Frequently Asked Questions
Are you qualified to provide safe, accurate advice regarding baby and child sleep?
This is the most important question, It is vital that anyone who offers advice to parents /carers regarding their baby or child are equipped to do so. I am and OCN level 6 Sleep Practitioner and a member of the British Sleep Association. I have undertaken thorough training to be able to safely advice on sleep strategies and techniques for babies and children.
Can you support with any sleep concern?
No, during the initial telephone consultation I will advise if I am unable to offer my advice/support for any reason. I will only offer my services if I genuinely feel I can help and that its safe to do so. If I suspect a medical reason for your child's sleep difficulties I will advise you to seek medical advice / diagnosis before deciding if we can proceed. Will a medical condition mean you cannot help? Depending on the medical condition it is very likely I can still support you, this will be discussed at the initial telephone consultation.
I've tried various techniques before, nothing has worked, how do I know it will work this time?
Implementing sleep techniques and support needs to be carefully managed. It may not have been the right time for you or your child to make changes, you may not have been given realistic expectations as to how quickly results can be achieved, you may have received advice that was not quite right for your child. There are many wonderful ways a child can be helped to sleep but each child has different needs and will respond differently. Generic sleep advice is not necessarily the right advice for your child. This is why a thorough consultation is required and why sleep plans should not be shared. If there is any reason I don't feel its the right time for you I will make you aware and give my reasons.
I don't want my child to be left to cry, do your techniques involve crying?
I do not support the traditional cry it out technique, this is something that used to be a popular quick fix to help babies learn to self settle. I don't believe this strategy is in the best interests of the child. I have various strategies that all support my ethos of responding to a child's needs, ensuring they feel safe, secure and loved throughout any changes in their sleep routine. Babies and young children cry to communicate and without any tears they would not be communicating to us or offloading their emotions. Its unrealistic for me to say there will be no crying but I will be supporting you to listen and respond appropriately in a way you are 100% happy with.