The Responsive Family Sleep Podcast

Anyone with a baby somewhere around 4-6 months has probably heard the advice to start solids to help improve sleep. And yet, the reality of the impact of solid food on baby sleep doesn't back up this common advice. In this episode I'm talking about the popular sleep advice to start solids to improve nighttime sleep. I discuss the reality of solids food having a neutral to negative impact on sleep and the reasons for this including:Waking isn't just about hunger.Solids generally aren't very calorically dense.Babies don't generally eat a lot of solids at first.Digestive issues can happen as baby adjusts to solids that disrupt sleep.Shifting calories to the daytime may help if baby is reverse cycling.Resources related to this episodeSigns of readiness for solids: https://kellymom.com/nutrition/starting-solids/solids-when/Reverse cycling tips: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2023/6/27/reverse-cycling-why-your-baby-is-suddenly-feeding-more-at-nightConnect with Kim Learn more about working with Kim and grab your free sleep myth busting guide: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Transfers are hard! And yet the thought of putting your baby in the crib awake and them peacefully drifting off to sleep is laughably unrealistic. In this episode, I'm sharing my best transfer troubleshooting tips. I also share a few thoughts on when to work on transfers to start building some positive momentum. Some babies just struggle with transfers no matter what you do, so I also share some alternative ideas for avoiding transfers all together. Resources related to this episodeTransfer tips: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2021/4/29/how-to-transfer-baby-from-arms-to-sleep-spaceConnect with Kim Learn more about working with Kim and grab your free sleep myth busting guide: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Do you struggle with being a perfectionist in your parenting or life in general? If you answer yes, then you are definitely not alone. I support so many parents who struggle with perfectionism and perfectionism doesn't blend well with the messiness that is sleep and development. In this episode I'm joined by Jillian Scott, a trauma informed health and wellness coach to talk about perfectionism. We talk about the ways perfectionism shows up in parenting, and how its roots are often from our own childhoods. Jillian shares how perfectionism and people pleasing can often go together. We discuss how parents have a powerful opportunity to notice perfectionist tendencies and reflect on them so that we can shift the patterns we are modeling for our children. We talk through common situations that many parents navigate, and how working through that perfectionist tendency can look. I hope this episode gives you some insight and things to consider as you work through your own perfectionist tendencies for yourself and for your littles. About JillianJillian Scott is a certified, trauma-informed life and health coach, and creator of the Hungry for Love Podcast. She specializes in empowering clients to overcome the aftermath of emotionally abusive relationships, heal their relationship with food and body, and develop unwavering self confidence and self belief.Connect with JillianWebsite: https://www.bodyyoucrave.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianamadea Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/30xmKmwsGaIKSkTSuPpsyhPodcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/body-you-crave/id1573281085Connect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

In a developmental and attachment based approach to sleep, success is as much about the process as where the process gets us. Outcomes matter, but they have to be understood within the context of your individual baby or toddler's unique needs and capabilities. I share some of my key success points with the families I work with – that sleep is easier, more restful, and that they navigate any changes with connection. I also want them to understand their baby's needs and feel more confident in their responsive approach. Beyond that, it's about taking the next step towards their goals and seeing the big picture.Connect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

