Tracey Ruiz, The Sleep Doula and a regular voice here at Wee Welcome, will be hosting a webinar called The A, B, Zzz's of Sleep Training Minus the Guilt. To register, click here.   

Let's talk about sleep deprivation - should we just accept it?

I don't think you have to accept sleep deprivation; it does depend on how you are coping. When you have a child less than four months of age, you do have to do your best to survive their nightly waking but to counteract that you should be seeking more support so survival mode doesn't turn into zombie mode. If people had more community support they wouldn’t have to suffer as much as they do.

Sleep deprivation can effect all areas of your life and your child's life, especially your mental health, and you have to decide where sleep is as a priority and make the necessary adjustments.

When is it appropriate to begin to influence your child's sleep patterns?

In some ways you can begin to influence your child’s sleep patterns right from the beginning. You can start by introducing small routines so they understand the difference between day and night. But the earliest you can begin to use sleep modification techniques is four months of age. Before you do this, you should speak with your child’s doctor or caregiver to see if this is the best time for you and your child to modify their behaviours.

Why did you begin to focus your work on sleep problems and babies?

I suffered myself with my children, I didn’t have family close by and when you are in that situation you struggle more than others do. I recognized that this is where the support was needed and that I could help with the knowledge that I have gained being a Doula. I started out as a Postpartum Doula but would help parents with a lot of sleep issues. It just grew from there through word of mouth!

What does sleeping through the night mean? Is there a typical age when this begins to happen?

Sleeping through the night means different things to different people: it may only mean 4 hours but it can mean 12 hours to some. Regardless of the length of time it really means that the child has the ability to self-soothe. I would say five to seven months is when your expectations can start and that by 9 months the majority of children should have learned this ability. But it does take two – the child and the family. It is learning on both sides.

What is your number one tip for getting a better night sleep with your baby?

Have confidence in both your child's ability and yours and try not to use food as the only tool to get them to sleep. Always put one more step between feeding and putting baby down to sleep, such as a diaper change. This is something you can start from the beginning. Lastly, parent with your heart. What is right for one parent and child may not be right for another. If you parent from the heart you won't have regrets.

For more information about The Sleep Doula services click here.

To register for the webinar, click here.