Sleep Consultation: FAQs

Sleep training is known as the process of teaching a baby to sleep on their own.  I believe that this is only half of it.  In my practice, sleep training is the process of teaching a baby what to expect from their parents.  If they expect to be rocked and/or fed to sleep every time...then that is what you will be doing.  Through several different methods we can SUPPORT your baby through change...creating a new routine and expectation.  Sleep training is not always seen in a positive light.  But I have several hundred families that can tell you that they are all happier since going through the process.  Sleep training is not for everyone and that is OK.  I am happy to help those that need some healthy sleep in their life.

No.  You do not.  If you are happy with how your baby is sleeping OR it is not in your parenting style to work through any crying then sleep training is not for you.  Those that need some sort of sleep coaching are often "at their wits end" or their sleep is being negatively affected in some way, creating a need for change.  

This is a tough one to answer because, yes, every baby is different.  What I can tell you from my experience is that night 1 typically has about 45 min. to an hour of crying.  I have had families where baby only cried 15 minutes night 1...and some that lasted a couple hours.  Not easy for sure...but all continued to improve as the nights went on.  All night wakings and naps vary but parent consistency is key to less cry time.  

No.  Sleep training is a process that supports a child with independent sleep.  Independent sleep requires the child to have their own safe sleeping space.  Bedsharing is also considered unsafe by the AAP.   It is 100% OK to room share with your baby if you prefer to have them nearby.  Just have a separate crib or bed for them ready to go. 

Very similar as above...every baby is different. I cannot promise results in any specific number of days. With parents consistently following a sleep training plan you should see great improvements within the first week.   We are working with little human beings so those results can vary greatly.  You can have nights come together really quickly but sill be dealing with short naps.  Or you can end up with a great napper but have night waking that still need to be addressed.  I typically support families for at least 2-3 weeks in order to iron out all the kinks. 

This depends. You are ultimately paying for my help as a certified sleep consultant.   You will always be responsible for my time spent with your family. And while I get good results with most families, I cannot promise perfection.  If you give sleep training a try and it is ultimately not for you and you will not be continuing, I will refund the remaining amount that would have covered the weekly support.  I am happy to discuss specifics with each family as needed. 

Please see my Services page for all of the options that I offer.