So many parents I support (and let's be real, my family as well) struggle with too much stuff, too many commitments, too much busyness. Simplifying parenting and life seems like an amazing dream, but one that can feel so hard to achieve. And yet my guest for this episode breaks down small and actionable ways to simplify family life. In this episode I'm joined by Jenna Michael, a coach specializing in simplified and intentional living for families. We discuss the idea of simplifying parenting – from identifying your individual and family values to how to translate those values into making decisions about your family priorities. Jenna shares tips for including your kids in the process of value identification and ways to understand family values as an on-going process. She then shares examples of how those values can guide your decisions around where you spend your time, money, and energy. We talk about how you can start with small steps and small shifts. And also, how there is an element of boundary setting and learning to say no to stuff – something so many adults struggle with. About JennaJenna Michael is a wife, mother, author, and coach specializing in simplified and intentional living for families. Her writing covers topics such as family-friendly activities and events, wellness, travel, gifts, and essential parenting tips. Her coaching helps moms turn these valuable insights into practical action, reduce clutter and chaos, and ultimately pursue a life of purpose on purpose. In her free time, you can find her at the gym, curled up with a book, or enjoying the outdoors.Connect with Jenna Website: yourpurposefulparenting.comSocials: @Purposeful__ParentingConnect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Our culture is so anti bedsharing that we tend to only hear (or interpret) bedsharing stories as scary, bad, worse case scenario situations. In this episode, I'm unpacking the idea that bedsharing is a bad habit or a tool parents are scared of using. So many parents feel like if they bedshare they'll get stuck bedsharing for forever and look at other families' long term bedsharing as a cautionary tale, rather than a tool that worked for that family. I share some thoughts around the fact that bed sharing is biologically normal, and  many babies transition in and out of bedsharing relatively easily. I also discuss the babies who do struggle with the transition away from bedsharing with the context that these babies were also struggling with sleeping separately and generally bedsharing reduces that struggle. If the goal is to prioritize sleep, then use the tools that prioritize sleep and change them when you are ready to down the road. Resources related to this episodeBedsharing safety podcast episode: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/podcast/2023/10/6/how-to-bedshare-safelyCosleeping tips and tricks episode: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/podcast/2024/3/14/tips-and-tricks-for-enjoying-bedsharing-with-tiffany-from-cosleepyConnect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Nap struggles are frustrating, but they don't always mean it's time to drop a nap. In this episode I'm talking about nap transitions. I share  common times for nap transitions as well as the fact that transitions are often messy times with sleep. I give some context for when fighting naps and skipping naps mean it's time to drop a nap and when it means it's time to troubleshoot your current nap rhythm first. Nap rhythms change a lot over time and it's normal to need to tweak and adjust sleep timings as your little grows. Connect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Throughout human history new parents had support with their newborns around the clock from their friends and family. Now, most parents don't have friends and family who are able to help overnight, and postpartum doulas are an option for nighttime support to help you get more rest. However, if you are a parent looking for someone who is knowledgeable and comfortable with nurturing biologically normal sleep and lactation then it's important you hire the right professional. In this episode, I'm joined by Alex King, a postpartum doula who exclusively does overnight support. We talk about what a postpartum doula is and how they are different from night nurses and newborn care specialists. We share some questions parents can ask to get a good sense of the doulas lactation knowledge and comfort with supporting normal sleep and an attachment-based approach to sleep. We discussed what some red flags and green flags might be to show where a doula is on the same page as them and where they may not be aligned. It's all about finding the right fit and as a parent, being clear about what you are looking for. Alex shares some of the ways her support helps parents create more of a set nighttime, helping circadian rhythm develop. And she reminds us that you are inviting a person into a very personal time and space so it's important that you are really comfortable with them. I hope this episode will give you some ideas if you want to hire a postpartum doula for nighttime support whether you are pregnant with your first baby or looking ahead to a second baby or more.  About Alex Alex King is a certified postpartum doula in Los Angeles California who specializes in working with families overnight. She is passionate about setting up babies, mamas, and families for success in the delicate postpartum period so they can enjoy the magic a new little one brings. Connect with Alex Instagram: @doula.alex.kingConnect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Modern life is not sleep friendly for any of us. While there are many ways to better support and optimize baby and toddler sleep, let's not forget that there are often simple things that adults can do to support your own sleep (no matter how your child is sleeping). As the days get longer (and warmer), it's a good time to check in with yourself and what small steps you can take to better support your own sleep. In this episode I'm walking you through a few easy but powerful things you can do to improve your sleep quality. I talk about morning sunlight, the timing of your coffee, blue light blocking in the evening, and mindfulness, de-stressing rituals ahead of bedtime. Resources related to this episode Check out this blog post on light and the circadian rhythm: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2023/3/7/lets-talk-light-and-the-circadian-rhythmConnect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Your baby is an individual and comparing them to other babies can create a whole lot of unnecessary stress and struggle. In this episode I'm talking about how comparisons make your life harder as a parent, especially if you have a baby or toddler who is more….more sensitive, intense, persistent, active, perceptive….essentially who needs more support and is more wakeful than the children you see around you. There's a wide range of normal, and sensitive, intense, persistent, highly alert children sleep differently than your typical baby or toddler. If your child has some additional health/medical concerns or a significant history of them, their sleep process often unfolds differently as well. Getting stuck in the comparison trap can lead to resentment and focusing on why your baby isn't sleeping a certain way instead of meeting your baby where they are at and finding ways to make things better in your actual reality. There is a whole piece of parenting that is mindset work, and this is an important piece of that. Connect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Sleep is separation, and connection is our best tool to support through a separation challenge. And in fact, connection is almost always part of the answer to most parenting challenges. In this episode, I'm talking about the role of connection in the evening to set you up for better sleep - Connection through the bedtime routine, but also in the hours ahead of the bedtime routine. I discuss 3 key ways to think about connection: intentional, focused connection – be fully present with your kids. Play  - use play to connect with your littles, laugh, and even navigate transitions with connection for toddlers and big kids. Connect through emotions – hold space if they have emotions to offload in the safety of your love and presence. Connection is your parenting super power and prioritizing it in the evening can lead to better bedtimes and nighttime sleep. Resources related to this episodeSpecial time: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/read/How-To-Special-TimeConnection blog post for toddlers: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2022/11/28/5-ways-to-use-the-magic-of-connection-to-support-easier-toddler-sleepConnect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

There's a lot of focus on moms and their experience with baby sleep, but less attachment based conversations focusing on the dad experience. While I'm fortunate to get to support many actively involved dad's through my work, I'm also a mom , not a dad. So when I wanted to talk about the dad experience I reached out to Adam Angel, a licensed social worker  with a specialty in working with new dads. We talked about some of the common themes that come up in his dad groups and my sleep support, and there was a lot of overlap. We touched on:Parent preference and how to think through dad's role in shifting that pattern. How parents may hold differing values and importance when thinking through baby care decisions. The importance of communication and agreement on a minimum standard of responsiveness/care so that differing parenting tools or approaches isn't very different levels of responsiveness.The need for community for dad's specifically and new families as they navigate this identity shift. A tendency for dad's to be more outcome focused in their parenting. This was a great wide ranging conversation, and I really appreciated Adam's insights. I think there's a lot for both moms and dads to take away from it. About AdamAdam is a clinical social worker with 20 years of experience working with youth, adults, and families. Adam is a licensed social worker and his specializations include postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and developmental trauma. Adam completed his undergraduate at the University of MD and obtained his MSW at Howard University. Over the last 5 years he has led multi-stage fatherhood groups to provide fathers with the support needed for their personal growth and improve the wellness of their families. Adam lives in Silver Spring with his wife, two kids and their dog. Connect with Adamwww.dadswithwisdom.comwww.facebook.com/dadswithwisdomAdam Angel (@dadswithwisdom)Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

When can I get my baby on a schedule is a very popular question I get from parents of younger babies (and even parents of older babies struggling with sleep unpredictability). It's understandable as schedules bring predictability and order to what can feel like sleep timing chaos. In this episode I'm talking about schedules – what's realistic and what's not. The answer to when a baby's sleep gets more predictable depends on their Temperament, age, and daily patterns. It also depends on what you mean by a schedule, more of a rhythm or precise, exact timings. There isn't a simple answer, but I hope this episode will help you think through schedules and your baby in a more realistic way. Connect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

