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Sleep Coaching: Embracing Adaptation Over Discipline
There is both a deep-seeded FEAR and BIG MISPERCEPTION that a parent needs to become “a hardcore disciplinarian” when attempting to sleep train their child, especially if the child is older and verbal, as in 3-6 years of age. The answer is a resounding NO.
Navigating the realm of sleep coaching can feel daunting, especially when faced with the notion of becoming a rigid disciplinarian. However, at Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, I approach sleep training with a different ethos – one centered around empathy, understanding, and adaptability.
Contrary to common parenting myths, effective sleep coaching doesn’t mean you need to be rigid or adopt authoritarian tactics. "Locking the door and imposing strict rules would never have worked for my daughter," one client shared. "Thankfully, Joanna’s gentle approach is nothing like that." At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, I’ve designed a method rooted in empathy, understanding, and adaptability, rather than punishment or strict enforcement.
Sleep coaching with me is about respecting each child’s individuality and guiding them gently towards predictable and calming routines and healthy sleep patterns.
As one parent said,
“I thought I had to be the ‘brick wall,’ but with Joanna’s support, we realized our role wasn’t to enforce rules, but to avoid power struggles and listen.”
As one parent said, "I thought I had to be the ‘brick wall,’ but with Joanna’s support, we realized our role wasn’t to enforce rules, but to avoid power struggles and listen."
Here, you won’t find a one-size-fits-all solution; instead, you'll discover a personalized, family-centered approach that fosters a strong, connected relationship with your child.
At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, I understand that every child is unique and that's why my approach focuses on personalized guidance, tailored to suit the individual needs of each family. "Joanna taught us that it's not about blocking our children from options. It's about gently guiding them and removing sleep crutches at their own pace." Learn more about my Stairway to Sleep process.
My methodology is built on the foundation of empathy and collaboration. I believe in fostering strong parent-child relationships through active listening and responsiveness.
Here is what parents had to say
“No need to doubt or question the process. Joanna’s approach is anything but cookie-cutter. ”
“Joanna also taught us how to do better for ourselves and our kids.”
“Open yourself up to this process. You’ll be amazed at the journey it takes you on.”
At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, we believe that every family deserves restful nights and peaceful sleep. By prioritizing empathy, understanding, and adaptability, in working with families, I embrace adaptation over discipline and my clients have discovered a transformative approach to sleep coaching
Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching is characterized by accessibility and flexibility. I’m here to support families every step of the way, offering guidance that is customized and adaptable.
Still Wondering if I Can Help?
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.
Honored be Featured and Share My Story in BOLD Journey Magazine – Read It Here!
I’m thrilled to share that I was recently featured on BOLD Journey in an article that explores my journey as a Certified Gentle Sleep Coach® and how I use gentle sleep coaching for babies and children to help families achieve peaceful nights and joyful days. The article, titled "Meet Joanna Clark," highlights how my own struggles with my daughter’s sleep issues shaped my mission to guide other parents facing similar challenges. I know firsthand how exhausting it is to care for a little one who struggles with sleep—and I’ve made it my purpose to become a trusted baby sleep consultant who’s helped thousands of families transform bedtime struggles into calm routines resulting in a well-rested and harmonious household.
Here’s what you’ll discover in the article:
✨ My Journey into Gentle Sleep Coaching
I share the story of how I became one of the first 50 certified baby sleep coaches in the U.S. and why I’m passionate about helping parents overcome sleepless nights. Like many parents, I was initially uncertain about seeking help for my daughter’s sleep issues, but the experience ultimately inspired me to make gentle sleep training for children accessible to every family.
✨ What Makes My Approach Unique
As a sleep consultant for babies and toddlers, I’m known as a “Sleep Detective,” looking at the family’s entire dynamic to tailor a baby sleep coaching plan that respects each child’s unique needs. My science-based, compassionate sleep coaching process goes beyond just sleep; it’s about restoring balance to every family I work with.
