Enter any keyword(s) to search our Blogs.
Navigating the Sea of Sleep Advice: Steering Clear of the Storms
We've all been there – lost in the vast sea of conflicting advice on how to navigate the turbulent waters of baby sleep. Moms' groups, while full of camaraderie, can sometimes become stormy grounds for well-meaning, but questionable sleep suggestions.
Cry it out method is NOT the only option for sleep training
Sleep Coaching CAN honor the nursing relationship
Sleep Coaching CAN strengthen the parent-child bond
Sleep Coaching CAN support family values and goals
The key is to find the right methodology for the temperament of the child and the family and to
coach properly through the steps and stages of your child learning their skills of sleep.
Like so many of my other clients, Stacy felt that…
“Sleep training sounded like putting her in her crib and letting her cry herself to sleep in a dark room alone, which was terrifying for me because I had some separation anxiety to begin with.”
After the recommendation of a friend, Stacy reached out to me at Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching and was pleased to find that Gentle Sleep Coaching is not what she expected. This family experienced a Total Family Sleep Transformation and are enjoying and experiencing the benefits of a peaceful nights including:
Baby is sleeping 11/11.5 hours a night uninterrupted
Baby taking 2.5-3 hour naps
Stronger nursing relationship
Confident parenting
Dad and baby bonding time
More patience
Date nights out
Happier overall with live and transition to being with a parent
Stacy wants to share her experience with Blissful Baby Sleep coaching with sleep deprived families. Here is what she had to say:
"Sleep Coaching with Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching was really a gentle approach. Our daughter was never “crying it out” alone and the whole process was just really gentle. We found Joanna through friends and working with her was the best decision of our lives”
In the sea of sleep advice, it's essential to set a course that aligns with your family's needs and values. As your sleep guide, my approach at Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching is rooted in gentle, tailored solutions that respect both baby and parent. It's about creating a sleep strategy that fosters healthy sleep habits while considering the unique dynamics of your family.
Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one, may not work for another. Let's sail through the sleep storms with a compass of understanding, a map of personalized strategies, and the steady ship of Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching.
Here's to navigating the sea of sleep advice with wisdom, patience, and the assurance that a restful night's sleep is on the horizon.
Are you struggling with your child's sleep? Are you interested in alternatives to cry it out methods?
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.
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!
Back to Basics: Why is Sleep So Important to our well-being!
What's your #1 superpower?
Did you know that getting CONSOLIDATED, RESTORATIVE SLEEP is the super-power that leads to optimal well-being?
In this “Get Your Life Back.... It Starts with Sleep” coaching session, I go back to basics and answer why is sleep so foundational.
Our society is so geared towards productivity and tangible output that sleep is considered kind of unproductive time. Sleep is one of the most productive things we can be doing to optimize our wellbeing and your long-term health.
In this video I go over:
REM Sleep
Emotional first aid and overnight therapy
Consolidating memory and learning
Benefits of sleep
Why is sleep essential
Social costs to lack of sleep
Tips for better sleep
If your poor sleep is due to your child not sleeping well, this can be easily solved with my signature process of guilt-free, Gentle Sleep Coaching!
Are you struggling with your child's sleep?
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.
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!
Parenting Advice for Toddlers
No one in this family was getting enough sleep! Nanit and Divya had a 6.5 year old and and 1 year old who was waking up every couple of hours. They had struggled with their older child for years and had to hold him to sleep. With the younger child, they decided they needed to get help earlier and not just "wait this out". Many parents have this belief, child will “grow out of bad sleep habits”, but unfortunately, sleep skills are learned and it is never too late to teach sleep skills. I work with families from 6 months to 10 years of age.
Parenting advice for toddlers
This couple reached out to friends and family for help and thanks to a referral from a friend, this family found me at Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching to help walk them through the process. Now their son has a routine and sleeps 7pm-6am!--11 hrs consolidated, restorative, independent sleep! Yes, this can be your life too!! This family has experienced a Total Family Sleep transformation!
Namit wants everyone to know:
"Joanna guided us through our whole process and definitely "held-our-hands" through the process. Now, our son is sleeping beautifully. He has a wonderful routine. Working with Joanna was a GOD SEND send and we are so happy and thankful to you. I have referred her to so many of my friends. I know how it is to go through sleepless nights and working with Joanna was so helpful. Please continue to do your awesome work, Thanks again."
Are you struggling with your child's sleep?
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.
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!
Impact of 1 Choice
Who doesn't love looking back on decisions you made that turned out to be SO good (even if you were skeptical at first)?!
It's amazing the impact 1 choice can have on your life.