The world of sleep information is full of information that claims to be gentle and responsive but is really just sleep training with gentle marketing. So many of the sleep norms commonly shared are just wishful thinking for sleep training outcomes. How is a parent supposed to know what's what? In this episode I'm sharing some of the red flags for sleep training - sometimes it's very obvious and sometimes it's more subtle. From understanding how sleep training culture influences how we think about sleep even when you know you don't want to sleep train to understanding the sneaky ways it affects information shared about sleep even when it's not a specific sleep training strategy, understanding what influences the sleep information you are interacting with can really help. And when you want to work with a sleep coach, really understanding their approach is essential. While I wouldn't call this a comprehensive episode, I hope it gives you some clues to look for.Connect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Attachment is the most fundamental need and yet we don't do much to educate parents around attachment – what is it and what do we need to do in our parenting to support it? In this week's episode I'm joined by my friend, colleague and sleep coach Heather Boyd to talk about attachment. Our conversation focuses on the importance of attachment, attachment as the basis for development tounfold, and Dr. Neufeld's 6 stages of attachment. We took a deeper look at the first 3 stages of attachment and how they relate to sleep and parenting. Dr. Neufeld's work on attachment is a powerful way of making sense of the early years and the unfolding of both attachment and development.About HeatherHeather is a private practice occupational therapist from Niagara, Ontario, Canada and the mother of three boys.  She provides online support to families who are experiencing challenges with infant sleep, parenting, and infant development.  Heather takes a developmental- and attachment-based approach to supporting families by helping parents change perspectives and change the sleep environment, rather than change the nature of the child.  Connect with HeatherWebsite: https://familysleep.ca/Instagram: @familysleep.caResources related to this episodeNeufeld's roots of attachment (6 stages) video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8qt1rv7K9QHeather's blog on the Neufeld stages of attachment focusing on stages 1-3 (also links to part 2 covering stages 4-6): https://familysleep.ca/blog/neufeld-stages-of-attachment-sleep-part-1Heather's Roots of Attachment for Sleep resource:https://heatherboyd.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1072127Check out my blog on attachment: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2023/1/6/what-is-attachmentConnect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Is it normal for my toddler to still wake? Surely they should be independent by now….. Even the most responsive parents can sometimes feel like toddler sleep should be easier than it is. In this last episode of my realistic expectations mini series I'm talking about 2 and 3 year old sleep. Older toddlers can still need your support at bedtime and in the night. They also do have a lot more capacity for independence and long sleep stretches than they did as a younger toddler or baby. Older toddlers need a lot of the same supports as babies and younger toddlers like good sleep hygiene and connection, and they also need support strategies that can draw on more general parenting tools like empathetic limits and playful transitions.Resources related to this episodeAge by age realistic sleep expectations:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2018/7/6/developmentally-appropriate-sleep-expectations-birth-to-age-5Toddler waking norms: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2021/1/27/is-it-normal-for-my-toddler-to-still-wake-at-nightConnect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Feeding and sleep are two of the most individual and emotive topics in early parenting. In this episode I'm joined by Kassi Reyes, IBCLC to talk about navigating your feeding journey, especially when things don't go as expected. We talk about the importance of support and accurate information, and also that a lactation consultant's job is to support you to meet your feeding goals as defined by you. Our conversation touches on the emotions that can come up when navigating feeding challenges and how important it is to check in with your self to make sure that any interventions feel sustainable. We both share how valuable feeding support groups can be in the various stages of lactation to normalize and validate just how hard parenting a baby is and how constant things change. We wrap up our conversation with some tips for processing the emotions that come from a feeding journey that doesn't go as planned so that you can still enjoy the love, snuggles, and bonding time with your little one.About KassiKassi Reyes is a Clinical Educator, RN, IBCLC Lactation Consultant, and a mamá. She's worn many hats in her career including - nursing professor, lactation consultant, postpartum nurse, and doula, but being amamá and helping other moms is her favorite.Kassi's journey into lactation support started when she was working as a doula and felt unsure about how to help her clients with feeding challenges. That uncertainty pushed her to become an IBCLC, a process that took four years and taught her a lot about the gaps in lactation education for birthworkers.Determined to make lactation support more accessible and less intimidating, she founded the Bridge Advanced Lactation Training Program to give birthworkers and providers the skills they need to supportfamilies with confidence. She's passionate about helping birthworkers feel prepared and empowered because she knows the more feeding knowledge everyone on the care team has, the more successful and supported familieswill feel.When she's not teaching or helping families, you'll probably find Kassi enjoying a (hopefully hot) cup of coffee, practicing yoga, spending time outside, or planning her next travel adventure. Kassi Speaks English and Spanish.Connect with Kassiwww.kassireyes.comInstagram: @lactationforthepeopleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KassiBrookeReyesFree ResourcesDoulas and other birthworkers: Quick Start Baby Feeding Guide for Birthworkers: Answers to the 10 Feeding Questions your Client WILL ask. Get your copy here:https://www.kassireyes.com/f/top10Parents: Lactation Survival Guide Days 1-5: https://kassi-reyes.newzenler.com/f/lactation-guideConnect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Your baby isn't a baby any more – suddenly they are a toddler. After that first birthday the unrealistic expectations just keep coming. We expect so much from our young toddlers that they just aren't ready for yet. In this 4th episode of my series on realistic sleep expectations by age I'm focusing on younger toddlers between 12-24 months. In many ways these toddlers are more like babies, especially in the first half of this age range. It's very much an in-between age with widely different capabilities as far as sleep goes.Resources related to this episodeAge by age realistic sleep expectations:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2018/7/6/developmentally-appropriate-sleep-expectations-birth-to-age-5Connect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Wake windows – helpful or stress inducing….it really depends on the family. However, wake windows are commonly shared as precise, exact rules we must follow or else (insert some fear based message). In this episode I'm sharing some thoughts on wake windows including the fact that they are not an evidence-based concept so you can feel free to ignore them if you find them stressful. I talk you through how I use wake windows as a flexible guide in my own work and as one tool, not as the only tool, for helping create a good spread of sleep throughout the day.Resources related to this episodeCheck out my blog post on wake windows: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2023/8/18/your-wake-window-questions-answeredConnect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Parenting is hard, and there are so many rules, shoulds, and external expectations that can lead to feelings of mom guilt. In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Jillian Neill, a psychologist specializing in the parenting transition. We talk about:What is mom guilt.Guilt verses shame verses regret.The ways in which external expectations, rules, and shoulds create mom guilt.The structural factors and things out of our control that shape our parenting experience.Identifying your values as part of pushing back against mom guilt.The importance of self-compassion.I see so much guilt over normal, healthy tools in so many parents (mostly based on the fear based sleep training culture and unrealistic expectations) and this was such a great conversation to have. I hope it gives you some food for thought the next time you are feeling guilty about something parenting related.About JillianDr. Jillian Neill is a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with parents and aspiring parents on the challenges that come up in the transition to parenthood, including mental health concerns, relationship issues, identity conflicts, and trauma. She provides individual and group therapy to parents across the DC region and beyond as a member of Dr. Emma Basch and Associates. She is a firm believer that mom guilt is bullshit and loves empowering moms to live their values and make parenting and life decisions that support themselves as people, not just parents. Connect with Jillianhttps://www.dremmabasch.com/jillian-neillInstagram: theparentingpsychResources related to this episodeSelf-compassion: https://self-compassion.org/Connect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