✨ My Mission to Help Parents Find Confidence
Through my role as a pediatric sleep expert, I’ve seen how gentle sleep coaching methods transform not only children’s sleep patterns but also the parents’ confidence and joy. There’s no need to rely on “cry-it-out” techniques when guilt-free sleep coaching can guide families step-by-step toward better sleep.
I’d be honored if you took a moment to read the article and share it with other parents who may be struggling with their child’s sleep. This feature on BOLD Journey is a testament to the possibilities for restful nights and confident parenting that come with gentle sleep coaching for babies.
Let’s continue spreading the word: peaceful sleep and restored joy are within reach for every family.
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.
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!
Helping CA Fire Victims and Supporting Children Through Difficult Conversations
As a mom and sleep coach based in California, my heart aches for the families who have been affected by the devastating California fires. The loss of homes, cherished memories, and a sense of safety is unimaginable. Recently, this tragedy hit close to home—my uncle in Malibu, and my dear friend of 40 years, Leigh and Sean of Altadena.This is a tragedy beyond words.
I hope that you and your families are safe during this difficult time. If your family has been impacted in any way, please know that my thoughts are with you. If there is a way I can offer additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
In times like these, the strength of a community truly shines. I wanted to share a great list of resources for anyone interested in helping families navigate the aftermath of these devastating events.
Reputable Places to Donate:
If you’d like to explore ways to contribute, this article from The Cut put together a comprehensive guide to helping wildfire victims that I want to share.
The Dream Center: An L.A.-based charitable organization offering emergency shelter to those evacuated in the Palisades and Eaton Canyon fires.
Friends in Deed: A nonprofit providing services for the homeless, opening its Bad Weather Shelter amid the fires.
California Fire Foundation: Provides resources to firefighters, fallen firefighters, their families, and the communities they serve.
Direct Relief’s California Fire Relief: Provides N-95 masks, medicine, and resources to health-care agencies and first responders in affected areas.
California Community Fund: A recovery fund dedicated to helping wildfire victims.
Baby2Baby’s Fire Relief Fund: Provides diapers, food, formula, and essentials to vulnerable children and families.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Accepts donations for those in need of food assistance during the fires.
With/Creators’ Donation Drive: Partners with local organizations to provide impacted women with sanitary products and hygiene essentials.
International Medical Corps: Delivers relief supplies, including hygiene and first-aid kits, to those affected.
Americares: Provides medicine and medical supplies to wildfire victims.
GlobalGiving California Wildfire Relief Fund: Helps provide immediate essentials and long-term relief to Californians impacted by the fires.
Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster-Relief Efforts: Provides aid to wildfire survivors.
Project HOPE: On the ground in Los Angeles, providing urgent aid to wildfire survivors.
Save the Children’s Emergency Fund: Works to deliver essentials to impacted children and families.
Help Displaced Animals:
Canine Rescue Club: Offers temporary foster care for dogs displaced by the wildfires.
Fi Dogs GoFundMe: Raises money for Los Angeles animal shelters.
Talking to Children About the Fires:
For families with young children, it’s important to address their questions and fears about the fires with care and empathy. Experts recommend using age-appropriate language to explain what’s happening and reassuring children that they are safe. Encourage them to express their feelings and validate their emotions—whether they’re scared, confused, or sad. Creating a safe space for discussion and offering comfort can help children process the situation and feel supported. More guidance on this topic can be found in this Los Angeles Times article.
For the families affected, I hope you know that you are not alone. As a community, we stand with you. For those of us in a position to give, let’s show what compassion and kindness can accomplish.
No Tears, More Sleep: From Mom-Only Nights to Peaceful Bedtime with Dad
No Tears, More Sleep: From Mom-Only Nights to Peaceful Bedtime with Dad
Meet Annie, a trained and certified nutritionist and her adorable 16-month-old daughter, who, like many of you, struggled with bedtime drama, multiple night-time wake ups and exhausting, long days with a cranky child.
Their family life was a whirlwind of sleepless nights and constant fatigue.
Mom was the only one that her daughter wanted at bedtime and middle of night.
Mom was depleted from all the care-taking
Dad wanted to help but he was “boxed out” from helping with bedtime or naps because the child depended solely on mom for every bedtime, nap and middle of night wakeup.