That one choice for Brent & Megan was choosing to work with Joanna on Guilt-Free, Gentle Sleep coaching! Thinking back to when their 1 year old daughter was still waking up multiple times a night. What their life was like before sleep coaching was full of pain and effort getting their child to sleep and left little time for themselves.
It's so common for parents to be hesitant to sleep coach their child.
How is someone who doesn't know their child going to help them sleep better via zoom?
I know it sounds crazy, but with 13 years experience, helping thousands of families all over the country, I can create a customized sleep plan and guide you through it “day-by-day and step-by-step”.
What do you have to loose when 1:1 sleep coaching packages come backed by my Sleep Success Guarantee?
Trust me… guilt-free, gentle sleep coaching works!
This family experienced a TOTAL FAMILY SLEEP TRANSFORMATION and although they "only" wanted their child to sleep through the night they got so much more. Sleep coaching is on the agenda for baby #2 when he gets old enough!
Don't just take my word for it, Watch the Sleep Success Story below to hear Brent & Megan's story!
Child was 11 months old at time of guilt-free and gentle sleep coaching
Is your child not sleeping? Wondering what you are doing wrong? Is any help out there?
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.
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!
What To Do When Your Baby Is Gassy!
When babies are crying we go through the mental checklist - are they hungry? tired? need a new diaper? gassy? Teething?
Baby screaming in pain from gas
Gas can be a natural by-product of digestion, no matter what you do, it can be something your baby struggles with because of the immature digestive system.
It can be hard to distinguish gassiness from over-tiredness, if your baby is suffering from gassiness.
I realize how challenging it is to tend to a baby that is clearly uncomfortable. In the video below I address the causes of bouts of gas and what you can do to help your baby.
What is gassiness
What causes gas
How to help baby gas at night
How to help baby relieve gas
How to determine gassiness from over-tiredness
How to reduce gassiness in babies
If you are interested in any of the gas products, I mentioned check out my recommended gas products.
Here are my fav picks:
Are you struggling with your child's sleep?
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.
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!
Unveiling the Truth: Debunking Common Sleep Coaching Myths!
I’m here to clear the confusion around some common sleep coaching myths. You know, the ones that make you second-guess the effectiveness of gentle sleep methods. Today, I'm putting on “my myth-busting mindset” to address a couple of these misconceptions.
Myth #1: The "Chair Method" means silent nights with no response whatsoever.
Ah, the Chair Method confusion! I hear it all the time – the idea that you sit there like a statue, offering no comfort or connection. Well, let me set the record straight. For over 25 years, The Sleep Lady Shuffle, has been a beacon of gentle, responsive sleep coaching. Yes, you sit in that chair, but it's not a vow of silence. The parent coach can Shush, coo, hum, and offer the warmth of touch – it's all encouraged! This method is about gradual steps, moving the chair away over time while still offering both sound and touch as reassurance. It is very supportive because the parent does not have to “withhold” their love.
Myth #2: The Chair Method or the Shuffle is "basically crying-it-out while sitting next to your child".
No, no, no! It's not a solo act of crying-it-out while you awkwardly sit there. Picture it as a beautiful dance of support and gradual independence. We're right there, side by side, creating a comforting rhythm until your child masters the art of settling and soothing to sleep without the need of a sleep crutch. It's not a sudden leap, but a graceful transition of sleep responsibility from you to your child. One gentle step at a time. Usually it takes about 2 weeks for the nigh-time sleeping to become beautiful, blissful sleep.
Myth #3: Gentle sleep training methods don't work; only crying-it-out is proven.
Hold the phone! This one is a classic mix-up. Gentle methods, like the parental fading technique, are likely more effective than the cry-it-out approach because a parent is in the room to witness all the learning and support their child through the sleep skills learning process. Parents start with lots of help and gradually loosen up as the child learns the skills of sleep. It's all about finding the right balance between assistance and independence. In fact, I find that many families try “cry-it-out” and it only works for a short period because the child never really learned sleep skills, they simply learned how to “crash out” at bedtime, instead of settling and soothing to sleep.
Join me on a mission to debunk common misconceptions about sleep coaching and The Sleep Lady Shuffle, ensuring parents receive accurate information empowers them to make informed decisions for a restful night's sleep without compromising the vital parent-child bond. Let's spread the word together!
Click HERE to read the full article from Kim West herself
Check out my Instagram, Facebook and Linked-in because over the next couple of months, I will be debunking the myths around sleep coaching.
And if you are curious about wanting help from a Gentle Sleep Coach, you can download this handy check-list that will overview when it is time to engage some expert sleep support.
Unveiling The Truth: Debunking Myths about The Sleep Lady Shuffle and Gentle Sleep Coaching
Today I want to address some misconceptions surrounding The Sleep Lady Shuffle—a sleep coaching methodology meticulously crafted by Kim West, LCSW-C, nearly three decades ago. It's essential to set the record straight, emphasizing that The Sleep Lady Shuffle is rooted in sound sleep science and is a gentle, effective method for cultivating healthy sleep habits and maintaining a strong parent-child bond.
