Lies, lies, and more lies.
Whether myths, misconceptions, misinformation, here are some false narratives I hear about sleep training:
YOUR BABY WILL START SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT WHEN THEY ARE READY
Sorry, but this is not always the case.
I have parents come to me who haven’t had a full night of sleep after two, three, four years.
Of course. This could happen IF the puzzle pieces that contribute to sleep are in place.
For some parents, they have been proactive in placing these puzzle pieces either on their own or with the guidance of a sleep consultant. For others, they have done so without even realizing it.
BUT if your baby is struggling with sleep, this most likely is not the case for them. There are several different factors to evaluate that contribute to their sleep. They have no control over their sleep environment, when you decide to put them down for sleep, etc.
SLEEP TRAINING MEANS CRY IT OUT (CIO)
When it comes to sleep training, you’ve got options! Sleep training does not equate to CIO like people often think.
Yes. CIO or extinction is ONE option when it comes to how you will or will not respond when helping your baby with the ability to fall asleep and connect sleep cycles more calmly, easily, contently. However, rarely will I suggest that a family starts there.
Sleep training methods range from no involvement to moderate involvement to high involvement.
From my experience, my favorite options fall under moderate involvement. And here’s why:
Parents get to be responsive which often makes everyone involved feel more at ease.
They often end in amazing results within a week if not a few days.
The amount of tears shed typically dissipates within a couple of days.
But honestly? No matter which level of involvement that you choose, there is no one right way to sleep train. It’s gonna depend on several factors.
YOU WILL RUIN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILD IF YOU SLEEP TRAIN
No! I see the exact opposite.
First, sleep training, if done effectively, provides your child with a sense of security as they know what to expect from you rather than random, inconsistent responses. The best way to ensure this is to make sure you create a solid Sleep Plan prior to beginning the process.
Second, everyone sleeps more! Solid sleep leads to better regulation of emotions. Aka? Less irritability, snapping, foggy mind for you. And a happier child. How does that ruin a relationship?!
Third, for many parents, especially moms, they feel connected to their child for the very first time once no longer sleep deprived.
YOU MUST GET RID OF NIGHT FEEDINGS, THUS, IGNORING YOUR BABY'S HUNGER
FALSE! This is just plain misinformation coming from someone who does not understand sleep training. You can absolutely take into consideration whether or not you want to drop night feedings. And if not? Then we figure out how to strategically sleep train while keeping in mind feedings and include those guidelines in your Sleep Plan.
YOU ARE SELFISH FOR EVEN THINKING ABOUT SLEEP TRAINING
Sleep is a basic need! For your child. For your family. For you.
Regardless if you choose to sleep train for a reason directly related to your child or directly related to you, it is not selfish to aim for a basic need. Of course, not to mention everything shared above!
If you are either considering or are ready to start sleep training, check out my free webinar, The 3 Key Factors to Successful Sleep Training. For more information and to register, visit www.afterthestorksleep.com/success. And if you want to speak directly with me? You can schedule a free 15-minute discovery session at www.afterthestorksleep.com/bookonline.