Mom managed all multiple wake-ups by nursing and co-sleeping for most of it.
Bedtime was way too late AND bedtime routines were lengthy and annoying, often requiring lots of nursing and rocking
Both parents were perpetually sleep-deprived, emotionally drained, and found it difficult to focus during the day.
Life was a blur of work or home duties with no personal time, where watching a full movie or enjoying an evening without interruption was a distant dream.
In summary, these challenging care-giving dynamics and lack of sleep was taking a toll on their everyday happiness, productivity and overall well-being.
Something needed to change, but HOW?
The decision to seek help came when Annie and her husband realized that their numerous hypotheses about their daughter’s sleep issues were leading nowhere. They needed help and a solution rooted in science. A referral from her Phycologist friend, who had successfully navigated similar sleep challenges through my one-on-one coaching services, encouraged Annie to reach out.
Both mom and dad were VERY NERVOUS OF TEARS and so worried about sleep training jeopardizing their parent-child bond. I provided Mom & Dad with a clear, customized plan based on scientific principles of sleep training and attachment theory. This resonated deeply with their family values and her background in nutrition and her appreciation for evidence-based approaches.
The Science of Sleep Coaching
Annie's appreciation and belief in the sleep science, behavioral science and attachment theory was a significant factor in her family’s success. This multi-disciplined scientific approach demystified the process and provided Annie with the confidence she needed to follow through.
One of the key elements of our method at Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching is the meticulous customization of sleep plans. Every child is unique, and so are their sleep needs. By creating micro-plans within the larger sleep plan, we ensured that Annie's daughter received the gentle guidance she needed to learn to sleep independently without all the tears and drama.
The results?
Annie's daughter now sleeps a solid 12 hours at night and takes a 1.5-hour nap during the day.
Bedtime routines have become a breeze, taking just 15 to 20 minutes.
Annie and her husband can now enjoy uninterrupted evenings, watch movies, and even travel without the fear of sleepless nights.
Their daughter, well-rested and full of energy, loves her crib—a significant shift from the early days of co-sleeping and sleep struggles.
They were thrilled with the no-drama and no tears approach rooted in science.
Dad LOVES doing bedtime now and having that one-on-one time with his daughter.
Annie shared how liberating it feels to reclaim their evenings and weekends, to travel confidently, and to socialize without the looming dread of bad bedtimes and a sleepless night. Even better, the bedtime routine has become a shared responsibility, with dad now fully involved and capable, further strengthening family bonds.
Curious to see how I can help your family? Watch Annie's sleep success story and see for yourself the difference a well-rested family can make.
Annie wants everyone to know:
"If you are doing everything to help your child go to sleep or go back to sleep and yet you are still struggling with sleep drama, it's time to consider a change based on scientific understanding. Sleep coaching with Joanna was a game-changer for us. It works because it’s based on science."
Join the Well-Rested Family Revolution
Annie’s journey is a testament to the power of gentle, science-backed sleep coaching. It’s not just about getting your baby to sleep through the night; it’s about reclaiming your life, your energy, and your happiness as a family. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone. At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Still Wondering if I Can Help?
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.
Celebrate Positive Parenting Month with Mr. Chazz’s Inspiring Tips
January marks Positive Parenting Awareness Month (PPAM), an annual initiative dedicated to introducing parents and caregivers to positive parenting strategies and connecting them with community resources that support family well-being. Established in California in 2020, PPAM has grown into a nationwide movement that emphasizes the importance of nurturing, guidance, and effective communication in raising resilient and confident children. This month serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to equip parents and caregivers with the tools they need to raise happy, healthy, and successful children.
At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, my mission has always been to provide parents with the resources, tools and knowledge they need to foster healthy sleep habits and a strong emotional connection with their children. As part of this mission, I love sharing resources that align with my child-led, compassionate approach. Today, I want to highlight the incredible work of Mr. Chazz, whose teachings resonate deeply with my values. He is perfect to feature during Positive Parenting month!
