Like many other new mothers, I knew very little about infant sleep until my first girl arrived in 2016. This lack of knowledge coupled with a turbulent breastfeeding journey was a baptism of fire! As the weeks and months went on, I became fascinated with infant sleep and why for some families, sleep was a huge challenge and for others, it was less so. The arrival of my second daughter in 2018 followed by my son in 2020 only added to that curiosity and desire to understand more about infant and child sleep. I also became acquainted during this time with the many beliefs in the Western world about what time our children “should” go to bed, how many hours they “should” sleep for by day and by night and where that sleep “should” be located. As an educator (I originally qualified as a secondary school Physical Education and Maths teacher before completing a PhD in Mathematics Education), the desire to expand my knowledge grew stronger.
As someone who strives on structure, yet didn’t want or need to resort to behavioural sleep training (including “cry-it-out” methods), I found my thoughts and philosophies aligning best with gentle or holistic sleep coaching. While “gentle or holistic” may appear as an unstructured term, it certainly does not imply lack of routine or boundaries. It is a responsive approach that takes account of your child’s unique sleep situation and involves working in partnership with families to create a successful sleep journey.
I first completed the OCN Level 3 Gentle Sleep Education course and, thereafter, undertook the highest level of certified training available as a sleep coach, the OCN Level 6 Holistic Sleep Coaching Program, expertly run by Dr Lyndsey Hookway. This programme addressed all my curiosities and much more, providing me with a deep understanding of topics such as sleep biology, sleep cycles, sleep hygiene, sleep strategies, nutrition and sleep, feeding problems, allergies as well as the importance of child temperament, development, behaviour and parenting.
My professional and personal background combines to provide me with the knowledge and expertise to assist families with their child’s sleep. It continues to be hugely rewarding to see the transformation in these family’s lives when sleep improves for everyone. As a keen sports person who values, and requires, the time to train and recover, sleep is essential. I endeavour to help families gain some of that time back, to pursue their own interests, whatever they may be