There are so many unrealistic expectations perpetuated about older baby sleep that it's no wonder that so many parents are confused and overwhelmed about what's going on. This episode is the third in my series on realistic expectations. While you hear a lot about older babies sleeping through the night and not feeding, the reality (and research) tells a very different story. In this episode I help you understand what's normal and some of the reasons why sleep is very dynamic during this time. The more you can understand what's normal, the more you can set yourself up for better sleep.Related resourcesCheck out my blog on older babies and sleeping through the night:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2022/11/28/should-my-older-baby-be-sleeping-through-the-night-a-look-at-the-research-and-reality-of-sleep-developmentDevelopmentally informed sleep expectations by age:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2018/7/6/developmentally-appropriate-sleep-expectations-birth-to-age-5Connect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

It's January, and you may be thinking about bringing some order to the chaos that the holidays brought to your sleep routines. In this episode, I'm sharing some tips for getting back on track and into a good rhythm with sleep. This is a good time to keep things simple, work towards more consistent rhythms and routines, and also check in to see if your little's needs have changed in the midst of the holiday season.It's also a good time to remember that consistency, time, and patience go a long way to reestablishing good rhythms and routines and the lack of consistency is one of the ways we get off track over the holidays (for a good reason of course).Connect with KimInstagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdcLearn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

You finally feel like you got the hang of things, and then your baby is in a whole new phase! This is a really common feeling in this phase of babyhood. This episode is the second in my realistic expectations by age short series. I'm sharing some key points about sleep in this very in-between age, and how parents can sometimes be both a step ahead of their baby and a step behind. Throw in all the development that happens during this time and sleep definitely keeps you on your toes.Resources related to this episodeA little bit more about the 4 month sleep regression (and no I generally don't use that term): https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2022/8/10/to-the-parent-of-a-4-month-old-baby-encouragement-during-the-four-month-sleep-regressionDevelopmentally informed sleep expectations by age:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2018/7/6/developmentally-appropriate-sleep-expectations-birth-to-age-5Connect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

We tend to think of baby and parent as separate beings, separate nervous systems. And yet in so many ways they are part of an inter-connected, inter-dependent system.In this episode I'm talking with Meaghan Beames, an experienced Registered Massage Therapist, CST practitioner, mom, and the founder of the Beames CST Training Center. Our discussion focuses on regulation, coregulation, and the parent baby nervous system. While we do talk about the role of body work in supporting parent baby functioning and regulation, our conversation goes beyond the body work piece for a more comprehensive conversation about parent baby regulation. We discuss:What is polyvagal theoryThe interconnectedness of parent baby nervous systemsBaby's need for coregulationHow the pregnancy and birth experience impact the bodyHow bodywork can support regulation and better functioningEmotions, physical symptoms, and the body's stored memory of our experiences.Ways to support regulation and coregulationThis was a really great and insightful conversation. I'd love to hear your biggest takeaways.About MeaghanMeaghan founded the Beames CST Training Centre, offering tailored global learning for health professionals. Her mission is to ensure every family in North America has access to qualified craniosacral therapists to help their babies cope with colic, latching issues, and all the growing pains that can make life with a newborn harder than it needs to be.In 5 years, she's treated 700+ babies, taught more than 100 health professionals CST, and built a thriving practice in Toronto with multiple practitioners working under her. Her knowledge goes beyond just the practical applications of bodywork and spreads out into being a leader and growing a business.She's also the host of The My Baby Craniosacral Podcast.Connect with MeaghanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybabycst/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beamescst/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beamescst/Website: https://mybabycst.com/Website: www.beamescst.comConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