Giving Instruction to a Toddler
In one of Mr. Chazz's engaging videos, "Giving Instruction to a Toddler," he shares practical tips for communicating effectively with young children. His approach emphasizes patience, clarity, and empathy, helping parents navigate the often challenging task of giving instructions to toddlers.
Embracing Different Perspectives in Parenting
One of the aspects I truly admire about Mr. Chazz is his ability to provide fresh perspectives on everyday parenting challenges. In his video "Toddler Spills Red Juice. This is How to Handle It," Mr. Chazz showcases an insightful approach to handling accidents, highlighting the immense learning opportunities in these moments. By stepping back and reflecting on such situations, parents can turn potentially stressful incidents into valuable lessons for their children. This approach not only promotes understanding and empathy but also strengthens the parent-child bond.
You can watch the video “Toddler Spills Red Juice. This is How to Handle It” here.
Putting Your Child to Bed with a Song
One of my favorite videos from Mr. Chazz is "Putting Your Child to Bed with a Song." In this heartwarming video, he discusses incorporating the four components of connection into bedtime routines. This aligns perfectly with our belief in weaving connection into every aspect of our interactions with children.
You can watch this beautiful explanation of bedtime here.
More About Mr. Chazz
Mr. Chazz is a remarkable resource for parents and teachers, offering guidance on navigating the challenges and triumphs of raising and teaching children. His style fosters patience and empathy, encouraging a positive and supportive environment for children to thrive.
Mr. Chazz's philosophy of becoming an "improvenist" rather than a perfectionist is particularly inspiring. As he wisely says, "The goal isn’t to be perfect every day, the goal is to just be a little bit better every day." This mindset aligns beautifully with our approach at Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, where we emphasize progress over perfection.
For those interested in exploring more of Mr. Chazz's work, you can find his insightful and quick videos on various platforms:
Additionally, his Brain State Posters are a fantastic resource for parents and educators looking to understand and support the emotional states of children.
Celebrating Positive Parenting Month Together
Together, let’s celebrate this special month by embracing compassionate strategies, growing alongside our children, and continuing to show up for them—and for ourselves—a little better every day.
Are you struggling with your child’s sleep? Wondering if I can help?
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.
🌟 Start 2025 with Blissful Sleep – Free Gift Inside!
Happy New Year! 🎊 As we step into 2025, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your interest in creating a peaceful, well-rested home and trusting Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching to be the reliable place to come for helpful and accurate resource on all things sleep.
To celebrate this fresh start & show my appreciation, I have a special gift for you: a copy of "The One Thing Every Mom Needs to Know" – a #1 International Best Seller.
When I collaborated with 25 leading experts in sleep, nutrition, mindset, and more to create this book, my mission was clear: to empower 100,000 moms with accurate, reliable, and transformative insights. I truly believe this book has the power to change lives, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!
📖 Your copy is available now!
Download available FREE on January 1, 2025 only.
Need Support for Blissful Sleep?
The first step is scheduling a 60-minute Zoom Sleep Strategy Session to determine how I can guide your family toward beautiful, blissful sleep.
Alternative Methods to Cry It Out
If you’re hesitant about sleep coaching, know this:
🌟 I do NOT advocate "cry-it-out." My approach is guilt-free, gentle, and rooted in respect for you and your child.
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.
Happy New Years and may you have Blissful Sleep in 2025 and beyond,
Awakening to Blissful Sleep: How Referrals are Rescuing Tired Parents
Today, I want to talk about a lifeline that many of my clients stumble upon when they're at their wits' end: referrals from others parents..
Picture this: you're in the thick of sleep deprivation, stumbling through the days with dark circles under your eyes and a constant fog in your brain.
Every night feels like a battle, and you're starting to wonder if you'll ever get a full night's rest again.
Sound familiar? You're not alone.
Many of my clients come to me feeling like they've tried everything and are convinced they are doomed with a “bad sleeper”.
But then, like a beacon of hope, a friend or family member swoops in and suggests something they never even considered: hiring a sleep coach.
