00 p.m. bedtime.

• Adjust all meals, snacks, and naps to fit the “new” schedule on the same day that you shift to your child’s new, fully-adjusted bedtime.

Here is an example: If your baby or toddler’s bedtime is 7 pm, it will look like this:

• Tuesday 3/5/19 : 6:50 pm bedtime

• Wednesday 3/6/19 : 6:40 pm bedtime

• Thursday 3/7/19: 6:30 pm bedtime

• Friday: 3/8/19 6:20 pm bedtime

• Saturday 3/9/1: 6:10 pm bedtime

• Sunday 3/10/19: 7 pm bedtime (new time—old time will be 6 pm)

Keep in mind that the goal is to be back to your baby’s normal bedtime (and routine) in just a few days (some children may take a bit longer, so don’t fret if your child takes a week or so).

Tips for Parents:

• Eliminate all caffeine after 1:30 p.m. this week in order to make it easier to go to bed earlier.

• If possible, also avoid alcohol this weekend, which negatively affects sleep.

• Go to bed 15 minutes earlier than usual on the Thursday 3/7/19

• On Friday 3/7/19 go to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual.

• On Saturday try to go to bed 45 minutes earlier than your usual bedtime (notice a pattern?).

Whichever method you choose, it’s important to remember that your baby’s internal clock is used to Standard Time. You may need to revert to some sleep training methods for a few days to help ease the time change. “Springing forward” also means that nights are shorter, which may be an issue for some children who are used to dark winter nights.  Remember, every child is different, and your little one will adjust, but don’t fret if it’s not overnight (some toddlers can take a few weeks to adjust!). Prepare for the transition to take a few days, and watch for those sleep cues that will tell you when your child is tired and ready to sleep!

Overview On How To Handle Daylight Saving Time:

• Decide which Daylight Savings sleep transition method you want to use to help your child adjust.

• Take your baby’s internal clock into account and watch for sleepy cues.

• Check to see if light is an issue, and consider purchasing room-darkening shades for bedtime, but also expose them to morning light in that first week to “reset” their internal clock.

• Most importantly, be flexible and patient. A time change is often hard on kids and adults alike. Readjustment can take about 5-9 days.  Just be mindful of the clock and your schedule.

• Keep evening plans calm and watch for sleepy cues. Dim the lights in house and avoid screen-time that can be too stimulating.

• If needed, use your preferred sleep training method to help encourage sleep and help your baby get the rest he/she needs.

If after the time change you are still having challenging sleep struggles, than don't hesitate to schedule a Time-Change Tune-Up.

THERE IS NO NEED TO LIVE LIFE IN A SLEEP-DEPRIVED HAZE!

SCHEDULE YOUR SLEEP TUNE-UP SESSION HERE

I look forward to helping you restore easy and calm bedtimes, quiet, peaceful nights, reliable naps and harmonious, confident parenting!

P.S. As  pediatric sleep expert and a trained and certified Gentle Sleep Coach. I offer an alternative to the “cry it out” methodology. I am on a mission to help parents tenderly teach the “skills of sleep” to their children through a guilt-free, gentle approach and a full-service, proven system to promote a gentle, reassuring, gradual change that results in drama-free bedtimes, peaceful nights, reliable naps, and marital harmony. Want to find out more? Click to know about my methodology . Click to find out how I can help you and your family members achieve Blissful Sleep.

Do you want to stay up-to-date on all the incredible information and interviews I have to share?

If so, please join my Facebook and Instagram tribes.

Solve your child’s sleep struggles once and for all — so everyone finally sleeps again.

I help sleep-deprived families get where they need to be: well-rested.

There Is No Need To "Cry-It-Out"

I Offer Guilt-Free, Gentle Sleep Coaching

Easy and calm bedtimes, quiet, peaceful nights, reliable naps and confident parenting are yours.

With proven, evidence-based methods, an expert, signature process, and full-service support,

I help you tenderly teach the “skills of sleep” to your child.

I’ve Helped Over 800 Families Sleep Through The Night.

That’s More Than 2,400 Family Members Now Sleeping Better.

Let Me Help Your Whole Family Sleep Better, Too.

Click the button below to schedule a live 45 minute Sleep Strategy Session where you can gain expert insights into how to tackle the sleep struggles once and for all! (small fee applies)

I Want Sleep Now!

