The Care It Out Sleep Show

Tiffany Belanger from Cosleepy returns to The Sleep Show for this episode and I'm so excited to talk to her again! In this episode, she shares how you can make bed-sharing safer when away from home.If you bed share and are about to stay away from home in a hotel, apartment or holiday home this episode is for you.We talk through how to pack the crack, bed boards, mattresses and so much more! Tiffany Belanger attended UCLA and adventured in the film and television industry prior to parenthood. In 2020 she founded Cosleepy, a cosleeping one-stop shop to help modern parents keep their babies safe and close at night.Tiffany is a frequent guest on podcasts and blogs, and she was recently interviewed in New York Magazine's viral article Are We All Secretly Co-sleeping?She and her husband are currently bedsharing with their two little boys in Sacramento, California. Further resources: Safety packet: cosleepy.com/safe-bedsharing-guidelinesTiffany's first episode on The Sleep Show: careitout.com/podcast/episode-45-all-about-bed-sharing-with-tiffany-belanger-aka-cosleepy

On this episode of The Sleep Show, Zoe Ayre AKA The Respectful Mum joins us to talk about weaning respectfully and share her weaning story. And it's FULL of wonderful nuggets of wisdom!Zoe is a children's author, mum and respectful parenting advocate. She shares her respectful and honest parenting journey along with advice on Instagram as The Respectful Mum. She loves sharing her respectful parenting journey as a toddler mum and her account shares the honest highs and lows of parenthood!Her book, ‘I Will Always Help You Sleep' was born of a desire for parents and children to be able to see themselves in the pages of a children's book, in a world where being responsive to our children at nighttime can sometimes feel a lonely path. The book is as much for parents as it is for children, and hopes to bring reassurance that it's okay to support our little ones to sleep. It's truly unique in the way it represents normal infant sleep, co-sleeping and post-partum reality. During this episode we talk through together:Why she's an advocate of respectful parentingWhat does respectful mean to her?Is it possible to night wean respectfully?Her experience of night weaning her 20 month old daughter Why being calm and confident is crucial when night weaning?When is the best time to night wean?Is it possible to night wean without tears?Tips for when/if you're ready to night wean And SO much more!I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as we had so much fun recording it together! You can find Zoe's Instagram page at instagram.com/therespectfulmumAnd you can buy her amazing book at www.therespectfulmum.comUse RESPECT10 for 10% off the book, free bookmark and free signing/dedications (free P&P included). Further links:My weaning workshop:www.careitout.com/courses/night-weaning-workshopwww.tiktok.com/@therespectfulmumwww.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083393322318www.facebook.com/TheBookYouWish/www.janetlansbury.com

On this episode of the Sleep Show I speak to pregnancy and postpartum psychotherapist Sophie Harris.Sophie's a psychotherapist who specialises in helping new mums during pregnancy and postpartum. She aims to normalise motherhood's tough times, help mums feel better, and celebrate being a mother. She believes that supporting and valuing the role of a mother should be made a priority to help build a happier and healthier society.She's also known as Looking After Mum on Instagram and I absolutely LOVE her reassuring and supportive posts. I experienced night rage as a new mum and I wasn't expecting it. The rage really took me by surprise and I found her page invaluable in my early days of motherhood.I really hope she becomes a regular guest on the podcast for us!During this episode she talks us through:-Mum rage-Irrational fears-Intrusive thoughts-Anxiety-Anxious thoughts-ResentmentAnd SO much more!I found it so reassuring to hear that I wasn't the only one who found some days so exhausting that I didn't have the energy to even brush my teeth.And I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it together!You can find Sarah's amazing Instagram page here:www.instagram.com/looking_after_mum/Further links:www.lookingaftermum.co.ukwww.empoweredmumclub.co.uk

I'm always honest that Waiting It Out works.And will forever reassure you that your Small will sleep through the night all by themselves even if you do nothing now.I know that can sound unbelievable because society and the sleep training industry are constantly telling you the only way your Small will ever sleep through is if you teach or train them to.But even if you:Do nothing now Never sleep train Put a single sleep tip in placeYour Small will eventually: Fall asleep solo Sleep in their own sleep space And sleep through the night!However, I can't tell you when they will and that can be hard to hear and the waiting isn't always easy.In this episode, Mum of two Kirsty joins me to share her waiting-it-out story with us. She waited it out with her 3-year-old and is currently doing the same with her 7-month-old baby.In this podcast episode, Kirsty and i talk through:What is wait it out?What wait it out mean for her familyWhy Wait It Out worked for her familyDid she feel pressure to sleep train?Was she ever tempted to sleep train?What helped her while waitingWhether she will wait it out again with her second babyAnd so much more! I really enjoyed talking to Kirsty and I hope you loved listening.If you do please give The Sleep Show a little love and leave a review! Further resourcesFree nap gap guide:www.careitout.com/blog/infant-nap-gaps-guide Free four steps webinar: www.careitout.com/sleep-freebie

This week's guest on The Sleep Show is neuroscientist, doula and mom Dr Greer Kirshenbaum. She's no stranger to the podcast because this is the second time she's talked to us.You can listen to her debut here: careitout.com/podcast/episode-17-baby-brains-and-bedtime And I'm really hoping she becomes a regular because I LOVE her and her approach to parenting and sleep. I could talk to her all day!She's passionate about nurturing your baby's brain and is all about connection too.During this episode, we explore how we've both taken our responsive approaches from our practices into our own personal parenting journey.And we answer the million-dollar questions:Has our approach changed now that we're parentsCould or would we ever sleep train our own children?I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it together! You can find Greer's reassuring and supportive Instagram community here: @nurture_neuroscience_parentingAnd you can buy her book here: www.amazon.co.uk/Nurture-Revolution-Transform-Nurtured-Parenting/dp/1538709333/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RWAUJBWFEUAY&keywords=the%20nurture%20revolution&qid=1687379955&sprefix=the%20nurture%20%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1

