Every baby is unique. Every family is unique. So it makes sense that every family’s goals for their baby’s sleep are unique. A useful sleep plan uses an individualized and holistic approach to come up with a sleep plan you feel good about.
This is where I can help.
I am Kaili, I am a certified Pediatric Sleep & Reflux Specialist, helping families improve wellness and sleep.
I want to help your family get some much-needed sleep. I use my training in sensory processing, and my certifications as a Pediatric Sleep & Reflux Specialist to provide a holistic, attachment and evidenced-based approach to sleep, without using traditional sleep training.
You might hear, “You just need to let them cry.” – But when you try sleep training, every instinct tells you to go and comfort your baby.
People ask, “Is your baby sleeping through the night?” – And you wonder if your baby should be sleeping more by now.
You get asked, “Have you worked on self-soothing?” – And you don’t even know what self-soothing is, much less how to teach it to your baby.
You seek support and instead are told, “Your toddler is too old for your bedtime to be taking that long.” – And you just want practical tips for helping them to settle down to sleep.
At 3 AM you whisper to your crying toddler, “Why are you waking?” – And you wonder if you will ever sleep well again
In the meantime, I will help provide resources and strategies for your baby sleep questions.
In a gentle way that is supportive of your parenting values.
You may have tried sleep consultants, read books, or researched online. My education in sensory-processing and advanced certification as a Pediatric Sleep & Reflux Specialist allows me to develop a personalized and holistic sleep plan, tailored to your child.
Personalization
I understand that your family is unique and that no two families have the same goals. I encourage you to keep the pieces of your sleep routines that you love. And support you to make changes to the pieces that are not working. I will always support your goals, whether it is bed-sharing or sleeping separately, breastfeeding or formula.
Holistic View
Sometimes changing something simple can result in significant sleep changes — for the better or the worse. Understanding sleep requires looking at many different areas and how these variables interact with each other. In the midst of sleep deprivation, it can be difficult to figure out what to change and what not to change.
Add on to that, a child who is growing and changing by the day and it can get confusing. I dive into all the factors and come up with a comprehensive sleep plan. I arm you with knowledge of typical development. You will be confident in addressing new sleep concerns as your child continues to grow.
Areas I consider when addressing baby sleep:
Environment - Understanding the role of the lighting, sound, and place of sleep.
Routine - I help you develop healthy, age-appropriate routines that promote sleep. This looks at the entire day of napping, activity, and bedtime sleep. It also looks at the specific routines prior to sleeping.
Development- As babies grow and mature, their ability to sleep and need for sleep changes. I provide extensive education on normal sleep so you will know how to meet changing needs.
Physical- Sleep and responding to your baby’s physical needs are connected. Things like teething, acid reflux and feeding needs can contribute to a baby’s ability to sleep.
Sensory- Babies have developing sensory systems so they have more difficulty adjusting to changes in stimulation and activity. I can provide sensory recommendations to promote sleep in babies.
All while using an attachment focus and responsive, supporting parenting strategies.
You do not need to use sleep training to improve your baby’s sleep.
What will life look like for your family when you meet your sleep goals?
The answer is different for each family, but I do know the following:
Improved sleep makes it easier to function and be productive at work.
Quality sleep decreases the impact of postpartum depression.
Babies are better able to play and develop when they are well-rested.
Improved sleep boosts immunity and makes it less likely you will get sick.
It is easier to make memories and be joyful when well-rested.
In other words, investing in sleep is an investment in your family’s wellness. The early years of parenting are not only a challenge but also exceptionally precious. Be able to enjoy these special family moments — big and small.