A Sleep Deprived Mother’s Tale: Breaking the Baby Sleep Stigma

I am on a mission to ensure that no parent endures the pain of exhaustion, overwhelm, and relentless questioning of their value and self-worth when they have a child that consistently does sleep well.

I help parents tenderly and gently teach their children the “skills of sleep” so that their child has lifelong sleep habits, which results in a family system where ALL family members enjoy a full and well-rested life.

Below is an important and inspiring recounting of sleep deprived mother’s journey from overwhelm and self-doubt to feeling confident and balanced.

She is now living a well-rested life and reconnecting to her family vision.

With proper sleep, families can enjoy the keys to life: health, harmony, and vitality.

A Sleep Deprived Mother’s Tale: Breaking the Baby Sleep Stigma

A True Story By Kathleen Poorman

Her daughter was 19 months at time of Guilt-Free, Gentle Sleep Coaching

You’re texting one of your mommy friends and she suddenly asks “How’s your 6 month old doing with sleep?  Is she sleeping through the night yet?”  Your mind flashes back to the hour you spent walking and bouncing her last night, just like every night, pleading with her to please just go to sleep.  You remember how heavy her body gets after 5 minutes in.  You think about the list of things waiting for you when she’s finally asleep: the laundry, the dishes you haven’t done in days, the shower you never got this morning.  Forget the things you want to do.  This is sleep deprived survival mode.  

Your fingers hover over the phone, your mind racing to come up with something positive to say.  You don’t want to look bad. You can’t admit you truly don’t know what to do to help your child sleep better. You’re her mom, your mother’s intuition should be on this by now, right?  So you text back “She’s doing pretty well.  Still learning how to fall asleep but I’m sure she’ll figure it out soon!” 

There.  That should keep her from asking again for a couple weeks.  You hit send and let the mommy guilt wash over you like the hot shower you never got. 

This is the full weight of the baby sleep stigma we hold over ourselves invisibly.  We feel trapped by what others will think of us if they knew the full truth.  But what if we told each other the truth, and put the stigma to rest for good?  What if by doing this, we could spread the knowledge of how to help each other, and we ALL SLEPT?  

Let me be the first to rip the cover off the baby sleep stigma.  Let me tell you my story.

Our child was never what we would call a good sleeper, and I was a sleep deprived mother.  Not knowing what to do, I Googled ways to DIY our own solution, but came away more confused than ever.  We stumbled our way into a mess of “sleep crutches”, or things that a child requires you to do for them before they can fall asleep.  We kept adding new ones over time, thinking they’d be the final fix to help her sleep through the night. 

At 16 months of age, she had a whopping 7 sleep crutches.  She’d become the proud owner of our guest mattress (on the floor of her room) because she wouldn’t fall asleep without me beside her, and was too heavy to move into a crib once asleep.  She’d ninja kick, roll around, and pull escape acts repeatedly.  It wasn’t uncommon for this routine to take over an hour before I could try to sneak out of her room.  Bonus points if she didn’t wake up!  Four hours later, she’d be up again, crying for me.  When my husband tried to help her, she’d scream for me until she threw up.  I’d spend the rest of my night on her mattress in impossibly uncomfortable positions.  It was infuriating chaos.

After several months of getting little to no sleep this way, I finally lost it.  I hadn’t had a solid 8 hours of sleep since before the “squished bladder” stage of pregnancy.  I told my husband something had to change or I was sleeping somewhere else.  Taking the first real step towards sanity, I did what seemed unthinkable.  I asked for help. 

I called a professional sleep coach named Joanna Clark (owner of Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching) who taught my husband and I what we didn’t know about sleep.  She listened to our story, taught us the science behind our daughter’s sleep needs, and created a plan with us that we carried out with her continual guidance.  We did weeks of pre-work to set the stage and then devoted time each day to sleep training.  We were consistent and made it the main priority for that month.  It took lots of hard work, but almost anything worth having does. 

We were stunned when our sleepless child became a “good sleeper” in a matter of days.  To compare, her bedtime now includes reading 2 books, laying her in her crib, saying goodnight, and closing her door behind us.  Either my husband or I can do this routine.  She falls asleep on her own quietly and sleeps a solid 11-12 hours each night.  It is a true night and day difference.