Olivia Hinge is a midwife, IBCLC and mother of 3.She's passionate that evidence-based and inclusive feeding information is accessible to all.Her Instagram page is packed with reassurance and a huge wealth of feeding information And she delivers it all with a massive dollop of humour.I love her and her approach and hope you will too!In this Podcast episode, Olivia answers all of your breastfeeding questions:How can I stop my baby from pulling my nipple?How to help my exclusively breastfed transition to nursery?Do the number and length of feeds decrease as baby gets older?How to help my baby take a bottle or cup?How to manage night feeds when they are frequent and feel a lot?How can I help my breastfed baby during a period of short separation? You can find Olivia on Instagram here: @olivia_lactation_consultantFurther resources:www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.ukwww.solidstarts.com/water www.fairplaylife.com

If you're about to return to work (or have recently returned!) this episode is for YOU.I speak to Sam from The Float Space about returning to employment after parental leave.Going back to work is a big transition for your family.And it's not always easy!We both share what returning to work looked like for us and what helped us in the first couple of months.This podcast is packed with reassurance, laughs and practical advice to help your return to work go smoothly. Coaching with The Float Space is like taking your brain to a spa. Sam provides a calm, judgement-free space where you can organise your thoughts and put your ideas into action with accountability.Sam works one-to-one and with groups using a range of coaching tools honed through a combination of professional coaching education with International Coaching Federation (ICF) accredited Barefoot Coaching and over 10 years experience leading people and projects in politics, not-for-profits and the public sector.Last year Sam launched ‘Float Back', a return to work coaching programme to support people returning to employment from parental leave.You can find Sam on Instagram: instagram.com/thefloat.space And visit her website: www.thefloat.space Further resources:Read my blog on napping at nursery - careitout.com/podcast/episode-25-napping-at-nurserydoingitforthekids.net

Does your Small wake at night and won't resettle unless you bring them into your bed?If so you are NOT alone and this episode is for you!Rachel is a first time mum to 2-year-old Samuel. Most of the time he wakes up once or twice before midnight and can be resettled with a quick cuddle back into his cot.But after midnight he's harder to settle so they co-sleep and it's becoming a little crowded!Rachel would love to slowly move away from bringing him into her bed and support Samuel to spend more time at night in his cot.And in this podcast episode, I'm going to talk you through how to do this. The caring way!Reassurance first because I'm here for that and I want to remind you that there's absolutely nothing wrong with doing a cot (or bed!) and co-sleeping combo.If bringing your small into your bed and co-sleeping…from their first wake upfor part of the nightfrom the early hoursfor the last hour to get more sleep…Is working for you, your Small and everyone's sleep, Then all is well!It's not wrong, a bad habit or something that needs to stop unless you want it too. However, if it's not working for you it IS possible to make changes with care.If you do decide to put some bed boundaries in place at wake ups it is a BIG change for both you and your Small and it is going to take time, patience and support.If you would like your Small to spend more time in their bed than yours join me for this podcast and I'll talk you through:What you can expect this transition to look likeHow you can support your Small to stay in their bedWhy bedtime boundaries can be a game-changer for someThe bed bufferAnd much more.If you loved listening to this podcast episode please don't forget to subscribe or leave me a review! Further resources for you:Settling to sleep with someone else podcast:www.careitout.com/podcast/settling-to-sleep-with-someone-elseBedtime Boundary Coursewww.careitout.com/courses/bedtime-boundaries-ecourseSafer co-sleeping If you do co-sleep it's really important to always follow safer sleep guidelines. I recommend reading these here:www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/co-sleepingwww.llli.org/the-safe-sleep-seven

Are you looking for some support to help your child settle to sleep with someone else at bedtime and/or wake ups?If so, you're going to love listening to this podcast episode!In this episode, I'm joined by Rona, a first time mum to Lily who's 18 months old. Rona would love it if Dad was able to settle Lily at bedtime and when she wakes up at night. But like SO many Smalls, Lily is finding this transition a little tricky. And Rona doesn't quite know where to start making this huge change. This is totally understandable because any changes (but especially one this big) can feel super overwhelming. Join us for this podcast episode on getting someone else to settle your child to sleep, and we'll talk you through: Where to start your Small settling to sleep with someone else. The key really is finding that first small step! The parent preferenceWhy this is a big boundary to change for you allWhat this transition can look likeHow to implement these big changes with careWill there be tears and what to do when they are upsetWhy focusing on you feeling calm and in control is important And much moreFurther resources for you:Floor bed podcast episode: careitout.com/podcast/episode-44-benefits-of-a-floor-bed-with-sian-aldis-aka-no-milk-like-mamasBedtime boundary e-course: careitout.com/courses/bedtime-boundaries-ecourse

Co-sleeping isn't a bad bed habit and it only ever needs to stop if and/or when you're ready.And only you know when it's time for this transition because you're the expert on what works for your family!If you do decide to move away from co-sleeping it is a BIG change for both you and your Small and it is going to take time, patience and support.However, it IS possible to make this change with care.If you're thinking about moving away from co-sleeping, this podcast is packed with tips and things to think about to help transition your Small into their own sleep space. Join me for this podcast and I'll talk you through: When is the best time to move away from co-sleeping? Will moving away from co-sleeping improve your sleep?What will this transition likely look like?And much more.If you loved listening to this podcast episode please don't forget to subscribe or leave me a review! Safer co-sleeping resourcesIf you do co-sleep it's really important to always follow safer sleep guidelines. I recommend reading these:lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/co-sleepingllli.org/the-safe-sleep-sevenBedtime Boundary Coursecareitout.com/courses/bedtime-boundaries-ecourseCo-sleeping support resources I absolutely love the following for amazing co-sleeping support and advice: instagram.com/cosleepyinstagram.com/motherbabysleep

