FAQ's

What is Sleep Training?

I think there is a lot of confusion around the term Sleep Training, not just because it means different approaches at different stages and family preferences but also because there are a lot of myths about babies’ sleep. Sleep training is an invaluable skill to teach babies and toddlers, allowing them to fall asleep entirely independently without needing any outside assistance. This means getting rid of the classic props that sometimes might hold us hostage, like nursing, bottle feeding, rocking or holding to sleep. Instead, the primary goal is to have the confidence to put the baby down in their bed while still awake and leave the room, knowing that they put themselves to sleep without crying for their prop. This may sound like a miracle, and it is! Sleep training can be a powerful tool with proper guidance and support!

How can a Pediatric sleep consultant can help?

A pediatric sleep consultant (PSC) can help by providing personalized solutions to your child’s sleep issues and ensuring that both you and your child get the rest you need. A PSC can also help you navigate regressions, nap transitions, changes in schedules due to travel, and identifying patterns in behaviour that could be interfering with sleep in older children. With my expertise in sleep science, I can work with you to develop a customized plan that considers your child’s unique needs, habits, and sleep patterns. If you’re interested in learning more about my services and how I can help your family get better sleep, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would be more than happy to discuss your situation and answer any questions you may have.

So I can never break the rules?

Staying on track with the sleep plan and techniques during sleep training is important. But no, it doesn’t mean you won’t ever be able to hold your baby to sleep or cuddle in bed with your toddler. That is the beautiful thing about sleep training. Once you teach them the skills to sleep independently and stay asleep without help, they can’t unlearn them; they are theirs to keep! While prolongation of bad habits will luckily turn into problems, occasional deviations won’t affect their sleep, and we will use them with precautions. That is a game-changer! You get to choose when it is okay or not to let them wiggle around. You are the parent! In fact, there are specific situations when our routine changes, like sickness, holidays, and travelling, but a child that has a consistent routine most of the time and has mastered falling back to sleep on their own will have no problem getting back to their “normal.”

When should I start Sleep Training?

There is no hard rule about when we should start sleep training. Some parents want to start as early as day one, while others prefer to wait a bit. The right answer depends on the child’s needs. Obviously, with newborns, establishing feeding is our goal number one, and newborns really don’t have any bad habits. So, at this stage, sleep training is mostly about providing parents with educational material and techniques that set their babies up for their best sleep.
When it comes to older babies, sleep training should be started when you feel that you and your baby are not getting enough sleep, when you begin to feel frustrated and when you think that things should go better. There is no right time; the call is entirely yours! Here are additional cues that can tell you the most suitable time for sleep training.

I have a child with special needs. Is sleep training possible?

Raising children with special needs can be very challenging. During the day, they will need your constant support to carry on their daily routines, so our nights must be restorative to meet the day’s demands. Children with special needs, such as those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (“ASD”), ADD, ADHD, extreme anxiety, or Down’s syndrome, are the ones who benefit the most from consistent and consolidated sleep. Their brains need complete sleep cycles to consolidate learning, stay healthy and boost immunity. So the short answer is Yes! Children generally love routines; they feel they have some control over things and know what to expect; routines and consistency reduce frustrations and tantrums. When we sleep train children with special needs, we keep things simple and fun so we don’t trigger episodes of frustration. We use the appropriate tools and set realistic expectations that will work for the entire family.

I feel I have tried pretty much everything under the sun to make my child sleep. How is this program different?

As a sleep consultant, birth and postpartum doula and mother of three children, I have also seen a lot. I am familiar with old methods, new methods, books and even old wives’ tales. Of course, experience matters, but my support truly makes all the difference in the world! I will develop a simple sleep plan that we will navigate together, and I will stay with you, supporting you through any challenge that might arise while teaching your little one their new skills.

I have twins/ triplets. Can this program help me?

Absolutely! Even though it may take more work and a bit more time, the program is perfectly doable for twins or triplets! We have to remember that we are dealing with different tiny little people, each with their own personality so that we won’t be doing double or triple work, but we are going to adapt the plan to include them all and still respect their personalities.

I share the room with my child. Can I still sleep train?

Yes, I have trained babies who have shared the same room for their first year and are great sleepers today. We will have to make some modifications, but it is totally possible.

I have preschoolers. Is it too late for me?

Not at all! As I said before, teaching our children good sleep habits is never too late, and I LOVE working with preschoolers! It is so much fun because we can communicate with each other, and that means I can learn about their personalities and know the right strategy to end night battles or unwanted visits through the night.

We are planning to hire a nanny soon; how does sleep training work when many people are involved?

When it comes to sleep training with a nanny involved, it’s important to communicate with them and ensure that they understand the sleep training plan and techniques that you are using. It’s also important to make sure that the nanny follows the same approach as you do when it comes to your child’s sleep. If you have a consistent plan that you follow, it’s important that your nanny follows it as well to ensure that your child’s sleep training stays on track. I have worked with dozens of families with caregivers involved in sleep training, and in the majority of cases, is even faster!

I am from somewhere other than Canada. Can I still work with you?

Yes! Technology allows us to connect face-to-face” and be “present” during the training. We will keep in mind the time changes and schedule accordingly. And, by the way, support and materials are available in English, French, and Spanish.

What is your refund policy?

We understand that life can take unexpected turns, and we’re here to support you through those moments. As a pediatric sleep consultant, we recognize that each family’s journey is unique, and sometimes adjustments are necessary. If you find yourself needing a refund, please visit our refund page to learn about the details and process. We’re committed to ensuring your satisfaction and well-being, even when circumstances change unexpectedly.