Nervous to work with a sleep consultant? Wondering if it will work ? Link into my past clients reviews !
” Three Words! Rachel’s Program Works!! ”
“He is happier and healthier, and I feel like I have my sanity back. She is worth every penny!”
“3 Night! 3 nights of implementing Rachel’s tips and our baby girl is sleeping through the night! ”
“Hello Sleep was a life changing experience ! ”
Being a sleep consultant, I hear a lot of the same questions from moms and dads who just want to help their little one sleep better. Here are some of my top frequently asked questions.
Do you use the “Cry it out” method?
No.
The “Cry-it-out” method works like this:
Step 1: Put child to bed.
Step 2: Walk away.
Step 3: Let child scream, cry, howl etc. until child is asleep.
Now, while the CIO method does work, most parents simply aren’t comfortable with it. I don’t think a parent’s brain is “wired” to listen to the hysterical crying of their child without doing something to comfort them! As a mom of two little girls, I hate hearing them cry, so I definitely know how you feel.
Crying is your child’s way of protesting change, and you can expect that making changes to their sleep habits will result in some protest. That’s why I’m always sure to tell parents that my program will most likely involve some amount of protest on the child’s part.
However, you can rest assured that I will never ask you to leave your child to cry alone, nor will I ask you to ignore their cries. The great thing is the reason that the Sleep Sense™ method is so effective is that it allows you to develop a plan that you feel comfortable with, based on what you know about your child.
So no, I don’t teach a “cry it out” method and I promise to take steps to ensure minimal crying takes place in the training.
I share a room with my child or my two children share a room. Can you still work with me?
Yes. If you’re sharing a room with your child, a great strategy is to set up a partition or divider of some kind between you and your child in the beginning. (This can be as simple as hanging a sheet over a clothesline.) Once your child is sleeping well through the night, you can remove the divider (if you choose)
If you have two children sharing a room, my sleep plan would account for getting both children sleeping independently and in the same room.
I feel like I have already read and tried everything out there. What makes your program and consultations different?
Great question!
I think the reason that The Sleep Sense™ Program is so popular is because it’s clear, simple, and easy to follow. Plus, it allows parents to choose one of two different approaches based on their child’s temperament and personality.
Another great thing is the one-on-one support I provide to my clients to ensure the program is going as planned. As well as answer any questions along the way to better sleep.
My husband has one approach and I have another approach… how will you work with us?
Working with a sleep consultant is actually beneficial when a husband and wife have different views. As the middle person, I am able to see both sides, gather what’s important on each side, and develop a plan that works best for the child and the family as a whole.
How do I know it’s right for me?
With all of the information that’s readily available online, books, and personal resources at your disposal, why would you want to invite a stranger into your home to get your child sleeping through the night?
I know a lot of my clients felt that way before they hired me! But I know it’s a concern that a lot of parents have when they’re thinking about getting some professional help with their little ones’ sleep habits. And it’s a valid question! After all, your mother managed to get you to sleep at some point. Your friend might have four kids who are all champion sleepers, so she should have some answers for you, right?
Well, yes.. .and no!
The biggest reason why the solutions that work for one parent don’t work for another is simple. They’re not dealing with the same baby.
Some babies are heavily reliant on sleep props. Others can’t sleep in a room that’s too warm. Some may not be getting enough daytime sleep, and others might be overtired. This baby might have developed an association between feeding and falling asleep, whereas that one might be ready to drop their second daytime nap.
And, of course, it could be any combination of all of the above, or the many other sleep challenges that babies might experience.
Adding to the challenge is the fact that most solutions don’t work overnight, so parents might try a solution that could potentially help baby start sleeping through the night, but abandon it before it takes effect due to some heavy protesting on baby’s part. In short, sleep is a complicated issue and there’s very rarely one single thing that can remedy the situation overnight.
A professional sleep consultant has the experience and training to recognize which problems result in specific symptoms, and can work with you to develop a personalized plan for your child that address those individual issues. They can also provide some much needed support when things don’t seem to be working, and give you the encouragement you need to follow through on that plan until it starts to work.
This is just a phase. We’ll wait it out. Right?
What most people do is sit back and wait. If you really want to stop being tired anymore, get a full night’s sleep, and to have your evenings free with your spouse with a glass of wine and a movie, you have to change things. Things don’t magically change to reverse the habits you have built. Waiting is waiting, but making changes will make a difference.
What makes this different from reading a book or getting advice from others?
Every child is different. There is no ‘One-Size-Fits-All’ answer that works for every family. I get to know your child and situation to develop a package and approach that will get you results. Even better, I am there to help make course corrections along the way! The worst thing you can do is copy what other people do. It’s exhausting to compare your family to others, and it can become a real challenge in your relationships. Your baby didn’t come with a manual, but I’m here to offer you the chapter on sleep. If you have a consistent plan that works, then you can eventually be flexible and enjoy a night out every now and then! Now trust me, I’m all for reading books and blogs and getting free advice from family and friends, but if you’ve tried it and it hasn’t worked, reach out to me and we can discuss what’s going on.
Why do we need someone to help us get our child to sleep?
Have you ever started your car to find the “check engine” light on? What do you do? Take it to a mechanic. Have you ever realized it’s time for a haircut? What do you do? Go to the salon. Have you ever worked with a lactation consultant, dietitian, or therapist? Have you ever looked back at all the things you bought for your child: a crib, pack-n-play, car seat, monitor, furniture, bottles, swaddles but baby still isn’t sleeping well? Touch base with me and we can teach your little how to sleep within weeks and the best thing… it’s an investment for life!
We can’t afford it.
I hear this often and I am a strong believer in budgets and managing finances, but I also think prioritizing what’s best for the family is important.
Think of the cost vs. the investment. Yes, it may seem expensive to some, but lack of sleep is more costly to baby’s health and learning as well as the whole family’s health. The skills your child will learn within two weeks will give them good sleep habits that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. On top of sleep, you will GAIN so much more! I see results with every case and it’s so amazing and rewarding. Improved relationships with your child, other children and significant other. You get some more “me” time back, you can work out again, drink a glass of wine, or even have time to start a book, relax or have some quiet time! It is a one-time investment for the whole family. It’s a one-time investment but what’s best is the program ‘grows’ with baby as they get older.
When can my baby start sleep training?
I always say bedtime and nap routines can start from day 1. A child is never too young to learn healthy sleep habits and routines! But to get a baby sleeping through the night there are a few things I check first. Your baby should be at least 15 lbs, without any major medical concerns, and on a healthy growth curve approved by their pediatrician. If all these points are met, then I’m ready to start helping you get your little one sleeping through the night!
How long will this take?
What if I told you that in 2-3 weeks, things could be drastically different!? One-on-one consulting packages last an average of 2-3 weeks depending on the age, sleep struggle, and child.
What’s the next step?
Book a call with me to discuss further questions and choose your package!
Newborn Course? One-On-One? Select your package and we’ll begin! Let’s get started!