Is your baby about to reach the four-month mark?Or perhaps you're already in the middle of the four-month progression?If that's a yes then this podcast is for YOU! There's often a lot of fear around the four-month regression.Plus a fair bit of sleep scaremongering is being bandied about.And I'm going to be honest, sleep at this stage can get a little (or A LOT) trickier and erratic.That's because your baby's sleep is developing and it's a huge time of change for them. And if you've been following me for a while you'll know I often say ‘change is strange!' But you really don't need to:Sleep trainLeave your baby to cryPush them to fall asleep solo or stich their sleep cycles together.To get through the four month progression. I know it doesn't always feel like it but this phase is temporary and IS likely to settle all by itself in time. IF something does need a change or reset, chances are these changes will be easier once your baby is 5/5.5 months old. And in the meantime, there's lots of reassurance, advice and practical sleep suggestions waiting for you in this podcast episode! Join me and 6 other parents for this panel podcast and together we'll talk you through:

When it comes to your Small's naps there's a lot of myths and misconceptions out there isn't there?!That naps need to happen at a set time, in the same place AND in a certain way to be considered or count as a nap.But I do like to keep sleep real around here and normalise infant sleep for you.And like most things on the Care It Out approach the only thing naps need to do is work for you and your Small. Join me for this nap recap episode and I'll you through why naps don't need to:be in a cot to count happen in the same space as night-time be taken independently from you happen in the same way every daybe a certain length to counthappen at exactly the same time I'll also answer the questions you asked me about naps:What can I do when my Small refuses their only nap?What can I do when my baby is refusing their cat nap but it's having a huge impact on their night sleep?What age to toddlers stop their nap? How can I encourage my baby to nap at nursery, in the car or in the pram Is it ok to use a dummy for naps but not at night?Why is my Small taking short naps?How will my baby nap at nursery?What are age appropriate nap gaps at 11 months old? Other podcast episodes I mention:Napping at nursery: careitout.com/podcast/episode-25-napping-at-nurseryShort naps: careitout.com/podcast/ep-6Skipped naps: careitout.com/podcast/35-short-and-skipped-naps

A sleep crisis is not only tough and tiring for everyone, it can also have a huge impact on our mental health. Join me and Dr Fiona Jeffries in this episode and we'll talk you through: What is parental mental health? The relationship between sleep and mental health Looking after your needs whilst responding to your baby's sleep needs Why self-care is important and is much more than taking a solo shower or trip to the toilet? How to cope in a sleep crisis? We really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we did recording it! Dr Fiona Jeffries is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years' experience of working with children and families in a variety of settings. She's passionate about her work and feels very lucky to have a career which she enjoys so much. Since qualifying in 2012, she's specialised in working with children and families. Much of her work has been with families who are dealing with the challenges of medical illness or disability. She works using a variety of therapeutic models, including systemic, narrative and compassion-focussed approaches. She tailors her approach to each individual child and family and has a special interest in infant psychology. She's very recently established ‘Baby Psychology Basics', antenatal and postnatal workshops for parents and professionals. Do you want to find out about Fiona?www.drfionajeffries.co.uk/baby-psychology-basics www.instagram.com/baby_psychology_basics Free workshops coming up: Wednesday 20th October 2021 12-1.30pm Prenatal Baby Psychology Basics: Understanding Your Baby Wednesday 24th November 2021 12.30-2pm Postnatal Baby Psychology Basics: Understanding Your Baby Please see website for more information and how to book Listener offer:20% off a 1:1 Baby Psychology Basics session for listeners (contact Fiona directly to book and mention you listened to the podcast) Mindfulness and relaxation resources: https://self-compassion.org https://buddhify.com/ https://www.calm.com/ If you need some further support: www.home-start.org.uk www.mind.org.uk www.pandasfoundation.org.uk

Bed-sharing isn't going to work for every family.Bed-sharing isn't for every familyAnd it might not be the best sleep set up for you.This podcast isn't about convincing or pushing you to bed-share!But there's often a lot of sleep shame and stigma around bed-sharing so this podcast is for you if you're: currently bed-sharing and would love some reassurance considering bed-sharing and would love some reassurance looking for safer sleep pointers whilst bed-sharing Join me and Tiffany Belanger in this episode and we'll talk you through: -What is bed-sharing? -Who is bed-sharing for? -Why bed-sharing isn't a bad bed habit -What are the benefits of bed-sharing for both babies and parents? -How can you make bed-sharing safer? -Tiffany's personal experience of bed-sharing I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we did recording it!Tiffany Belanger spends her days wrangling two little boys, works on the Cosleepy blog for a few hours in the evening, and at night. And she sleeps soundly on a giant bed between her favourite people in the world!Tiffany created Cosleepy to offer modern parents practical, scientifically-backed advice on how to safely co-sleep with their baby. It's a hub for like-minded folks to find each other and a safe space for them to dive deep into the beauty, challenges, and intricacies of co-sleeping.Tiffany works to empower every parent to trust the science and follow their intuition when it comes to keeping their baby safe and close at night. To find a way to love co-sleeping, and to do it with confidence.Sign up for Tiffany's mailing list at cosleepy.com for co-sleeping support, encouragement, and motivation straight to your inbox. You'll have access to her favourite resources, giveaways, and personal updates on her family's co-sleeping journey that she doesn't share anywhere else.You can find more information about Tiffany and Cosleepy here: cosleepy.cominstagram.com/cosleepyhttps://cosleepy.com/welcomeRecommended reading for safer sleep whilst bed-sharing: llli.org/the-safe-sleep-seven kellymom.com/parenting/nighttime/cosleeping cosleeping.nd.edu/safe-co-sleeping-guidelines