It's like a lightbulb moment - suddenly, there's a path forward, a way out of the exhaustion spiral they've been trapped in.
What's fascinating is that so many new parents don't even realize that sleep coaching is an option.
They assume that sleep struggles are just a rite of passage, something they have to endure until their little one magically starts sleeping through the night.
But the truth is, there's help out there, and it can make all the difference.
Take Meredith and Danny, for example. They were at their wit's end, surviving on a few hours of broken sleep each night and feeling like zombies during the day. Nothing seemed to work and things just kept getting harder.
It wasn't until Meredith’s mom chatted with a family friend who recommended Joanna who successfully trained her grandchildren.
After just a few weeks of working with me, Meredith and Danny have experienced a Total Family Sleep Transformation and achieved ALL of their sleep goals.
Their son is now asleep by 5:30/6pm, sleeping through the night and taking 2 beautiful naps. The whole family is sleeping and they have TIME for themselves, their careers and each other.
I'm thrilled to share Meredith's success story with you today!
Meredith wants to encourage families:
“Don’t wait to call Joanna any longer. My regret was that I waited so long to ask for help because this could have been addressed months earlier. Joanna never judged us, always made us feel super comfortable and really helped us quickly. It wasn't this drawn out process. Call Joanna now, She can help you fix this.”
Here's a thought to ponder: in your circle of friends and family, who might be silently struggling with sleep deprivation just like you once were?
It's easy to get caught up in our own sleep struggles and forget that others might be facing similar challenges.
You never know whose life you could change by simply sharing your own success story and recommending Gentle sleep coaching as a resource and alternative to cry-it-out methods.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of well-rested families and happier households.
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.
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!
Finding Fairy Godmother Magic: A Sleep Coaching Success Story
As a sleep coach, I often meet families who come to me as a last resort, feeling as if they need some sort of fairy godmother magic to solve their child's sleep issues. Meet Daphne and Jonas, who found themselves in this very situation. Desperate for a solution after months of sleepless nights and failed DIY sleep coaching, they turned to Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, hoping for a miracle.
Before working with me, Daphne and Jonas’s family life was chaotic. They had been struggling for 8 long months, trying every trick in the book to get their son to sleep. Despite their efforts, he was waking up every hour, leaving them exhausted and frustrated. Naps were a battleground, and disagreements over sleep training methods only added to the stress.
Feeling like they had exhausted all options, Daphne and Jonas approached sleep coaching with a mixture of skepticism and desperation. They feared they might never experience restful nights again. But from the moment they started working with me, they began to see positive changes.
In just a few days, they noticed fewer wake-ups and longer stretches of sleep. With guidance, support and a guilt-free and gentle sleep training method, they felt empowered to implement a consistent sleep routine and tackle their son's sleep crutches. Soon enough, their dreams started coming true.
“I couldn't believe that sleep training could be that effective. Everything we dreamt of, we have now.
We wanted him to sleep through the night. He's sleeping 11+ hrs at nightt.
We wanted him to be able to fall asleep by himself. Bedtime is so easy now.
We wanted him to stop waking up at 4am. He sleeps past 6am now.
We wanted to bottle wean at night (and thought it was impossible because he was drinking 3 large bottles and screaming that he's hungry.) He doesn't need bottles anymore and is eating better during the day.
We did not want to spend our whole day in the dark room trying to get him to nap. Now he takes a two hour nap during the day happily in his crib.
Daphne wants exhausted families to know “I would not wait to ask for expert sleep support. Our only regret is that we waited too long fooling around with DIY techniques. Our life was unnecessarily harder than it should have been. Sleep coaching has been magical and surprisingly effective.”
In the end, sleep coaching proved to be the fairy godmother magic the family had been searching for. With dedication, guidance, and a little bit of patience, they've transformed their nights from chaos to bliss. And for that, they'll be forever grateful.
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.
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!
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Hello, I'm Joanna with Blissful Baby. Sleep Coaching, and I'm here with Jonas and Daphne, who have a baby boy that was 13 months old at time of sleep training and we are doing a celebration call. So I'm so happy that you were here. Hello? Yeah. Woo. Woo. Woo. Exactly. So I love sharing your story. So why don't we start at the beginning.