What is normal for newborn sleep? How can parents have more realistic expectations? Our culture is full of unrealistic expectations about baby sleep and it creates so much stress, worry, and anxiety. This episode starts a short series I'll be weaving through my other episodes over the next few months on realistic expectations by age. In this episode, I'm focusing on some important points about newborn sleep and just how immature and ever changing their sleep is during this phase.Resources related to this episodeHow to think through a family sleep plan in the 4 th trimester:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2023/11/30/4pkldijw88upqr7xe2w56a01wruqn5What is normal newborn sleep: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2021/3/30/normal-newborn-sleep-whats-going-on-in-the-4th-trimesterRealistic expectations by age: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2018/7/6/developmentally-appropriate-sleep-expectations-birth-to-age-5Connect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Early parenting is an intense time that can challenge us physically, emotionally, and mentally. A wonderful tool for coping with the intensity, challenges, and changes that come with parenting a young child is mindful parenting. In this episode I'm joined by Sultana Karim, a therapist with a specialty in both the perinatal period and trauma. Our conversation springs from a wonderful parenting group she runs and focuses on regulation, mindfulness, and self compassion. We discuss:Radical acceptance, and how not accepting our reality creates more suffering.Mindful parenting and how it can help you be aware of your own needs and balance meeting your needs with meting your babies needs.How we can regulate ourselves so we can approach parenting with more creativity and problem solving abilities.The importance of coregulation and how our littles look to our nervous systems to help them regulate.Mindfulness as a regulation tool in parenting.Self compassion, self kindness, and reframing negative thoughts.It was so fun seeing how much of my work overlaps with Sultana's work as far as the non-therapy specific suggestions she shares. There's so much great wisdom in this conversation, and Sultana is deeply knowledgeable. I hope you enjoy it.About SultanaSultana Karim is the Owner and Licensed Therapist at Karim Counseling Services, PLLC. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in MD, VA, DC, & MI, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified EMDR Therapist, and a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C). She has over 12 years of clinical experience andspecializes in treating sexual and domestic violence, perinatal/ maternal mental health, pregnancy and infant loss, birth trauma, and childhood/attachment trauma in her practice. She strives to help parents to connect to their minds, bodies, and relationships. She also co-facilitates monthly healing circles for moms with Villa Advocacy Group. She is one of the founding members of the Virginia Maternal Quality Care Alliance and a member of the Perinatal Mental Health Coalition of Virginia and the PUSH Coalition. In these organizations, she strives to advocate and educate the community on maternal/perinatal mental health, maternal mortality, community-based collaboration and solutions, trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and implicit bias. Connect with SultanaWebsite: www.karimcounseling.orgIG: www.instagram.com/karimcounselingFB: www.facebook.com/karimcounselingConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

To those in the US who celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving. This is a short episode to kick off the holiday season. There's so much pressure to create traditions and have perfect family holiday rituals right from the start. In this episode, I encourage you to consider what you'd like to carry forward from your own childhood, allow for organic traditions to unfold, and remember you don't have to have it all figured out now in the early years – you can always create new traditions as your kids get older. Enjoy the holidays!Connect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

How can you make informed decisions when you don't know all your options? Well, you can't! From sleep setups and safety to navigating big sleep transitions and parent led changes, knowing your options makes a huge difference. In this week's episode I'm joined by my bestie, doula, educator, and doula business coach Kaely Harrod for a conversation about the challenges of making decisions without all the information. Parents are actively not educated in ways that set them up for informed decision making around sleep and that can have real safety consequences as well as feeling like they have no other option than to do something that feels wrong or like a bad fit for their little. We talk about how this unfolds with sleep safety and parents sleeping in dangerous ways because they aren't taught about safety beyond crib/bassinette sleeping – so either falling asleep in an unsafe bedsharing situation or in a dangerous situation trying not to bedshare. We also talk about how this plays out in the choices parentsmake in supporting sleep and making bigger changes. Kaely shares some of her own early parenting and sleep experiences with her 3 kids and some of the ways she empowers her clients to be able to make informed choices with high quality information.About KaelyKaely has been a doula unofficially since 2010 and officially since 2018! She's built her business to the point of supporting hundreds of families, but realized along the way that it wasn't enough to be an amazing doula, she also needed to be an amazing CEO! She's since added mentoring small business owners and doula entrepreneurs to her repertoire to help others find their clear path to a thriving doula business while avoiding doula burnout!Connect with Kaelyhttps://www.harroddoulaservices.com/kaely-daily-podcasthttps://www.harroddoulaservices.com/Instagram: @harroddoulaConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Have you ever noticed how much sleep information and advice seems to be very generic, one size fits all? As if all babies have the exact same sleep needs and it's only a matter of being consistent to get all babies sleeping alike. In this week's episode, I'm unpacking why continuing to talk about baby sleep in these one size fits all type ways is wrong, unhelpful, and really out of step with what we know about the wide range of babies' needs. After all, babies are individuals with individual sleep needs. So sleep conversations, information, and suggestions needs to be nuanced, or at the very least acknowledge the wide range of normal.Connect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Does baby sleep make you anxious? Does your anxiety keep you from sleeping? Either or both of these things can be true. The relationship between anxiety and sleep as a new parent is complex. IN this episode I'm joined by Clare Donofrio, a perinatal psychotherapist, to talk withme about the ways our anxiety shows up in relationship to sleep in early parenting. Clare shares some ways you can recognize anxiety and OCD in the perinatal period and early parenting. Our conversation focuses on lots of examples of how anxiety and OCD affect parent sleep, sleep decisions,and the ability to listen to your instincts and parent from your own values (rather than outside expectations). We both share our experiences and support for more normalizing of what's normal so you can better cope with it – something that benefits all parents, and especially anxious parents. Wetalk about the importance of both social support and accessing clinical support for anxiety. Clare also shares some suggestions for how to start reflecting on your own parenting values if you aren't sure about them yet. I see a lot of anxious parents in my work and it was so wonderful to have thisconversation. I hope you have some great takeaways.About ClareClare Donofrio, MPH, LCSW-C, PMH-C (she/her) is a perinatal psychotherapist in Maryland. Clare has been serving perinatal populations since she first trained as a full spectrum doula in 2014, and has since gone on to support many families through infertility, abortion, perinatal loss,pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. Clare has a background in social work and public health, and practices from a feminist lens oriented in reproductive justice and decolonization.Clare has worked with pregnant and postpartum clients and their families in a variety of settings including a hospital, community center, public school, and women's prison. Clare now sees Maryland-based clients virtually as a perinatal therapist, and loves to support women and queer folks navigating anxiety, OCD, and trauma histories while building their families. You can reach Clare at claredonofriolcswc@gmail.com or visit her website kindhealingmd.com. The Womb Room -- local support for Baltimore-area families; Clare leads groups here  Expectful -- guided meditations Connect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

In a world that pushes non-responsive sleep training at every turn, it's understandable that you might worry about the idea of over responding to night wakes. In this episode I talk about the importance of responding to your little's nighttime needs and also where there is some nuance. It's important to get to know your baby so that you can learn what's a sleep noise verses signaling for you. I'll talk about when a pause can be helpful, and how not to confuse pausing with not responding.Connect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