Floor beds aren't going to work for every family.And they might not be the best bed for you.But sometimes I do suggest using (or just considering!) a floor bed, because there are lots of benefits, for both you and your Small!Join me and Sian Aldis in this podcast episode, and we'll talk you through: What is a floor bed?Who are floor beds for?What age can you use a floor bed from? What are the benefits of using a floor bed?How can we make it a safer sleep space?I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we did recording it! Sian Aldis is an IBCLC and gentle sleep consultant. You can find more information about Sian and No Milk Like Mamas Here:Website: nomilklikemamas.co.ukEmail: support@nomilklikemamas.co.ukRecommended reading for safer sleep whilst bed-sharing: www.llli.org/the-safe-sleep-seven

If you worry (a little or a lot!) you most certainly aren't alone and I hope it reassures you to hear that it's normal. Telling a parent not to worry is neither helpful or healthy. Worrying is a part of life for most of us at some point and what we try to resist just persists.I will always listen to you and hold space for your worries to validate them. But I'm also here to reassure you too!Tune into this episode to hear Kimberly Thomas AKA The New Mum Coach and myself discuss:The worry HourMindfulnessSelf-Compassion and care4 top tips to help you when you worryWhen does worrying become a problemAnd so much more!You can find out more about Kimberly here:thenewmumcoach.cominstagram.com/thenewmumcoachSecond time parents -tickettailor.com/events/thenewmumcoach/503983/Back to work -tickettailor.com/events/thenewmumcoach/500940/instagram.com/thenewmumcoachFurther resources:Headspace headspace.com Calm calm.com Peanutpeanut-app.ioPanic padetsy.com/uk/listing/821942030/panic-pad-a4?ref=shop_home_active_4&crt=1

Myles has just turned 2 years old and is a little firecracker who has FOMO (fear of missing out) when it comes to sleep!He's really resisting going to sleep at bedtime and wakes frequently during the night. And often won't settle until he's in Mum's bed which isn't working for anyone now.This is understandably causing everyone a sleepless night!I'm never going to stop sharing the message that toddler's find sleep tricky too.And I want to reassure you that your toddler isn't broken and you aren't doing anything wrong if your toddler:Isn't sleeping through the night Is resisting going to sleep at bedtime Needs you or support to fall asleep Wakes up during the night Won't settle at night unless co-sleepingHowever, if their sleep or wake ups are unsustainable or simply not working for you chances are there's some small and caring changes that could make a big difference. Join me and Myles's Mum, Beckey for this live consultation podcast and together we'll talk you through:Normal infant sleep at 2 years old The best bedtime for your toddler What do to if their bedtime is super late The 7 pm pressure Supporting them to settle to sleep independently Moving away from co-sleeping if they wake at night Myles's sleep story at 2 years old Myles's sleep suggestions to support him to a more settled night sleep. The caring way.Beckey and I had a great talk together and I really hope you find this episode useful and reassuring too!Further resources: Biological best blog careitout.com/blog/baby-biological-bestBedtime boundaries Ecourse careitout.com/courses/bedtime-boundaries-ecourseWant to work together to improve your sleep the caring way? You can find my current sleep services here:careitout.com/sleep-service-prices

Baby Remi is 12 months old and going through big changes with his sleep. He slept through from around 7 months old until he recently started nursery and his sleep changed. He's now finding it hard to settle to sleep at bedtime and frequently has a split night AKA parent party. This is understandably causing everyone a sleepless night!I'm never going to stop sharing the message that infant sleep isn't a straight line process because it's a constant work in progress!So I want to reassure you that your baby isn't broken and you aren't doing anything wrong if your baby's:Sleep changes or hits the skids suddenlyFinding it harder to settle to sleep or needs more support to fall asleepHaving a parent party at night!However, if their sleep or wake ups are unsustainable or simply not working for you chances are there's some small and caring changes that could make a big difference. Join me and Remi's Mum, Amy for this live consultation podcast and together we'll talk you through:Normal infant sleep at 12 months oldNapping at nursery Different routine in different placesHow an early bedtime can impact night sleepSupporting them to settle to sleep independently Split nights AKA parent partyRemi's sleep story at 12 months oldRemi's sleep suggestions to support him to a more settled night sleep. The caring way. Amy and I had a great talk together and I really hope you find this episode useful and reassuring too!Further resources:Parent party episodewww.careitout.com/podcast/ep-13-the-parent-partyBiological best blogwww.careitout.com/blog/baby-biological-bestBedtime boundaries Ecoursewww.careitout.com/courses/bedtime-boundaries-ecourseWant to work together to improve your sleep? You can find my current sleep services here:www.careitout.com/sleep-service-prices

Baby Lucas is 6.5 months old and waking very frequently at night. He's waking up and needing help to get back to sleep every 2 hours at the moment which understandably is causing everyone a sleepless night!I'm never going to stop sharing the message that it's totally normal, your baby isn't broken and you aren't doing anything wrong if your baby is:taking short naps at 6 months oldwaking for a night feed (s) at 6 months oldnot sleeping through the night at 6 months oldHowever, if their wake-ups are super frequent, unsustainable or simply not working for you, chances are there are some small and caring changes that could make a big difference.Join me and Lucas's Mum Emma for this consultation episode and we'll talk through together:Normal infant sleep at 6 months oldThe six-month-old sleep switchAnd the pressure to get sleep sorted by 6 months oldBaby eczemaLucas's sleep story at 6 monthsLucas's sleep suggestions to support him to a more settled night sleep Emma and I had a great chat and I really hope you find it useful and reassuring too!Links/further resources:Dermatologist for paediatric eczema: skin55.co.uk/dr-rachael-morris-jonesBedtime boundaries Ecourse: careitout.com/courses/bedtime-boundaries-ecourse

