Why Hire a Pediatric Sleep Consultant?

Parenting young children is truly one of the most rewarding, yet often overwhelming, experiences - and sleep deprivation can often feel like an unavoidable part of the experience. However, chronic sleep loss can take a toll on parents' physical and mental well-being. The 2024 Surgeon General's advisory on stress revealed that parents are under an unprecedented amount of pressure now, juggling the demands of raising children while navigating work, relationships, and their own well-being. The report highlighted how chronic stress, often fueled by sleep deprivation, can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and even physical health challenges. A prominent study published in Sleep Medicine (2019) found that parents, especially in the first year postpartum, experienced significant reductions in sleep, averaging 1-2 hours less per night compared to pre-parenting levels. We are TIRED.

Our Sleep Journey

I can't even remember the amount of times I was told during my first pregnancy to enjoy sleep while we could get it because once we became parents we would never sleep again. But here is the thing about my husband and me... we NEED our sleep to function. When we don't sleep we get dysregulated, agitated, irritable, more prone to sickness, and struggle to operate as parents or in our work. Making the decision to sleep train our children was a personal decision, but it was the single greatest decision we have made as parents . Our kids are now almost 2 and 4 and our family sleeps well almost every night thanks to sleep training and creating a strong sleep foundation for our children. But it wasn't always that way. When we had our first child, Liam, we were sleep deprived and depleted. I was diagnosed with postpartum OCD and anxiety and was getting anywhere from 3-5 hours of sleep a night. The less I slept, the worse my postpartum mood disorders got.

We live in an era of information overload for parents. If you Google "How to get my baby to sleep?" you are inundated with hundreds of different links and articles with conflicting advice. I remember downloading the Huckleberry app and it gave me the suggested wake windows to follow and they conflicted with a popular sleep training website's. My friends and family all offered such different advice. Everyone seemed bias with their own experiences. "You should co-sleep." "I held my baby for sleep every night." "Formula fed babies sleep better than breastfed babies." "Move baby to their own room." Our heads were spinning. But then I connected with an old friend who was a sleep consultant. She was patient. She was understanding. And she was so helpful. So we did it... we sleep-trained Liam and it went amazingly! The second time around with my daughter, Maeve, I worked with a sleep consultant as soon as we could to work on setting her up for a good foundation for sleep. My postpartum experience was night and day different from Liam to Maeve. I was sleeping with Maeve and my mood disorders were kept at bay. I felt present, balanced, and able to connect with my children. Working with a sleep consultant changed my life and our family's lives forever. Which, ultimately, is what led to me becoming a pediatric sleep consultant.

Why Hire a Sleep Consultant?

Every year, I interact with hundreds of families who are looking for a solution. They are exhausted, their child isn't sleeping, and they don't know where to go from here. This is where a pediatric sleep consultant can truly make all the difference for these families! As a sleep consultant, my goal is to provide individualized plans, compassionate guidance, and evidence based strategies to help families to get the rest they need.

One of the biggest advantages of working with a sleep consultant is having personalized support. Every child is different. They have a different set of sleep needs, temperament, and personality. What works well for one four month old may work completely different for another. So those suggested wake windows you see online - those aren't tailored to your child! Which is why it can be so difficult figuring out what works best for your baby or toddler. With all of my families, I work to create a customized plan for them that includes a suggested schedule and sleep training method that fits their child's personality and family's values and goals. There is truly a no one-size-fits-all approach to solving sleep challenges.

What Does a Sleep Consultant Do?

On a day-to-day basis I am working with my families to create a sustainable sleep foundation for them. I analyze their sleep data and specific information to troubleshoot common sleep issues. I develop a suggested wake window schedule for them; deliver personalized sleep plans for others including timing information, suggested environment, bedtime and nap time routines to follow, a proposed sleep training method, and more; and coach some families in real time through an app called Rested how to navigate sleep struggles such as practical application of a sleep training method and timing when next naps or bedtime will be. I also offer e-mail support for past clients on retainer and new clients with quick sleep questions or concerns!

Sleep Training is a Personal Decision

So whether your toddler is struggling to make the crib to bed transition, or maybe you are dealing with early morning or middle of the night wakings, or transitioning naps and don't know where to start, navigating a sleep regression, or you are ready to work on independent sleep skills for your four month old - I want to support and guide you on that journey. You can't continue to pour from an empty cup and everyone in the family should be allowed to get the rest they need. Sleep training is a personal decision. If you are feeling like your current sleep situation is no longer working for your family, you are allowed to change things.

No matter what you decide to do - you are a great parent. This road is not easy and it is okay to ask for help when you need it to invest in your family's well being! I will always be here along the sidelines cheering you on and supporting whatever decisions you make for your family.

Ready to Work Together?

Have questions or ready to work together? Send me an e-mail at lauren@sleepybeginnings.com.

Work With Lauren

I am so glad you are here! I am Lauren and I am a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Owner of Sleepy Beginnings. My background is in education and transition work. I support families in getting the rest they need by offering customized solutions with an evidence based approach.

Lauren Winterbotham, M.Ed.

Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant

Owner - Sleepy Beginnings

lauren@sleepybeginnings.com

www.sleepybeginnings.com