What was life like before you called me? Just gimme like the down and dirty. Like what time was he going to bed? What time was he waking up? How many times was he waking, you know, how did you feel about it? What, what was happening? Oh yeah. Okay. I, I love to tell that story. 'cause Yeah,
it was horrible. Our life is a, a total mess. We've been trying for, for, I mean, eight months ourself. Everything. He is waking up the worst time every hour. And we give him all the crutches possible and still not able to have him sleep for longer. He needs a bottle all the time. So we, we were doing this like show of me collaborating over the night,
throughout the night. I give some, I breastfeed a little bit while he warms up the milk and he come back with the milk and then he drink for two sips, falling back to sleep and then start again in one hour. Yep. And nap is also hard and he's cranky during the day. We try to sleep, train ourself has some success,
but then, then was not successful again. And we fight about how to interpret the different sleep coaching, the, the sleep training method and just not aligned overall. So yeah, it was very chaotic. Yeah. Yeah. So yeah, the, the, the challenge with like, you know, so what I hear you saying is like, okay,
we did tons of do it self sleep training. We were trying to take this methodology, then we'd try it and would be an epic fail. And then we tried this methodology and be an epic fail. And then we were arguing over the methodologies or how to employ the methodologies. And yet still there was tons of crying, tons of wakings, tons of bottle and breast action.
And dad was like, this was like a thing where like both parents were up. I mean, it was all hands on deck in the middle of the night and also baby cranky all the time. So when, hi, he would wake up, he wouldn't wake up cooing, he would wake up curr screaming, nah. So there was just a very jarring component of,
oh my God, he's awake again. You know, just that urgency. Right. And you guys had been trying so hard to get sleep and just could not crack the nugget on this kid. Like he was a tricky kid. Right. So what was it like to go through the process? Like you guys decided to hire me, you decided to use a gentle sleep coach.
Like what made you make a decision that you needed the expert support? And then what was it, what did you like most about having that intimate one-on-one coaching experience? Yeah. Yeah. Go for it, dad. Well, I, I think we were getting some success putting him in, in bed, but yeah, many, many wake up during the night and we were kind of at loss on,
on what to do next. So then yeah. Started working with you, thinking that kind of at last resort and thinking that if that didn't work, then we would have to accept not sleeping for the next many years to come. Yeah. But then, yeah, starting working with you. I feel like we, we've seen success pretty early after a few days we were seeing less wake up later,
later wake up in the mornings and Yeah. Easier to put him in in bed and, and basically after only a few days we were saying that what you were telling us would happen was happening. So then we were very confident in, in the program and, and yeah, very confident in just applying what you were telling us to do. And that was,
that was really helping our son to go through the process and forced to get through the process. Exactly. And I think it's really important to say that, that you guys had kind of come at the moment of desperation. Most families come to me after they've tried and failed and tried and failed again. And so when they land on my doorstep, they're usually feeling very defeated.
Feeling like last resort, like you said, like, Joanna, you're my last resort, please make this work. But you know, like it's like a hail Mary kind of feeling. So a lot of times people are really scared 'cause they're thinking, okay, I'm gonna spend this money with this lady hoping that this thing that this lady is gonna be doing is gonna work.
Right. And, and, and then, you know, I always say trust the process, which feels so nebulous. But when we're in the process and we're collaborating, 'cause everything we do is a collaboration, collaboration, we are creating a sleep plan on behalf of this child. Taking into consideration everything that we know about the child's temperament, age stage,
family values, and kind of intuitively where you guys have been with your process that you were doing before about what's gonna work and what's not gonna work. And so it's very customized. And so in that customization, we were able to get really good results those first couple of nights where dad was like, oh my God, like this is working. Like,
oh my god, he is crying less, he's waking up less, he is sleeping longer chunks. Right? So it is, you know, getting that expert support is so important because you're getting the details and you're getting the plan that takes away the doubt and the plan that takes away the two couple, like the husband and wife or the partners, like kind of eh,
at each other. Like, you didn't do this and you should have done that. We, all of that goes and what we start getting is results, which is amazing. So on that note, tell us what it looks like now. Like how many hours a night is he sleeping? What's his naps like? Like get like, give us the result.