Mona is a postnatal doula based in East London with two children aged four and two.She is passionate about supporting and empowering parents during their fourth trimester period.Planning for your new babyOnce parents find out that they are expecting, things like booking antenatal classes; reading parenting books; hypnobirthing courses; buying clothes and baby equipment; choosing colours for the nursery, are what parents usually consider.My advice would be to plan for the postnatal period too, consider that you may need to hire a postnatal doula, lactation consultant, and/or a sleep consultant.Support in the first few weeksSupport is essential in the first few weeks, whether you're a first-time parent or second-time parent. Having an extra pair of hands to give you some down time and catch up on much-needed rest is invaluable. New-born babies are demanding, needing constant feeding, changing, and holding. If you are fortunate to have support from relatives, my advice would be to take it! But if not, having a postnatal doula is a great alternative. Parents are most likely to be sleep-deprived, the mother may find that she is doing the main bulk of night feeds, especially if she is breastfeeding. Having support means rest, having meals cooked, and chores seen to. Health visitors and midwives are there to check that mother and baby are doing well after birth. I will stress that it is important to get in touch with the midwife or health visitor if you have concerns about yourself or baby. Advice for new parents:• Make sure you have a support network• Try to get support lined up before baby arrives• Look after yourself. It's hard enough looking after a new baby, even harder if you're not looked after yourself.• Let some things go• Accept help – let family, friends bring you food• Find time to relax• Have fun with your baby• Remember that nobody is perfectWe can offer support by listening to parents and giving guidance accordingly, and by being non-judgmental.New Baby Resources.There are so many useful resources that parents can turn to if needed if mother/birthing person may struggle with breastfeeding:www.milkmakingmama.co.ukwww.laleche.org.ukwww.henry.org.ukWhat I do and how a Postnatal doula works I support families in the fourth trimester, emotional support is the very foundation of what doulas provide. I offer practical and informational support, a listening ear for parents to air their concerns. I offer hands-on support, taking on the role of mothering the mother by preparing meals, offering snacks, and making sure the mother is well hydrated. I support mothers with breast and bottle feeding, where feeding may not be going well, I will signpost if necessary, to lactations consultants or breastfeeding counsellors. Some mothers may require a hands-on approach in the home to support older siblings, while they get to know their baby. I offer to help with light housework, such as loading the dishwasher and doing laundry. Some mothers may just want to catch up on sleep and rest, this is where I would look after the baby/babies by taking care of their needs.Postnatal doulas can be found on doula directories or usually word of mouth from friends. Once parents have decided to hire a postnatal doula, a postnatal planning session is set up. This is where the doula visits the family for the first time and the conversation may include things like getting to know the family, understanding the mother's needs, talking about nutrition, recovery, and the sort of help that is required.Why hire a Postnatal doula?• Extra pair of hands• A listening ear• Non-judgemental guidance• An extra shoulder to cry on• Help with Sleep deprivation• Nurturing and holding parents as they navigate the transitional experience of parenthood• Catching up on sleep and rest• Support with feeding• Taking the load off (chores and cooking)• Having tools and access to signposting Find out more about Mona and her services here: Instagram: @helpinghands.doulahelpinghandsdoula.co.uk

Lucy Neary AKA The Early Years Dietitian is a registered dietitian specialising in early years nutrition. She's on a mission to eliminate outdated and widespread feeding myths and turn the next generation into enthusiastic eaters with a healthy relationship to food.I really love Lucy's approach to infant feeding and nutrition and I really hope you do too!Tune into this episode and together, we'll talk you through: Is focusing on food the key to a settled night's sleep?How important is the relationship between food and sleep?When to worry about how much they're eatingDo dream feeds really help them to sleep better and for longer?Do formula-fed babies sleep better? ( spoiler.. they don't!)When do night feeds need to stop?Night weaningWhy dropping night feeds isn't linearWhat's the best time for dinnerAre there any foods to avoid at dinner time?And so much more! You can find out more about Lucy here:Instagram: @theearlyyearsdietitianWebsite: theearlyyearsdietitian.co.uk

Like most things on my approach, how teething impacts your baby will depend on your baby.For some babies, you wouldn't even know they are teething until you see their tooth pop through. And for others, teething can give them (and you!) a really hard time.It's normal for teething to impact their eating and behaviour, and especially their sleep. It's also natural for you to worry about it and think you'll never sleep again!However, teething is only temporary and there IS light at the end of your teething tunnel even when it doesn't feel it!Tune into this week's episode and I'll share my 4 top teething tips for you.

Your Small's bedtime boundary is simply how they fall asleep at naps or bedtime.You might have heard these called sleep props, crutches or negative sleep associations.This drives me a bit bonkers!YOU are never a negative association.And there's nothing negative about your Small needing you to fall asleep. There's no right or wrong on my approach. I'm simply about finding what works for you and doing that.No negative sleep associationsAnd no bad bed habits!I'll always reassure you that if:FeedingRockingCuddling/holding to sleep is working for you, your Small, and their sleep, then you don't need to change anything. Unless you want to!However, if you do want to change their bedtime boundary, it's likely that changes can be made - with care.But making bedtime boundaries changes, even with care, is a biggie for both you and your Small!In this episode, I share 6 sleep suggestions that could help you make big bedtime boundary changes. The caring way.Plus I'll answer the questions you've asked:What can I do if they keep standing and cot cruising but get overtired and teary?What can I do if they wake when transferred and cry?What can I do if they get upset the moment they get into their cot?What age is too late to change their bedtime boundary?Do you need more support changing your bedtime boundary?I step down these big changes into smaller, more manageable steps in my bedtime boundary E-Course:https://www.careitout.com/courses/bedtime-boundaries-ecourse

