Why Gentle Sleep Coaching?
The ‘Gentle Sleep Coaching’ method was created thinking of families looking for a gentler way to sleep train their babies. Our goal is to have a process that is not too frustrating for both, you and your baby.
With this training, you will be by your baby´s side all the time, offering the reassurance and support they need to achieve success and learn how to sleep by themselves.
We know every family is different, that is why we focus on respecting your family´s needs, interests, values, and parenting styles and adjust the sleep plans to those. Each sleep plan not only considers family dynamics, but also we consider your child´s personality, temperament, and age; always taking into account their physical and emotional wellbeing.
My Training
The Gentle Sleep Coach Program is the first and most extensive professional sleep coach training and certification program available. The program involves over 80 hours of training with a faculty panel that includes 2 medical doctors, a psychologist, an attorney, lactation counselor, postpartum doulas, and a family therapist. Each coach must pass an exam and participate in case mentorship with Kim West, LCSW-C (a.k.a. “the Sleep Lady”) who has been helping tired parents for over 20 years. Clinical mentorship and ongoing advanced training are required to maintain certification as a Gentle Sleep Coach. Some of my training topics included:
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Basic counseling and child development
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Sleep science and behavioral modification techniques to help parents of children age 0 to 6 years old.
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Secure attachment theory
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Support for the breastfeeding mother
The training also consisted of lectures from top specialists, including:
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Postpartum Depression from Dr. Shoshana Bennett, author and leading specialist on Postpartum Depression
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Medical Conditions and Sleep Apnea in Children led by Dr. Lewis Kass, Director of Children’s Sleep Center
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GERD and Sleep led by Dr. Anthony Loizides, pediatric gastroenterologist
0-5-Month-Old Training Summary
The GSC Program also includes an exclusive advanced training specifically focused on how to gently work with babies 0-5 months of age.
Some of the curriculum training topics include:
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In-depth knowledge of the importance of attachment and infant mental health
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The sleep science behind the first six months of life
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Special considerations need to be taken when working with and supporting families during this delicate period.
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∙ Specialized instruction on how to evaluate families in the first six months
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Guidance on how to assess when the baby is ready for sleep coaching based on current research and evidence-based strategies
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Review of gentle sleep solutions and strategies that are developmentally appropriate, breastfeeding and attachment friendly and promote a solid foundation for sleep learning and long-term healthy sleep patterns.
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This specialty training is designed to give Gentle Sleep Coaches the knowledge, education, and all the tools and resources they need to successfully work with families of newborns through 5 months of age in a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is my baby going to cry?Remember that crying is the way babies express themselves at this young age. You will be making changes and your baby probably is going to dislike the new changes at the beginning. All babies react differently, some may cry, and some might not. The important thing here is that you will be there supporting your baby and it is a very gentle method, in which we want to avoid the crying by taking small steps and gradually implementing changes.
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Can I sleep train while my baby is still sleeping in my room?Yes, if your baby sleeps in his crib in the parent´s room or the parent´s bed, we can make some adjustments to the sleep plan so that you can sleep better and your baby can learn to sleep by himself.
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Can I sleep train both my sons at the same time?Yes, we can work with siblings or twins and sleep train them at the same time. They don’t need to be sleeping in the same room or be the same age.