Like what does life look like now? Well, it is, is honestly pretty incredible. I, I have said this many times to all my friends and family, couldn't believe that sleep training can be that effective. Basically everything we dreamt of is we, we have now. So we wanted him to sleep through the night, he's sleeping through the night.
We want him to be able to fall asleep by himself. He's doing that. We wanted him to not wake up at four instead wake up at a more human hour. And he's doing that too, bottle weaning at night, which thought was super impossible because he was drinking three large bottles and otherwise he's just screaming that he's hungry. But now he doesn't need that.
We shifted the calorie to to morning and then Yeah. And also nap. Right. Not having to spend our whole day in the dark room. And so, so does he trying to get him to nap and so that he can do a nap easily and, and quickly, Mr. Natural. Oh, we also also were able to do falling asleep in the stroller,
in the car, in the car. Not possible before. So make us, yeah. So open up more possibilities. More possibilities. You have a life. Yeah. So yeah. Is, I mean, everything. Yeah. And a two hour nap during the day, which is amazing. So now you guys have a super reliable schedule. So that la that brings me to my next question is what's possible for you now that wasn't possible before,
now that he has this beautiful schedule, he's waking up well rested. Like what, what's possible for you now that was literally not possible before sleep training, Planning a life. Yeah. Knowing that we can have dinners and we can have activities at night while he is sleeping and enjoying also the, the mornings now that he is waking up Yeah. Between six to seven and,
and rested and having a good night. And we can enjoy our mornings with him and not struggle to start our day in a, in a chaotic way. Yeah. Anything else to add? Well, Mom, you said that like, now when you go to work meetings, you show up like fresh instead of whining that you had a bad night. Right.
That you, you know, professionally, like you're feeling, you're showing up professionally to your work meetings, feeling like, I'm ready, you know, I'm here. I'm not just like, oh my God, forgive me, my brain's not working today. Like you're showing up, like I'm here, I can do it. Right? Yeah. Yeah.
Just to also just have a reliable schedule is really nice. Otherwise, our life is on pause. We cannot, cannot schedule anything as everything is surrounded. We need to see how the baby sleep and then we'll know what kind of day we have, but now we Yeah. Have a higher confidence on how the day will go. Amazing. Yeah, that's huge.
That's so huge that you can actually plan your life because you know, you have a well-rested child and then you can, you know, plan fun family events. Like you guys just went out to a date night and went to a movie and dinner. I mean, that was not even a possibility before because you were spending hours trying to get him to sleep.
So if you met a really tired family and they were like confused, you know, should I do sleep training? Should I not, should I hire coach? Should I not? What, what do you want them to know that now your, you know, your future self now knows that you wish that you had known back then? I would say get sleep,
do sleep coaching, either DIY or with a coach right away. And I would not wait because our only regret is that we have, we waited too long. Yeah. And that it, it is a very unnecessary thing on both well, our, our life was unnecessary, harder than it shouldn't be. And also the baby, we worry that the baby maybe suffers some of the consequence.
Yeah. The sleep. Yes. I mean, sleep coaching has been magical as surprisingly effective. Hey, I love that sleep coaching is magical and surprisingly effective. I love that. That is amazing. And you weren't scared, right? Like, you don't, you didn't like you because you guys were, you know, he, so their baby boy has a very big personality and can be very intense and can have big,
big jarring cries like we said in the beginning. So you were surprised that like his crying was less than you ever expected. In fact, it was less crying than when you were actually doing all the things to try to get him to go to sleep. So, you know, that's, that's also so fun is that when you realize like, oh my God,
I made sleep training be this big, scary, awful thing. And in fact, this process was so like calm and focused and sequential and we all knew what we were doing. So we had confidence. We were in the same, you know, we were on the same page. So we weren't arguing anymore. We were seeing incremental progress. So we would,
we could validate what our next step was like. It, it's, it's, it's just, it's way better. I mean, I, I love having coaches because I feel like you get the results you're looking for faster with less drama. Because sometimes when you DYI, you're always in self-doubt and you're always second guessing yourself. But in this case, we're in collaboration and we're mo moving sequentially towards the result.