It's totally normal for your Small's nap time and length to shift around.There are a few reasons why this happens, but the most common reason naps change is that their sleep needs are constantly changing.Whilst short or skipped naps are all part of life logistics with your Small, they can be tiring and frustrating, and can cause you worry or nap anxiety for sure.However, they're very unlikely to break the bed bank, and there's lots we can do to help!Join me for this episode and I'll talk you through my sleep suggestions for when:they skip a napthey take a short napPlus I'll answer the questions you have asked:For how long should you try to resettle them if they wake early?What shall I do if they fall asleep super late in the afternoon?What shall I do if they wake early from their lunchtime nap?If they wake up super early for the day, how do you keep your day on track?What are your suggestions for dealing with the anxiety/spiraling thoughts? Further resources:My Short nap Podcast Episode: careitout.com/podcast/ep-6

Anjli is a qualified dentist who's worked for over 10 years at her practice in Leicester. She is a first-time mum to her daughter Isla who is 17 months old. Having used Instagram for lots of help and advice in the first few months of parenthood, she set up The Dental Mum to be able to share advice and tips to other parents, in a field she was familiar with! In her general practice, she treats a wide variety of patients, adults, and children, and has further training in the field of orthodontics (braces), Invisalign and non-surgical facial aesthetic treatments.Join us for this episode and we'll discuss:When to start cleaning their teeth?When is the best time to clean their teeth during their bedtime routine? Is feeding to sleep on the breast or bottle really bad for their teeth?Is feeding them back to sleep at night really bad for their teeth?When is the best time to stop using a dummy?When is the best time to stop using the bottle?Find Anjli over at Instagram: @thedentalmum

Rachel Akehurst from Lionheart hypnobirthing shares her experience of toddler bedtime resistance and shares her tools to help keep you both calm. If your toddler is resisting their bedtime routine and/or going to bed, you most certainly aren't alone. Even if it feels like you're the only one battling away at bedtime you're not! I see so many parents in my practice who have experienced this and Rachel is also one of them. However, whilst you might not be alone, it can be a very tiring and frustrating experience for both you and your toddler. There's a lot of pressure to get them to bed at a certain time and to keep them calm whilst doing so. But bedtime battles and resistance is very normal and most toddlers are likely to experience it at some point! In this episode Rachel very openly and candidly shares her experience of Sam, her son, who went through some huge bedtime resistance. She also kindly shares some tools that helped to calm their experience down. I really hope you find this episode reassuring and useful.Find out more about Rachel here: Instagram: @lionheart_hypnobirthing Website: lionhearthypnobirthing.com Parenting courses: lionhearthypnobirthing.com/parenthood

We're at the start of another 4 weeks of lockdown life in the UK. We're all sailing in the same Covid-19 storm but we're in different ships.Lockdown life will very much look and feel different to all of us.Some of us may be looking forward to lockdown life and some of us might be absolutely dreading it. I'm somewhere in the middle for sure!However, there's no right or wrong way to feel about it. And there isn't a right or wrong way that lockdown life should look for you. This podcast isn't me telling you how you should feel or what you should be doing during lockdown. My intention is not to add stress to an already stressful time. But in this episode, I offer you plenty of reassurance and some sleep suggestions that could help you, your Small and their sleep during these strange and difficult times.

Mel is a mum of 2 based in East London (Tower Hamlets) and former research scientist turned babywearing consultant after she was pushed out of her job. She found a true calling in supporting new parents on their parenting journey and share her passion of babywearing. Alongside the sling library, she co-runs the Tower Hamlets Family Meet-up which is a parent support group where parents meet local perinatal and early years professionals who come to support them. She's also a breast-feeding mother supporter and very much into gentle parenting, continuously training to support parents better. The sling library is an inclusive, friendly and welcoming space for parents to come and get the support they need.To connect with Mel:wrapahug.com07916 349 685InstagramFacebookYouTube

Transitioning your toddler from their cot to their toddler bed is a big transition for both you, and your toddler.It's totally natural and normal for you to worry about how they (and you!) will cope with this new change. You may also worry if they are going to stay in their bed and actually sleep! But most toddlers adapt well with this transition if we give them a bit of time. It's more likely that you'll worry about this change far more than them.However, like most things on my approach, there's always some sleep suggestions that could help your toddler bed transition go that little bit smoother for you both. And in this episode, I share four of my sleep suggestions that could help you and your toddler have a smoother toddler bed transition.

If you're experiencing early rising, 100% you're not alone. I recorded this podcast episode due to popular demand!Moving forwards from early rising can be a tricky business for 2 reasons:We don't have biology on our side at that time of the morningSome Smalls are naturally early risers. Despite you pulling out all the sleep stops!However, like most things on my approach, there's usually some sleep suggestion that could help. Tune into this week's episode and I'll share:What is classed as an early wake?Why early wakes can be slightly tricky to move forward fromWhich key areas to look to help you all move forwardI'm looking forward to sharing 5 key areas I look at that help ease your early rise in this episode and fingers crossed they help you start your day at a more civilised time!Resources:Gro Anywhere blackout blind.Bedtime boundary course.