We had been missing two things: A solid education on a baby’s sleep, and the guts to ask for help.

It was really hard calling Joanna and admitting that I didn’t know what to do with my own child.  I was afraid of being judged by others for needing help.  I also wondered “How could a complete stranger know my child’s needs better than my intuition?”

It took asking for help to realize that sometimes, asking for help is what your mother’s intuition is telling you to do.  It’s starved for knowledge until you give it something to run on. 

Once I finally slept and regained brain cells I’d done without for 2 years, I realized I was mad.  Why didn’t I know to do this sooner?   Where was this information in the pregnancy books or in my midwives’ handouts?  And even worse, why did I feel like the only one struggling in the first place?

We got brave and decided that it was time to share our whole story with everyone who’d listen.  The more we shared, the more we realized how many people are struggling with the same problems.  We heard repeatedly “Our grandson doesn’t sleep through the night and he’s 5!”  Or “They spend hours trying to get their kids to sleep!”  Oddly enough, the truth came mostly from grandparents or relatives, hardly ever from the parents themselves.  And no one knew what to offer them for help.

Maybe, just maybe, we don’t know what to do because we don’t talk about it. 

Imagine how my story could have changed if I had said to my friend via text “You know, she’s not sleeping well at all.  I just don’t know what to do to help her.”  What if she had been in the same boat before, and had asked for help and gotten it, and now knew to pass it on to me?  What would it be like if we truly believed it was ok to not know it all on our own? 

I’d love for every sleep deprived parent to find out.

And so, I am prying away the talons of baby sleep stigma by sharing my story with you.  I am shouting it from the rooftops that IT IS OK TO NOT KNOW!  I am unapologetically saying that I, a mother, needed baby sleep help and asked for it.  And I’m begging you, if this is you as well, to step out from the shadows of self-shame, ask for help, and pass along the torch.  It’s up to us to offer honesty and gain so much in return. 

We may all sleep better for it. 

Kathleen Poorman, Jasper, GA. Her Daughter was 19 months at time of sleep coaching.  

Do you want to stay up-to-date on all the incredible information and interviews I have to share?

If so, please join my Facebook and Instagram tribes.

Solve your child’s sleep struggles once and for all — so everyone finally sleeps again.

I help sleep-deprived families get where they need to be: well-rested.

There Is No Need To "Cry-It-Out"

I Offer Guilt-Free, Gentle Sleep Coaching

Easy and calm bedtimes, quiet, peaceful nights, reliable naps and confident parenting are yours.

With proven, evidence-based methods, an expert, signature process, and full-service support,

I help you tenderly teach the “skills of sleep” to your child.

I’ve Helped Over 800 Families Sleep Through The Night.

That’s More Than 2,400 Family Members Now Sleeping Better.

Let Me Help Your Whole Family Sleep Better, Too.

Click the button below to schedule a live 45 minute Sleep Strategy Session where you can gain expert insights into how to tackle the sleep struggles once and for all! (small fee applies)

I Want Sleep Now!

The Difference Between Sleep Training and Sleep Coaching

Please know there is a BIG difference between SLEEP TRAINING and SLEEP COACHING!

The entire process of Gentle Sleep Coaching is about an evidence based, proven system to promote a gentle, reassuring, gradual change that results in healthy sleep habits.

Going to sleep independently and peacefully—and staying asleep—is a learned skill. As parents, we sometimes assume that sleeping is a developmental milestone that comes naturally, yet healthy sleep habits are a learned skill.  Like any skill, its mastery requires coaching, practice and time. We parents are coaches in countless ways every day, so it is perfectly appropriate to gently and safely coach your child on this skill, too. In teaching it, you give a lifelong gift to your child.

Sleep Coaching is NOT “this terrible awful thing.”

In fact, it is one of the most important and supportive actions you can provide to your child.

Below are some important reflections and revelations from a mother that successfully sleep coached her 18 month old daughter. She shares about overcoming the “sleep coaching bias” and judgments in “the mommy world”

“I was one of the moms that would never let my baby cry. If she hated being held by someone (and in my case, it was anyone besides me), I would take her back right away. I quit my job to be with her, I would do anything for her. I read all the books, and I mean all of them. I was active in a huge moms group and frequented parenting websites. 