And we get there and that's why we have the celebration call because like you said, you got everything on your wishlist, you know, so it's amazing. So thank you Daphne and Jonas for trusting me and for going on this journey with me. And welcome to the well-Rested Family Revolution. That's one of my favorite things to say. You are now a part of a select group of families that can get their life back and enjoy being part of the well-Rested Family Revolution.
Thank you. Yay. I know. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.
Navigating Life After Sleep Training
As parents, we often breathe a sigh of relief once sleep training is successfully behind us. But the journey doesn't end there. Maintaining those hard-won sleep habits and ensuring our children continue to benefit from restful nights requires vigilance, understanding, and sometimes, a return to the basics we thought we had moved past.
Celebrating Milestones and Setting New Goals
The journey of sleep training is often marked by significant milestones:
The first night your child falls asleep independently,
The first full night they sleep through
The moment you realize bedtime is no longer a battle but a peaceful routine.
Celebrating these milestones is crucial, not just for parents but for our children too. Recognizing their hard work in achieving these sleep skills is essential for reinforcing positive behaviors and maintaining momentum.
Once your child is sleeping through the night, its time to look at new goals and routines Such as:
Moving on to nap training
Introducing another caregiver
Date nights
Overnights with grandma,
Enrolling them in childcare
A family vacation?
Goals are specific to each family but once your child sleeps through the night all these “I wish” thoughts are easier to see as attainable. With the right plan in place, all of these are possible.
What is your next goal? What does a well-rested child allow you to do now?
Anticipating and Addressing Regressions
Even after successful sleep training, regressions can occur. Changes in routine, illness, travel, and developmental leaps can all trigger setbacks. Being aware of these potential challenges and preparing to address them calmly and consistently helps maintain the progress your child has made. It's crucial to review what led to successful sleep training in the first place and apply those principles again, adjusting as needed for your child's current age and needs. The most common regressions I see are
Illness
Travel
Time change
Too many days “off schedule” within a week
Not to worry, all is not lost. With Gentle Sleep coaching, you have taught your child the skills of sleep so navigating these temporary setbacks is just reinforcing what your child already knows how to do. As always, I am here to help and give advice if you feel overwhelmed with these regressions.
The Importance of Routine and Sleep Hygiene
A consistent bedtime routine and sleep hygiene practices are very important. Even after a child has learned to fall asleep independently, the structure around bedtime—such as winding down activities, a quiet and dark sleep environment, and a consistent bedtime—remains critical. These routines signal to your child that it's time to sleep, helping their body and mind prepare for rest.
Please know this does not mean NEVER going off scheduling. You did the work. Your child has their sleep skills so it’s important to enjoy your life but keep in mind the importance of routine.
Navigating Changes and Growth
As children grow, their sleep needs and challenges evolve. School-aged children might face anxieties about bedtime, deal with extra curricular activities over-scheduling, or struggle with the desire for more autonomy versus the comfort of parental presence at bedtime. Parents must adapt strategies to address these changing needs while reinforcing the fundamental sleep skills their child has developed. This might include discussions about bedtime fears, negotiating acceptable bedtime routines that offer autonomy while ensuring sleep hygiene, and adjusting bedtime as needed to accommodate their growing bodies' needs.
The Role of Health and Nutrition
An often-overlooked aspect of maintaining sleep quality post-training is a child's overall health and nutrition, including ensuring they receive adequate vitamins and minerals. For instance, deficiencies in vitamin D and iron can affect sleep quality and energy levels during the day. Regular health check-ups and a balanced diet can support not only your child's sleep but their overall well-being.
Continued Support and Adaptation
Parents can find comfort in knowing that the skills and strategies they've instilled in their children form a solid foundation, one that can support adjustments and address challenges as they arise.
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.
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
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