FAQs
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Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to get rid of the pacifier?
No, we can incorporate a pacifier into your child’s sleep plan if you’d like to keep it.
Do I need to leave my baby to cry for long periods of time?
No. The gentle sleep program does not entail leaving your baby alone in their room to “cry it out”. There is some crying, naturally, as that is the first way that babies learn to communicate, however, you are there to support your child while they learn this new skill. As with any new skill (riding a bike, putting on their own shoes) there is likely to be some frustration and crying while they get the hang of it.
I'm still breastfeeding - can I sleep train my baby?
Yes, absolutely! During our initial consultation, we will discuss your child’s feeding patterns, weight gain, and behavior, as well as your lactation history and make a plan that will support your milk supply as we teach your child to sleep through the night.
How long does it take to see results?
Typically, most children begin falling asleep independently and sleeping through the night within 2-3 weeks.
The Basics
The Gentle Sleep Coach Program is the first and most extensive professional sleep coach training and certification program available. The program involves over 80 hours of training with a faculty panel that includes 2 medical doctors, a psychologist, an attorney, lactation counselor, postpartum doulas and a family therapist. Each coach must pass an exam and participate in case mentorship with Kim West, LCSW-C (a.k.a. “the Sleep Lady”) who has been helping tired parents for over 20 years. Clinical mentorship and ongoing advanced training are required to maintain certification as a Gentle Sleep Coach. Some of my training topics included:
– Basic counseling and child development
– Sleep science and behavioral modification techniques to help parents of children age 0 to 6 years old.
– Secure attachment theory
– Support for the breastfeeding mother
The training also consisted of lectures from top specialists, including:
– Postpartum Depression from Dr. Shoshana Bennett, author and leading specialist on Postpartum Depression
– Medical Conditions and Sleep Apnea in Children led by Dr. Lewis Kass, Director of Children’s Sleep Center
– GERD and Sleep led by Dr. Anthony Loizides, pediatric gastroenterologist
0-5 Month Old Training
The GSC Program also includes an exclusive advanced training specifically focused on how to gently work with babies 0-5 months of age.
Some of the curriculum training topics include:
- In-depth knowledge of the importance of attachment and infant mental health
- The sleep science behind the first six months of life
- What special considerations need to be taken when working with and supporting families during this delicate period.
- Specialized instruction on how to evaluate families in the first six months
- Guidance on how to assess when the baby is ready for sleep coaching based on current research and evidence-based strategies
- Review of gentle sleep solutions and strategies that are developmentally appropriate, breastfeeding and attachment friendly and promote a solid foundation for sleep learning and long-term healthy sleep patterns.
This specialty training is designed to give Gentle Sleep Coaches the knowledge, education and all the tools and resources they need to successfully work with families of newborns through 5 months of age in a safe, healthy and developmentally appropriate manner.