I started to notice that there were different camps when it came to sleep. It felt very binary- either you let your child cry to sleep and ignored them all night no matter what happened, or you tended to every peep your child made and woke up 3 times a night til they went to kindergarten. I think this is a shame, and Joanna was a nice middle ground in a confusing sleep training world. 

I started to learn and understand that change is inevitable, uncomfortable, and good. And children are constantly changing.  My daughter might not like riding in a car seat, going to the doctor, learning to sleep, going to school, or being cared for by anyone except mommy, and she may cry because of these transitions. There is no way to avoid some discomfort, and sometimes short term discomfort is okay. Short term stress actually helps brain development. There is a big difference between a child being mad (“I don’t want to put myself to sleep! I want to breastfeed to sleep!”) and traumatized. I had to become comfortable with the fact that my child may be mad sometimes at necessary change, and that may lead to some crying. It was so obvious from the first day that my extremely sensitive daughter was not being traumatized by being taught to sleep, and I frankly resent that there was a huge group of people that pushed that message.

Not to say it wasn’t extremely hard. I had to leave the house. Even Joanna’s gentle methods were hard for me to handle, I had never done something my daughter didn’t like. I was so worried. But with a few weeks my daughter who used to wake up 5 times a night started sleeping 11 hours a night, and has never had issues since. She is growing better, she was in the 5th percentile for height and is now in the 75th. Her attitude is 100% better. My attitude is 100% better. And I came to realize my anxiety about her discomfort had been in the way of my daughter being as healthy and happy as she could be”

-Kate C. Austin, TX. Child was 18 months at time of guilt-free, gentle sleep coaching

Solve your child’s sleep struggles once and for all — so everyone finally sleeps again.

I help sleep-deprived families get where they need to be: well-rested.

There Is No Need To "Cry-It-Out"

I Offer Guilt-Free, Gentle Sleep Coaching

Easy and calm bedtimes, quiet, peaceful nights, reliable naps and confident parenting are yours.

With proven, evidence-based methods, an expert, signature process, and full-service support,

I help you tenderly teach the “skills of sleep” to your child.

I’ve Helped Over 800 Families Sleep Through The Night.

That’s More Than 2,400 Family Members Now Sleeping Better.

Let Me Help Your Whole Family Sleep Better, Too.

Click the button below to schedule a live 45 minute Sleep Strategy Session where you can gain expert insights into how to tackle the sleep struggles once and for all! (small fee applies)

I Want Sleep Now!

Helpful Tips to To Manage The Fall Time Change 2018 for babies, toddlers and children

The Fall 2018 time change is on November 4, 2018. If you have a baby, toddler or child, you will want to watch this video for some tips and tricks to be prepared for the time change.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl_oZ-v9Pag&w=560&h=315]

Get ready! The end of daylight-saving time will fall on Sunday. Nov. 4, 2018 in the United States and Canada. We will “fall back” by setting our clocks back an hour.

The good news is that you will get a “bonus hour” of overall sleep and a “bonus hour” of light in the morning, so waking up will definitely be easier.  In the evening, it will be darker one hour earlier, so often the day feels really short. You will find yourself wanting to “get cozy” and you and the kids will likely get drowsy earlier—and therefore bedtime will hopefully be easier.

To get ready, see my video above to learn strategies for the fall time change for children 6 months-5 yrs of age. Please know it can take up to 2 weeks for a child to make the transition to the new time change, so be patient and mindful of your child’s sleepy cues.

Be proactive and begin making changes to your routine 3-7 days prior to the time change for children 6mo.-6yrs

Making incremental changes prior to November 4th is best for children that tend to be early risers or children that tend to be sensitive to schedule changes. These children usually benefit from gradually changing their schedule on the days leading up to the time change. 

How Make Incremental changes:

• Start putting your child to bed 10-15 minutes later than his or her normal naptime or bedtime and of course, make similar changes to the nap schedule and meal schedule. 

• Every other day/night, try to “bump up” naptime/bedtime by 10-15 minutes. Do this until the night of the time change.

