Philosophy

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Philosophy

Many parents are curious about my perspective on sleep training. Is it possible to do when breastfeeding or co-sleeping? There are questions about how I feel about letting a baby “cry it out” and if there is a right and wrong way to go about introducing a new approach to the sleeping routine

As your sleep coach, my role is to partner with you to create a personalized plan, grounded in the latest sleep research, that respects your child's developmental stage and aligns with your parenting values. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works, and we adjust the plan to suit the unique needs of your family, your child, and any challenges that may arise.

Whether you want to continue night feedings or are considering weaning them during sleep training (I do recommend also consulting with an IBCLC and pediatrician to ensure your breastfeeding goals and your baby’s growth needs), my aim is to support your success. If co-sleeping is your preference, I'm here to help you establish the safest environment for it.

At times, families start co-sleeping only to discover that their children (or even themselves) aren't getting the quality sleep they need. I can guide you through gently transitioning your child to a separate sleeping space.

While there isn't a true "no-cry" method in sleep coaching, my goal is to minimize the tears, time, and distress for everyone involved. It's important to recognize that your child's cries may be their way of communicating confusion with the new approach.

While "Cry it out" is frequently the recommended approach by pediatricians, it's not always suitable for every child or every parent.  I am here to offer you support with an alternative that aligns with your family's unique needs and values- we can find a solution that feels right for you.

The Gentle Sleep Coach® philosophy was developed by Kim West LCSW-C, The Sleep Lady® because she found so many parents had difficulty following through with a sleep coaching program that they feared will damage their child emotionally or filled them with so much guilt they couldn’t follow through.

My role is to offer support and guidance through one of the toughest parenting challenges—teaching your child to sleep independently. I'm here for you every step of the way.

If you have any questions about the Gentle Sleep philosophy, please don’t hesitate to ask. I can be reached via my Contact page

The art of putting yourself to sleep is a priceless gift you can give your child and your entire family.