Approach, Tactics, and Beliefs: A South Florida Pediatric Sleep Consultant
South Florida Pediatric Sleep Consultant
Sleep training, sleep coaching, and sleep consulting – all these terms point to the same profession, although the approach to the job may vary – widely!
Pediatric Sleep Consultant in South Florida
A Personalized Approach to Child Sleep Training in South Florida
So, you’re probably wondering, “What’s the most effective strategy to sleep train your child?” Here’s the answer – there isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy! I often encounter people asking, “Which method do you use to sleep train?” And my mind instantly races to – “Why should there be just one approach?”
Perhaps you’re here because you’ve tried the famous “Ferber Method” or the “Cry It Out” technique, but they didn’t quite work for your baby and you. Or maybe, you’re overwhelmed and unsure, not knowing where to start. No worries! Regardless of what you’ve tried or not, rest assured your child can always learn healthy sleep habits! That’s one thing that sets Good Little SleeperZzz apart – I tailor the program specifically for you and your baby.
Many factors influence a child’s sleep – their age, health, sleep debt, diet, activity level, awake stamina, and more! Plus, we must factor in your family’s distinctive lifestyle, schedule, and parenting style. Trying to balance all these aspects influencing babies’ and children’s sleep can indeed be daunting. Though there’s no magic method that works for all children, there are numerous strategies available. Together, we’ll identify the best method that suits you and your child!
Defining Your Sleep Goals
Every parent should ask while seeking sleep help: “What are your sleep goals for your child?” Sleep goals vary, but once you identify what you aspire for your child’s sleep, you can then explore ways to achieve that goal.
The foundation of Good Little SleeperZzz is the belief that healthy sleep habits lead to a healthy, joyous child. I’ve witnessed this transformation in children and parents over and over again. Once your child (and you) get the sleep you need, everything starts falling into place! A well-rested child is curious, energetic, joyful, playful, and ready to learn. Similarly, a well-rested parent is more attentive, patient, calm, and loving.
When parents trust me to assist their families, they trust me immensely. I want to assure you that I take this responsibility gravely. I am committed to helping families succeed by working with you to find the best method for your baby and supporting you through the entire process until we reach your sleep goals!
My Belief System
This reason is why I prioritize creating a personalized plan and offering continuous personal support. Any change can be challenging, but with the right sleep education, the proper plan, and the appropriate support, we can ensure your little one (and you) enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Here’s my simple approach to improving your child’s sleep:
Sleep Expectations and Education
I believe in honesty and will provide you with science-backed sleep education. Together, we’ll explore the best options for your family. We’ll review essential information about sleep and its importance for your child’s well-being, discuss the best methods for achieving your sleep goals, and help set realistic expectations, reaching your goals one step at a time.
Custom Sleep Plan
Every child is unique, and no one knows your child better than you. Together, we’ll create a straightforward, step-by-step plan that aligns with your family’s schedule and your parenting style. We’ll discuss recognizing your child’s sleep cues and appropriate awake times and establish routines that work for you and your little one. We’ll take the plan one day at a time, answering all your sleep questions along the way. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and experience to tackle any future sleep challenges!
Monitoring Progress
The Crying Question…
Let’s address the elephant in the room. You’re probably here to see if I advocate the “Cry It Out Method” or if my method would involve lots of crying. So, let’s discuss crying, a topic I frequently get asked about and is often the subject of heated debates.
Firstly, let me clarify – I will never ask you to leave your baby alone to cry or ask you to ignore your baby’s cries.
Babies communicate in various ways – through facial expressions, body language, and their voice, including crying. Not all crying is equal or negative. Sometimes babies cry to manage stress and express emotions. It’s NOT healthy for anyone, including babies, to never cry!
Crying is a physical response to internal stress, and our bodies need to release stress physically. Think about the last time you had a good cry and how relieved you felt afterward- that’s your brain releasing oxytocin, a feel-good hormone, after releasing stress.
The key is to understand your baby and learn their language (until they can learn ours). Once we can listen to our baby, we can respond better to their needs rather than merely trying to “stop the crying.” Understanding your baby’s physical and vocal cues can help us guide them through this learning process with less stress.
We will work together to help make positive changes as gently as we can.
However, when the familiar changes, babies (and adults, too) tend to get upset. So, some level of fussing, crying, or protesting is expected. But, if we understand our baby’s body language, sounds, and cries, we can adjust the plan to minimize frustration and protest. I always provide parents with honest feedback. My personalized plan is designed to be as gentle as possible to minimize or avoid tears, but realistically, some level of protest is expected.
Parents find success with me for two reasons: Firstly, I offer a tailored plan that fits your family and your parenting style. Secondly (and more importantly), I support the entire plan. So, if your baby isn’t responding to a specific strategy, we alter our approach. We always adjust the plan/method timely best to suit your baby and your family’s lifestyle.
There are plenty of questions and self-doubt when parents approach me. While I’m not promising a tear-free experience, I promise to support you every step of the way. That’s why I offer various support options, including in-home overnight support and overnight text support. You can explore more of my sleep plan support options here.
Questions?
If you have any questions about my philosophy or methodology, please feel free to ask! You can contact me here or book a free sleep evaluation call with me.
— Laura Knecht
Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
Because parents deserve sleep too!
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