• The goal is to complete shifting your child’s bedtime schedule up by an hour by the time the clock changes.  For example: your child’s normal nap time is 8:45am, bump it to 9am and do this for 2 days and then, bump to 9:15am for 2 days and so on. If you would rather “work” the bedtime angle than if bedtime is normally 7pm. During the days leading up to the time change, push bedtime to 7:15, 7:30, 7:45, 8pm…then when the time change happens, the 8pm bedtime will “FALL BACK” to 7pm and your child will already be in the mode for the new bedtime.

• If you try this method and your child starts waking before 6am, then STOP and go back to your old schedule. You will need to adjust to new time change in the “Just in time” method.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to plan ahead, then you can simply respond to your child’s needs once the time change has happened on November 4, 2018.

This means that all naps, meals and bedtime will automatically switch to the new time. This might also mean your child may wake earlier in the morning for the first week or so, but soon things will normalize.

Use the “Just in Time” option: Sync with new clock times on November 4, 2018.

• If your child starts to wake before 6am, (which is considered early rising) than it is imperative that you attend to this early rising or else it will persist.

• If you experience early rising, go to your child’s room, remind him or her it is still time for sleeping and try to soothe him or her back to sleep. (can use a tot clock for children 2.5 yrs of age and older)

• If the child does not go back to sleep, then use this strategy to make it “morning:” keep the room dark until 6am, then exit the room for 10-20 seconds, then re-enter the room and turn on the lights and open shades and then get your child out of bed. 

• In this way, you will not be reinforcing early rising and eventually your child’s circadian rhythm will get back on track. If you have ongoing issues with early rising after 10-14 days after the time change, then I highly recommend reading my post on early rising.

• In either case, it is important for children to get their daily dose of Vitamin D with morning light exposure. Turn on the lights, open your shades and, most importantly, try to give your child morning sunlight for at least 20-30 minutes a day during that first 7-10 days of the time change. This will help to reset your child’s circadian rhythm.

It’s also important to protect your sleep! Here are my time change tips for adults:

• Since you are gaining an hour of sleep, it is often easier just to go to sleep at your normal time on Saturday night and then allow yourself to sleep in on Sunday morning. Then for the first couple of days, please know that your body will be busy regulating to the new time change, so light exposure in the morning will really help your body adjust.

• Like jet lag, time changes take about a week to resolve and so it is wise to be patient and try to adhere to a flexible schedule and you will begin to see it all normalize. Happy Fall!!

  Solve your child’s sleep struggles once and for all — so everyone finally sleeps again.

I help sleep-deprived families get where they need to be: well-rested.

There Is No Need To "Cry-It-Out"

I Offer Guilt-Free, Gentle Sleep Coaching

Easy and calm bedtimes, quiet, peaceful nights, reliable naps and confident parenting are yours.

With proven, evidence-based methods, an expert, signature process, and full-service support,
I help you tenderly teach the “skills of sleep” to your child.

I’ve Helped Over 800 Families Sleep Through The Night.
That’s More Than 2,400 Family Members Now Sleeping Better.

Let Me Help Your Whole Family Sleep Better, Too.

Click the button below to schedule a live 45 minute Sleep Strategy Session where you can gain expert insights into how to tackle the sleep struggles once and for all! (small fee applies)

I Want Sleep Now!

Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching Recognized as Pediatric Sleep Expert

Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching is proud to be recognized as a Pediatric Sleep Expert in the Healthy Living section of Gate House Media. Joanna Clark was interviewed by a top journalist. Joanna's knowledge and her perspective on guilt free, gentle sleep coaching has reached more than 23 million readers in 37 states.

Read the article here!

Solve your child’s sleep struggles once and for all — so everyone finally sleeps again.

I help sleep-deprived families get where they need to be: well-rested.

There Is No Need To "Cry-It-Out"

I Offer Guilt-Free, Gentle Sleep Coaching

Easy and calm bedtimes, quiet, peaceful nights, reliable naps and confident parenting are yours.

With proven, evidence-based methods, an expert, signature process, and full-service support,

I help you tenderly teach the “skills of sleep” to your child.

I’ve Helped Over 800 Families Sleep Through The Night.

That’s More Than 2,400 Family Members Now Sleeping Better.

Let Me Help Your Whole Family Sleep Better, Too.

Click the button below to schedule a live 45 minute Sleep Strategy Session where you can gain expert insights into how to tackle the sleep struggles once and for all! (small fee applies)

I Want Sleep Now!