There are a variety of ways we can approach and resolve matters associated with sleep disruptions. But in many years of my work I have noticed parents often hesitate at the thought of having to ask for help regarding problems with sleep. From the tremendous amount of misinformation that’s floating out there to pressure and judgment, parents often feel very overwhelmed in their need to find balance and perspective and yet the expectations they are facing regarding their parenting are exaggerated and unrealistic.

In the same way a mother can reach out to a lactation specialist for help with breastfeeding, any parent should feel free to ask for help with sleep matters.

Every child is different but we know enough about the science behind sleep and sleep associations to be able to incorporate high quality sleep in our children's lives and we certainly shouldn’t feel bad about asking for help with it. Sleep training also does not traumatize your child.

The concept of sleep training being used as a way of making your baby sleep is also very misleading. The idea is to make every aspect of bed time more welcoming, less stressful and genuinely positive. In many ways sleep training is more about making your baby happy and content about bedtime routines and independent falling asleep.