Question 1

Where did you get your education and certification?

Accepted Answer

I am a certified sleep consultant through the Family Sleep Institute.(https://familysleepinstitute.com/) This thorough education equipped me to provide a holistic approach to sleep training. I do not impose a specific plan on you. Rather, I work with each parent/child dynamic to provide a customized plan designed to fit each family’s values and needs.

Question 2

What do you offer that I cannot find on the internet for free?

Accepted Answer

It’s true, there is a wealth of information on the internet that you can access for free. There are many books on the subject of sleep training. And there are multiple studies conducted on sleep training infants/children, as well as the impact of consolidated sleep on childhood development.

However, there are so many conflicting viewpoints online that weeding through articles can make your head spin. Many methods are shame-based and almost guilt you into using their method. Sadly, many methods are not based on any well-conducted research. Additionally, research on infant/adolescent sleep can be difficult to access or challenging to digest. Above all else, there is a lot of misinformation or inaccurately cited information peddled on the internet (and even in books).

I am trained in multiple sleep training approaches and have read and researched the topic extensively. If you select my sleep plan packages, I will provide a personalized sleep plan customized to best meet your needs (as the parent) and your child’s needs. All of my sleep plans and sleep recommendations are based on accredited research. I will also provide a comprehensive overview (and perhaps overhaul) of your daily schedule, bedtime routine, and safe sleep practices. Perhaps most importantly, I will not ask you to read any articles or books.

Question 3

Are you a good fit for me?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: maybe!

The long answer: I am a great fit for families that are committed to changing their behavior and who believe in their child’s ability to finally sleep independently. I offer detailed, and attentive support in each of my sleep training packages. I do not offer quick fixes, guaranteed timelines, or cookie cutter sleep plans written before we meet. Every sleep plan is tailored to each parent and child dynamic.

Key aspects of my approach include a flexible bedtime, a consistent wakeup time that includes starting the day by 7 AM, and providing a sleeping environment conducive to sleep. If that doesn’t appeal to you, then we probably won’t be successful working together as a team.

Another important part to note is that  I do allow for crying in my regular sleep plan options (excluding my newborn package). To provide packages within a reasonable price point, the majority of my sleep plans are designed to most likely achieve success within 2-3 weeks. Methods that aim to diminish crying as much as possible during sleep training often take 4+ weeks to work. I offer these on a case-by-case basis. Please email or schedule a free call to discuss this option!

I am as invested and dedicated as my clients allow. But I do not work harder than my clients. If you do not fill out the sleep log, send or respond to my emails, or use your scheduled call, I will not badger you. But if you communicate with me, I will provide you with my absolute best level of support. Please be aware that I do not offer refunds once we’ve had the consultation call, regardless of whether you use the sleep plan I provide or not.

Question 4

Will you make my baby cry it out?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: No! I only provide sleep plans that parents are comfortable enforcing.

The long answer: I provide sleep plans using a variety of sleep training methods. And if the parents want it, I do offer the option of sleep training using extinction (commonly referred to as cry it out).

Cry it out is a phrase that’s become weaponized and that I avoid using. So let’s unpack what I mean by “extinction.”

I will not ask you to simply place your child in their crib or bed and then leave them until the designated time. Rather, I will provide a comprehensive plan for their entire day, review biologically appropriate sleep schedules, help you create a loving bedtime routine, and discuss appropriate times to intervene during sleep training versus when to allow your child space to sleep.

If you do not want to use extinction, you do not have to! I offer other sleep training options. But please keep in mind that there is no such thing as a no-cry sleep solution (regardless of how involved you want to be in teaching your child independent sleep skills).

Please note I will never instruct you to leave your newborn to cry. My newborn package will walk you through laying a foundation of healthy sleep skills but does not include formal sleep training.

Question 5

How do you define "sleeping through the night"?

Accepted Answer

The phrase "sleeping through the night" is technically defined as at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep.(https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/137/6/e20151486/52401/Behavioral-Interventions-for-Infant-Sleep-Problems?redirectedFrom=fulltext)

But when I use the phrase "sleeping through the night" in reference to your baby or child, I mean a consolidated 10-12 hours of sleep with no interruption (unless we have a scheduled night feeding included in your plan).

Question 6

Do I have to wean night feedings to sleep train?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! Whether due to a pediatrician’s recommendation or to a parent’s own discretion, we can build night feedings into your sleep plan without them derailing your child’s independent sleep skills.

If you want to wean night feedings, please get prior approval from your pediatrician if your child is under 8 months of age or has had any weight gain/growth concerns.

If you are approved to wean your baby off of all night feedings but still want to build one into your plan, I will help you do that. Please keep in mind though that many babies will naturally drop their night feedings during sleep training.

Question 7

Do you provide sleep training options for bed sharing families?

Accepted Answer

No. Bed sharing is not a safe sleep practice, as stated by the AAP.(https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022?autologincheck=redirected) However, I am more than happy to help families who currently bed share but want to transition their child into their own crib or bed.

I also provide sleep training plans for families that room share (sometimes referred to as co-sleeping) but do not bed share.

Question 8

My pediatrician, lactation consultant, OB, etc. recommended something that contradicts your plan. Who do I listen to?

Accepted Answer

The content on my site, provided during calls, texts, or emails, or written into a sleep plan is for informational or educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.

For example, if your pediatrician wants you to keep a certain number of nighttime feedings even when sleep training, then we will keep those feedings.

However, please keep in mind that other consultants (like a lactation consultant) who have not been certified in sleep training may not be giving you the most up-to-date information. If your OB or pediatrician is offering their opinions on infant/child sleep, but not giving you direct medical advice, let's discuss to ensure there are no misunderstandings.

Please be aware that if you change any aspect of your sleep plan without consulting with me first, I may not be able to provide you with support.

Question 9

Will I be stuck with a strict schedule for the rest of my little one's life?

Accepted Answer

During my 2 and 3 week sleep training packages, I do ask that parents clear their schedules for those 2-3 weeks to completely prioritize their child's sleep (though there are of course the unavoidable disruptions that we sometimes have to work around).

Usually, the infants and children I work with are accustomed to certain sleep habits and associations that need adjusting; hence the need to focus on their sleep completely for the duration of sleep training.

That being said, the great news is that once your child establishes independent sleep skills you will find that they can be more flexible! Perhaps you need to stay out late one night for a wedding, a holiday, or other important event. Your little one will bounce back sooner because they are already a great sleeper.  Travel, sickness, and other major disruptions to their schedule will also be less stressful.

Please keep in mind that if you slip back into old habits day-after-day, your little one may return to their previous sleep behaviors. That is why I educate you along the way. I want you to be empowered to make the best decisions for your child's sleep needs even when our time working together comes to an end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Me

megan@sweetlyasleep.com

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