We all need community, and yet finding that community can be a real struggle. So many of the parents I support with sleep are searching for parenting communities that lean responsive, as so many of the spaces they move through regularly are full of sleep training advice. In this episode, I'm joined by Elizabeth Hubley of the mama love collective to talk all about community. We dive into the cultural aspects of community, and why it can be so hard to build community. We talk about the many ways you can find community, and how different types of communities can fill different roles. We also talk about what community means and how we all have different needs from community. Elizabeth has such a gift for community and such wisdom and insight about it – I know you'll love this conversation.About ElizabethElizabeth Hubley is the director of the Mama Love Collective and a mom of two. Elizabeth loves creating connections and providing parents with the support they need to thrive in pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. She has worked with hundreds of pregnant people and new mothers in circles, classes, one-on-one coaching, and in casual conversations on so many playgrounds.She is passionate about providing space for people to explore and create their identities as parents and mothers - through conversation, exploration, and deep listening.  Her training as a yoga teacher, group facilitator, and holistic health coach inform her work with groups and individuals. Connect with Elizabeth and her communities Motherhood: Redefined: https://www.themamalovecollective.com/motherhood-redefined.htmlNavigating Neurodiversity Circle: https://www.themamalovecollective.com/neurodiversitycircle.htmlAll Circles: https://www.themamalovecollective.com/circles.htmlConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

There is so much incorrect information thrown around about what makes a good nap. It can lead parents to worry that their baby isn't getting the rest they need if their naps are short (or cat naps). In this episode I'm calling out the misinformation around cat naps. I talk about what a short nap is, some ideas around what makes a healthy nap, and some thoughts around the concept of an ideal nap length. I hope this episode helps you stress less about your littles naps.Connect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

New parent sleep and mental health can be such a tricky topic, with so many blanket statements thrown around. In this episode I'm joined by Dr. Emma Basch, licensed clinical psychologist, for a wide-ranging and nuanced conversation about postpartum mental health.A few of the many things we discussed include:Most people struggle with the transition to parenthood, and what some signs are that you should seek some additional support.Protecting a parent's sleep through mental health struggles is complex and nuanced, and we don't need to put baby and parent needs in opposition to each other.Sleep and mental health have a bidirectional relationship and we need to look at that relationship from both sides.Informed decision making is key, and there is no one right way to do anything in parenting.There is so much information overload affecting how we figure out our values.This conversation was hard to sum up, and also so wonderful to have. I hope you enjoy listening to it. I'd love to hear what stands out to you.About EmmaDr. Emma Basch is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Washington, DC. She is the founder and director of Dr. Emma Basch & Associates, a group practice specializing in women's mental health with a focus on perinatal and reproductive mental health. Dr. Basch serves as the Vice President of the DCMetro Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative and is a founding board member of the Washington DC Chapter of Postpartum Support International. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at George Washington University. She is a frequent speaker and teacher on topicsrelated to reproductive mental health, and her writing on the topic has been featured in Washington Parent Magazine, Scary Mommy, and other media outlets. She is a proud native Washingtonian and a parent to two incredible children. Connect with EmmaWebsite: www.dremmabasch.com All socials are at: @dremmabaschConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

As the sun sets earlier we use a lot more artificial light in the evening. In this episode I'm walking you through what to consider when it comes to light sources as you move through your evening, why it matters, and what some tricky places are in your home. Let's do a light check before the sun sets any earlier.Resources related to this episodeYou may find these earlier episodes helpful.Sleep biology: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/podcast/2024/2/1/how-to-work-with-your-babys-sleep-biologyCircadian rhythm: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/podcast/2024/3/28/how-to-support-a-healthy-circadian-rhythm-for-you-and-your-baby-with-nikkoConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Parenting is hard sometimes, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed or triggered by hard parenting moments. In this episode I'm joined by Sheena Hill, a Responsive Parenting Coach, to talk all about parenting triggers. We discuss common triggers and why they are more or less likely to happen based on how well we are meeting our own needs, temperament, and neurodivergent brains. We talk about how our own early experiences and attachment needs being met or not met can shape our responses and triggers in parenting. Sheena shares with us 3 regulation strategies to try, and maybe more importantly the context for how to have the most success building your regulation toolbox.About SheenaSheena Hill is a trauma-informed, neurobiologically-focused responsive parenting coach in private practice at Parenting Works. She works with families around the world, providing education and support for parents and professionals who seek to move beyond rewards and consequences to deepen their understanding of development and attachment while masterfully applying concrete skills in emotional intelligence, limit setting, and using play therapeutically. She lives in Baltimore with her spouse, 3 children, and a growing menagerie of pets (including 5 axolotls).Connect with SheenaWebsite: https://www.sheenahill.com/Connect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Should I ever wake a sleeping baby? Doesn't sleep beget more sleep? There's such a widely held belief that more sleep is always better and so we should never wake babies, and yet that's not really true. If letting your baby sleep however they sleep is working for you, that's great – keep doing it. But if you are struggling with your baby's overall sleep pattern, have other kids, or a schedule that requires you to wake your baby sometimes, know that it is ok to wake a baby – and even sometimes beneficial. In this episode I'm debunking the myth to never wake a sleeping baby and talking about times when you might want or need to wake them up both for practical, logistical reasons or as part of working to improve sleep.Resources related to this episodeYou may also want to listen to my episode on sleep begets sleep from earlier this year:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/podcast/2024/7/4/does-sleep-beget-sleepConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