The Sleep Lady Shuffle, also known as The Shuffle, SLS, or The Chair Method, has been a trusted solution for families worldwide for over 25 years. As a family therapist, Kim West, designed the Sleep Lady Shuffle method based on sleep science, attachment theory, and behavioral science, prioritizing the mental, physical, and emotional health of the child with emphasis on maintaining a strong parent-child bond.
Contrary to recent interpretations, this technique is NOT about leaving your child in distress with no response. If done correctly, The Sleep Lady Shuffle, involves placing a chair next to your child's crib while simultaneously encouraging physical and verbal reassurance, such as shushing, patting, humming, and even picking up to soothe your little one.
Join me on a mission to debunk common misconceptions about sleep coaching and The Sleep Lady Shuffle, ensuring parents receive accurate information empowers them to make informed decisions for a restful night's sleep without compromising the vital parent-child bond. Let's spread the word together!
Click HERE to read the full article from Kim West herself on the true tenants and benefits of The Sleep Lady Shuffle.
Check out my Instagram, Facebook and Linked-in because over the next couple of months, I will be debunking the myths around sleep coaching.
And if you are curious about wanting help from a Gentle Sleep Coach, you can download this handy check-list that will overview when it is time to engage some expert sleep support.
Are you looking for alternatives to cry it out methods? Could you use 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.
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!
Nap Training Tips
In this video titled “Get Your Life Back... It Starts With Sleep”, we talk about what is possible to do to help a 5 month to 6 month old baby to have better night sleep and do better at Nap Training!
When is baby ready for sleep training
When we are looking at sleep training baby who is 5.5 months old, we need to first look to see if this child is showing readiness for independent sleep. You want to ask yourself 3 questions and you want a YES to all three.
Has your child gone through the 4-5 month milestone that usually accompanies a sleep regression. If you want to know more about milestones, you will definitely want to get THE WONDER WEEKS BOOK and APP that will guide you how to manage milestones so you can help you child move through them with ease and success.
Can your child roll front-to-back and back-to-front?
Have you ever seen the baby go back to sleep without any sleep crutches (rocking, patting, cosleeping) or sleep support like a bottle, paci replug etc? ?
When to start nap training baby
It is not advised to nap train your child until your child has learned independent sleep skills at bedtime and are linking arousals in the middle of the night, without any need for sleep crutches or sleep support. So, once your child is sleeping independently at night, then you can create the right circumstances and use the right timing for your child to practice these same sleep skills at nap time. Babies need to be able to regulate, settle and soothe themselves to sleep at the onset of sleep at bedtime and middle of night. Once they have nailed those sleep skills at night, it is much, much easier for them to be able to use those same settling and soothing behaviors for nap onset and arousals at naps.
Watch the hot seat coaching below to get nap training tips! This mom has a nearly 6 month old baby that she is interested in nap training and she is looking for all the tips.
Remember, you want to understand when your baby is in a milestone because you never want to night train or nap train during this time because they are already do massive cognitive and physical development. So you definitely want to get the Wonder Weeks APP as well as hard-copy Wonder Weeks book.
Important to know, if your child is in a “milestone madness” they will have horrible day and night sleep and in that case you are probably experiencing a sleep regression because of the milestone. So here is a guide to help you through some regression behavior.
In the meantime, these are some of the topics I cover in the video.
how long should a 6 month old nap
how to get 6 month old to nap
sleep training 6 month old breastfed baby
how to get baby to nap longer than 30 minutes
how to get baby to nap without being held
Are you struggling with your child's sleep?
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.
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!
Happy New Year! I'm gifting you my # 1 International Best Selling Book
As a heartfelt thank you for your ongoing support and as a gesture of holiday cheer, I'm excited to gift you a copy of The One Thing Every Mom Needs to Know.
When I decided to team up with 25 leading experts in the fields of sleep, nutrition, mindset, and more to create the book I set a goal to reach 100,000 moms with this accurate and reliable information.
Why? Because I believe this book can change mom’s lives.
Your copy of THE ONE THING EVERY MOM NEEDS TO KNOW is available now, click below and receive this #1 International Best Seller. Download available on January 1, 2024.
And I also want you to have the audio chapter on Baby Sleep Skills available today.
This chapter is devoted to unpacking how restful sleep originates not from having a ‘good baby’ or a ‘fussy baby’…but from acquiring the skills of sleep.
Skills you can teach your child— which will last a lifetime.
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.
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 New Year and may you have Blissful Sleep in 2024 and beyond!