Separation anxiety, especially around sleep, is completely normal and natural. But it can be a very frustrating and tiring time for both you and your Small. It can happen at any time; I don't believe that it happens at a set age or stage.The most common causes for some separation anxiety is when they're about to go through a huge learning leap or learn a new skill and a change in their childcare circumstances.Whilst it's a frustrating stage for sure, separation anxiety doesn't need fixing, and you certainly don't need to force them to be less clingy. However, there are some things you can put in place to help ease the anxiety for everyone!Tune into this episode where I'll share 8 caring suggestions that could help ease you and your Small's separation anxiety.

Have you ever thought about what a sleep consultation with me looks like?Would you like to know what we can cover in a Care It Out sleep consultation?Do you think it would be useful to listen to another parent's sleep consultation?Abi won an hour's consultation with me and was happy for us to record our conversation and share it on The Sleep Show for you.Abi's daughter is 15 months old and is waking frequently at night. And often for long periods of time. If you would like to know what sleep suggestions I made for them both tune into this episode. Abi told me she got a lot out of our time together and found it really useful. And we both hope you do too!Resources referenced:https://www.careitout.com/courses/bedtime-boundaries-ecourse

Stacey is a feeding and swallowing specialist speech therapist (SLT) and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).Stacey has worked for almost 20 years supporting infants and children with a wide range of feeding and swallowing difficulties. Her breadth of knowledge and experience runs across the spectrum; including but not exclusive to, preterm infants, breast and bottle feeding, weaning difficulties, managing allergies and reflux, swallowing difficulties and fussy eating.Stacey is the Clinical Lead for a paediatric feeding service in an NHS tertiary hospital and also runs a private practice. Stacey has published abstracts and articles in her field of interest and has presented at conferences. In addition to her work supporting children and families, she is passionate about training others in her field, she provides clinical supervision services for a number of other feeding specialist SLT's within the NHS. She has also consulted on NHS service management and development for feeding and swallowing services.In this episode we look at breastfeeding during the first 6 months and talk through together:-Breastfeeding FOMO (fear of missing out!)-Feeding to sleep-Does stretching feeds help improve their sleep?You can find Stacey on Instagram.On her Website.And on YouTube.

It's totally normal to worry about starting or going back to nursery. It's a big transition for both you and your Small!It's also natural to wonder how on earth they'll ever nap at nursery without you. However, we humans are pretty adaptable and chances are they'll nap ok there ( I know!) And if your Small finds it a little tricky to nap there it usually settles given a bit of time to settle.In this episode, I share 4 sleep suggestions that could help your Small nail naps at nursery. I also cover:How are they going to nap at nursery if they're boobed to bed at home?What if they fall asleep on the way back from nursery?Why do they battle naps at home but sleep ok at nursery?BONUSPlus I answer 6 of the most popular questions that you've sent me.Resources:IF and when you want to change how they nap at home my bedtime boundary Ecourse breaks this down into simple and straightforward steps.

Reaching out for sleep support (from anyone!) is a huge decision and understandably you may have some reservations or questions before considering working together.Do you ever wonder what working together on a sleep service actually looks like?Would you like to know what it's really like to work one to one with me?What questions do you really want to ask a parent who's worked with me?I recently worked with Sammi on a one to one sleep service (2-week telephone package) and she shares her honest experience of it in this podcast episode. She also answers all the questions you have always wanted to ask!-What made you decide to bite the bullet and invest?-Were there really no tears?-How long did it take to see improvements?-Be honest, what's Kerry really like to work with?Join us for this episode and we'll answer all of these and so much more for you!Thank you Sammi for talking to us and sharing your experience honestly with us.

I love hearing about your sleep story so I think it's about time I shared my sleep story with you!Who is Kerry Secker?Why and how did I become a Nanny?What is my approach and what does my practice look like?How did I create Care It Out when so much of the advice is about crying?Tune into this episode and I'll answer all of these questions and share my story of how Care It Out came about plus lots more.

This episode is a booby and bed bonanza for you!This week Maria Betsworth AKA Milk Making Mama joins us on the sleep show to talk about all things boobing and bed-related.I often call Maria the boobs to my bed, because her message around boobing and sleep totally resonates with me and is very similar to my sleep approach.We're both on a mission to banish the boobie blame and shove the word should. We want to support you on YOUR parenting journey.We are big believers that your baby, your boobs and your bed are your business. And no one else's!Join us for some serious boob and bed banter and listen to us discuss:Does how you feed your baby impact their sleep?Comparison is normalIs boobing to sleep to blame for an unsettled night sleep?The some but not all approachIs feeding at night a bad habit?Shoving the shouldsAnd much MUCH more!I loved every minute of talking with Maria, and I really hope you love listening to her wonderful words too!Follow Maria over on her Instagram page: www.instagram.com/milkmakingmamaVisit her Milk Making Mama shop: milkmakingmama.co.uk

“The lunchtime nap needs to be 2 hours long”“Naps need to be in cot to count”“ You should never wake a sleeping baby”Have you heard any of these?Chances are you've probably already heard these and lots of other sleep myths, because there's plenty being bandied about!I love to challenge sleep myths at Care It Out, so join me for this episode and I'll bust the 10 most popular nap myths for you.

“Does a bedtime boundary really impact night wake ups?”“Can you change their bedtime boundary when they're already overtired?”“Is it ok to have different bedtime boundaries with different parents?”How your Small goes to sleep AKA their bedtime boundary is often labeled a bad habit and blamed for frequent night wake-ups. Join me in this podcast and I'll talk you through:What is a bedtime boundary?Why it's only an issue if it's one for you, your Small or their sleepWhen to make changes IF you feel you need toAND as a bed bonus, I answer some your questions that you sent to me on this sleep subject!

Is your Small finding the transition to napping at home tricky? I know it feels like your Small is the only baby on the block that is but I promise you, you aren't alone!If your Small is used to napping al fresco, it's a big change for them to nap at home and it's natural that they may find it tricky to nap.In this episode, I share 5 of my top sleep suggestions that could help you and your Small settle for naps at home that little bit smoother!My free nap gap guide:https://www.careitout.com/sleep-freebieFurther online resources:https://www.careitout.com/E-courses

In this episode, I'm joined by Aine Homer AKA the baby reflux lady. Aine is on a mission to bring clarity to the confusion around reflux.Tune in and listen to us talk through together:What is silent reflux?What's the difference between reflux and colic?Can a dummy relieve reflux symptoms?Why can reflux flare when your Small is teething?Aine has lots of amazing resources, check them out!Free Reflux Symptoms Tracker: https://www.thebabyrefluxlady.co.uk/a/19655/z8RwDfFVThe Reflux Free Baby workshop & Course All about finding the underlying cause of baby's reflux, suitable for babies where their reflux is not yet, or has never been, under control: https://www.thebabyrefluxlady.co.uk/a/19653/z8RwDfFVReflux Free Baby Weaning course If you want a reflux-friendly way to introduce solids while making sure you are minimising the risk of reflux flares: https://www.thebabyrefluxlady.co.uk/a/19654/z8RwDfFVReflux Free Baby Food courseWhere the introduction of solids has caused an increase in reflux-related issues. For babies who are "running circuits of their cot at night", not resting peacefully and cannot lie still. This course shows how and why babies digestive system is irritating them and how to change their foods to help them settle, so that the other habitual behaviours can be better supported with your magic: https://www.thebabyrefluxlady.co.uk/a/24635/z8RwDfFV

In this episode I speak to Greer Kirshenbaum and founder of Nurture Neuro Science. Greer is a neuro scientist, infant sleep educator and doula who's on a mission to normalize infant sleep!In this episode we talk through together everything baby brain and bed related. We delve right into your baby's brain development and answer these questions that come up time and time again in practice:Can sleep deprivation impact your Small's development?Can your Small really Self-regulate AKA self-soothe?Why are some Small's more alert than others?Can Small's actually manipulate us?You can find out more about Greer via her Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/nurture_neuroscience_parenting/

On my sleep approach, naps don't need to be in the cot to count, and if napping on the go is working for you and your Small then honestly there's no need to change a thing!However, some Smalls really struggle to switch off and settle to nap on the go. If this sounds like you, you aren't alone.In this episode, I share 5 simple sleep suggestions that could help you and your Small nail your naps on the go.

If your Small's sleep hits the skids and is more unsettled than usual it's totally natural to panic and fear you'll never sleep again! If this is you right now 100% you're not alone, your baby isn't broken and you're not to blame for the sleepless nights. Sleep isn't linear and bed bumps are to be expected, but here's 4 simple sleep suggestions for when sleep hits the skids.

Being as naps are SUCH a huge part of my approach, here we discuss getting your tot confident for naps in no time.Contrary to the title of this episode, naps don't HAVE to be in a cot - any nap is a good nap! But if something's not working for you, or nap times in a cot would work best for your family, then have a listen to my four sleep suggestions to get your tot cot confident.If you're sleep struggling, remember to check out my Bedtime Basics E-Course, and you can find lots of useful info on my sleep squares over on Insta.

If you and your Small are experiencing long awake periods during the night AKA the parent party you are 100% not alone. Even though it can certainly feel like it!A whopping 75% of parents from my recent Instagram poll have had or are experiencing long awake periods during the night with their Small.Tune in to this week's episode and I'll explain why parent parties can happen but most importantly what you can do to help prevent them.If you're sleep struggling, remember to check out my Bedtime Basics E-Course, and you can find lots of useful info on my sleep squares over on Insta.

What's the best age to begin a bedtime routine?Do they need to have a bath every night?How can you manage a bedtime routine with two?In this episode, Kerry Secker answers your most frequently asked questions on one of the most important sleep subjects; bedtime routine.You can find more relevant information on my blog about Screens and Sleep, here.If you're sleep struggling, remember to check out my Bedtime Basics E-Course, and you can find lots of useful info on my sleep squares over on Insta.

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year but let's face it, it's also crazy, chaos and carnage!Family, food and festivities can understandably have a big impact on everyone's sleep especially for your Small. This episode is a Care it out Christmas cracker, with 6 sleep suggestions to help you sleigh your sleep this Christmas.After the Christmas Chaos - consider taking my Bedtime Basics Ecourse:https://www.careitout.com/courses/bedtime-basics

There's so much pressure to get your Small to sleep through the night and join the sleep-through crew. It can feel like you're the only one with a baby that wakes at night time and that you must be doing something wrong. This is why I'm passionate about moving the conversation from sleeping through the night to a settled night's sleep. It's time to give the sleep through pressure the push!In this episode I talk about why sleeping through the night is a myth, what their biological best looks like and how you can support your Small to a settled night sleep using my 4 sleep steps.Resources mentioned:My free age appropriate nap gap guide:https://www.careitout.com/sleep-freebieBedtime routine podcast episode:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-3-bedtime-routine/id1472742316?i=1000447466561My 4 steps to a settled night sleep Ecourse:https://www.careitout.com/courses/bedtime-basics

Naps 100% don't need to be in the cot to count on my approach, but some Smalls do find it very tricky to peep in the pram! In this episode I talk to Cara Sayer, chief sleep officer at SnoozeShade, to discuss how her invention could save your sleep on the go when at home and away.You can watch the demo's here.SnoozeShade safety is discussed here.Claim your 10% discount here.If you've got any further questions please email hello@snoozeshade.com

If your Small is battling bedtime, 100% you aren't alone and there's a few things you can do to help them settle to sleep smoother. Tune in to this week's episode and fingers crossed you'll go from bed dready to ready in no time!