About AustinAustin Rees (she/her) is a mother to four children and has been engaged in the health field for 25 years. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and Craniosacral Therapy Practitioner. She is the founder of Nourish and Align, providing craniosacral therapy for all stages in life; using an individualized approach for each client and family. Austin specializes in optimizing infant oral function though bodywork. She provides guidance to caregivers on how to comfortably feed their baby, reduce crying, understand sleep, increase their baby's immunity, foster parent and baby's confidence, and nurture their baby's intelligence.Connect with Austinwebsite: https://www.nourishandalign.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/nourish.alignFB: https://www.facebook.com/Nourish.AlignResources related to this episodeCheck out my podcast episode on body work with Austin earlier this year:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/podcast/2024/2/22/how-can-bodywork-support-your-baby-with-austinConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Almost every parent I know wants more sleep. Society and the sleep consulting industry tells us that the answer to that need is to change the baby's sleep. While working to improve and optimize our little's sleep is one way to get more sleep, we tend to overlook that there are almost always ways to support parent sleep without changing baby sleep. In this episode I'm sharing some simple ways to better support your sleep by examining your own habits, patterns, and sleep hygiene. When you support better sleep from all fronts you are more likely to feel better rested.Connect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Learning how to set limits can be hard for many parents. I see so many parents struggle with this as their baby transitions from infant to toddler. In this episode, I'm joined by Sarah Rosensweet, a Peaceful Parenting Coach who has had a big impact on my own parenting journey. Our conversation focuses on setting limits – both the how to but also the important context around limits. We talk about connection, welcoming emotions, and when to be flexible. We discuss how to be playful in limit setting, figure out the right supports your kid needs to meet your expectation, and also when to recognize that your limit isn't realistic for your child in this phase. We also get to benefit from the long term view of Sarah as a parent who's kids are late teens and early 20s – so much of responsive parenting is the long term, and Ihope you love hearing this perspective from her.About Sarah RosensweetSarah Rosensweet is a certified peaceful parenting coach, speaker, and educator and the founder of Reimagine Peaceful Parenting. She lives in Toronto with her husband and her 17 year old daughter. Her 20 and 23 year old sons have launched. Peaceful parenting is a non-punitive, connection-based approach that uses firm limits with lots of empathy. Sarah works one-on-one virtually with parents all over the world to help them go from frustrated and overwhelmed to, “We've got this!”Read more at: www.reimaginepeacefulparenting.com  or listen to her top-rated parenting podcast, The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts!Connect with SarahWebsite: https://reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/IG: @sarahrosensweetConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Bedtime is a tricky time for babies and toddlers and also for us parents. After a long day, your cope is likely low and you are ready for some down time. If bedtimes have been a struggle lately, then you are likely anticipating a frustrating experience. In this episode I'm sharing some tips to help you reset your mindset and emotional capacity headed into bedtime. I'm also explaining how your mindset can be a contributing factor to how bedtime unfolds.Resources related to this episodeCheck out my blog post on what to do when you are dreading bedtimes:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/dreading-bedtimeConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Bedtime routines are a great way to support better sleep for your little, but did you know your whole evening flow affects their sleep? In this episode I'm sharing some tips for how to move through your evening for a smoother bedtime. First, I highlight 2 really common mistakes I see that can make bedtime more challenging. Then I walk you through 3 steps that set you up for a more peaceful bedtime. First your little needs to get their wiggles out, then you need to calm things down a bit, then you can move into your bedtime routine. Since all kids are different, some may need more activity and some may need a longer period of calm – don't be afraid to experiment a bit.Connect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

The research on sleep training has many limitations that are often not discussed in mainstream narratives around sleep training. In this episode I'm joined by Jess of the infant sleep scientist, to talk about sleep training research. We discuss the challenges in reading research, and how sleep training research has historically been very separate from other important areas like attachment, development, and sleep science. We dig into what the research says about sleep training safety and effectiveness and talk about what the research says and doesn't say. We also discuss how research is important but your instincts as a parent do not need to be validated by the research. They are valid, powerful, and important no matter what the research says.About JessDr Jessica Guy has a PhD in developmental psychology and is a certified Infant and Family Sleep Specialist, and has 14 years combined research and professional experience in sleep, infant and child development, and parent support and education.Jess is passionate about breaking down the science when it comes to all things sleep and development so parents are empowered to make informed decisions in alignment with their values.Connect with Hollie and Birth BootcampIG: @infantsleepscientist Website: www.infantsleepscientist.comEmail: jess@infantsleepscientist.comResources related to this episodeCheck out my blog post critiquing sleep training research:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2022/5/5/sleep-training-research-unpacking-sleep-training-cultureConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Independent sleep isn't inherently something young children can do, and yet it is one of the most common goals parents have for their baby or toddler. That tension between expectation and capability can lead to a lot of stress and frustration. In this episode I'm digging into what it means to work towards independent sleep. I discuss how independent sleep goals can look different from family to family. I contextualize independent sleep within the developmental and biological norms and explain just how much variation there is in children's capabilities. I hope this episode helps you to see the big picture when it comes to independent sleep and feel confident in your own child's best path and timeline.Connect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Birth is the transition into parenthood, and your birth story affects your early parenting experience. In this episode, I'm joined by Jaely Turner, a Perinatal Educator, Birth Story Listener, and doula, to talk about the power in our birth stories. We discuss why birth stories matter, the importance of integrating our birth story, and how carrying that story forward without holding space for it can have a negative impact. We also expand this idea to cover the whole journey from fertility stories to postpartum and lactation stories. Jaely also shares how birth story medicine is different from processing with a therapist, and how both can be valuable.About JaelyJaely Turner (she/her) is a Mom of 2 based in Northern Virginia.  She is a Perinatal Educator, Birth Story Listener, Full Spectrum Doula, & owner of Our Village Circle Birth Services, whose mission is to create a space of authenticity & elevate the voices of parents and professionals alike, to demystify the realities of new parenthood.  Jaely understands, on a visceral level, that with the joy of your new human also comes every other emotion under the sun, and aims to help her clients feel seen, heard, known, and held in this life-altering stage.  She wholeheartedly believes that everyone's story has something powerful to offer others as they navigate their own journey.Connect with JaelySchedule a Birth Story Medicine session with Jaely: www.ourvillagecircle.com/birthstory Signature Online Course: Preparing for a Smooth Postpartum:www.ourvillagecircle.com/webinarWebsite: www.ourvillagecircle.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/ourvillagecircle/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourvillagecircleConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

What does it mean to support healthy sleep for your baby or toddler? In this episode I'm unpacking the definition of healthy sleep. In the US, our definition of healthy sleep is very narrow and focused around independent sleep. I'm sharing how this narrow definition affects sleep goals, and what babies, toddlers, and all humans really need for healthy sleep.Resources related to this episodeCheck out my related blog post about what babies need for healthy sleep:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/what-babies-need-to-sleepConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Your postpartum experience matters. In this episode, I'm joined by Hollie Hauptly, doula, Childbirth Educator, and CEO of Birth Boot Camp. Our conversation focuses on what to expect in the 4th trimester and how best to support yourself. We talk about what the 4th trimester is, and why your postpartum experience matters. We discuss realistic expectations around baby care, expectations around the birthing parents physical, mental, and emotional experience, and differences in partners early parenting experience. Whether you are pregnant, have a newborn at home, or are thinking ahead to a future baby, I hope this episode gives you some insight and tips for a positive postpartum experience. And if neither of those options are you, then be sure to share with a friend who needs to hear this conversation.About HollieHollie began her journey as a doula and childbirth educator in 2010 after the birth of her first child. Her first birth lit a light in her that nothing else had and completely changed the course of her life. She completely changed career paths and signed up for a doula training just months later. She joined Birth Boot Camp in 2013 and is now the owner and CEO of Birth Boot Camp . Hollie has four amazing kids, delivered both in and out-of-hospital with midwives.She is married to an amazing prenatal and pediatric chiropractor. Their lives and careers revolve around pregnancy and birth on a daily basis. Hollie also has a B.S. and M. Ed. In Education.When she's not working on projects for Birth Boot Camp or working with her own birth clients, Hollie loves to read! Her nightstand constantly has a stack of books she's working her way through and she's always listening to an audiobook when she can. She also enjoys sewing and quilting, playing D&D and board games with her family and friends, and hanging out with her husband.Connect with Hollie and Birth Bootcampwww.birthbootcamp.com https://classes.birthbootcamp.com/your-birth-plan-blueprinthttps://www.facebook.com/BirthBootCamphttps://www.instagram.com/birthbootcamp/www.birthbootcamp.com/podcastResources related to this episodeCheck out this blog on normal newborn sleep expectations:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2021/3/30/normal-newborn-sleep-whats-going-on-in-the-4th-trimesterConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

I hear this popular phrase a lot – that sleep begets more sleep. It brings your focus to always encouraging longer naps, longer nighttime sleep, and that lack of sleep is always the reason sleep is tricky. In this episode I'm debunking this myth. Assuming your baby always needs more sleep can actually make sleep worse. I walk you through the idea that babies (and all humans) only need so much sleep in 24 hours, when more sleep is helpful, and when more sleep is not helpful.Resources related to this episodeCheck out more info about sleep totals in this blog post:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2018/7/6/developmentally-appropriate-sleep-expectations-birth-to-age-5Connect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

The questions ‘are contact naps ok?' and ‘are contact naps creating bad habits?' come up a lot with new parents. There's such a narrow definition of acceptable, healthy naps, that it's easy to feel guilty and stressed over a baby who does better contact napping. In this episode, I'm answering this question. I'm sharing why contact naps are healthy, normal, and a great parenting tool. Enjoy those baby snuggles!Resources related to this episodeCheck out my blog on contact naps for more tips: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2021/7/9/lets-talk-contact-napsConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Weaning is such a big step in a nursing journey, and often there isn't much support and space to explore the weaning process. In this episode, I'm joined by Katy Baker-Cohen, an IBCLC with a special love of supporting parents on their weaning journey. Our conversation focuses on the experience of choosing to wean an established nursing relationship. We talk about the decision to wean and the emotions that surround this part of the nursing journey. We explore the relationship between weaning decisions and sleep and how interconnected these aspects of parenting often are. For many parents, the decision to wean interacts with the ways a parent supports sleep, from complete weaning to small steps to create limits around nursing. From our shared love of supporting the weaning process, we both hope this episode helps you see more seen, validated, and supported.About KatyKaty Baker-Cohen, she/her, lives with her husband and children, Adam (11) and Aida “IDA” (7) in Philadelphia. After becoming a nurse in 2010 Katy worked for 4 years on an inpatient oncology floor.  Katy then followed her dream of supporting families and for the last 10 years, Katy has been a nurse home visitor with The Philadelphia Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) supporting first time parents from pregnancy until child's second birthday. With a cohort of fellow NFP nurses, Katy became an IBCLC in 2017. Katy has a small lactation private practice, Crescent Lactation Care, where she offers in-home and virtual visits, a weekly lactation support group and a monthly weaning support session.Connect with KatyWebsite: https://www.crescentlactationcare.com/Turning Leaves, weaning support session sign up: https://www.crescentlactationcare.com/turning-leavesWeaning blog post: https://www.crescentlactationcare.com/crescent-lactation-blog/weaningIG: @crescentlactationcareResources related to this episodeYou may find my 2 blog posts on night weaning helpful….Considering night weaning: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/ready-for-night-weaningStrategies for night weaning: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/how-to-night-weanConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

We live in a sleep training culture, and that means we hear a lot of promises around the magic of sleep training. It's safe, effective, and will definitely fix your baby's sleep quickly! There's much more complexity to what the research actually says about sleep training, however, and much of what we commonly hear is full of false promises. In this episode, I'm sharing reflections around the idea that sleep training guarantees quick fixes to sleep. Even when parents don't want to sleep train, I see them grappling with this false promise, and it's exhausting.Resources related to this episodeDig into the history of sleep training more in this blog: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/history-of-sleep-trainingDive into the research around sleep training more in this blog:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2022/5/5/sleep-training-research-unpacking-sleep-training-cultureConnect with KimGrab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim:https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dcFacebook:  facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc