Feeling overloaded with all the conflicting information and views about sleep?
Are you in “analysis paralysis”? Feeling overwhelmed and unable to find a clear direction?
Well, you are not alone!
WHY IS THERE SO MUCH CONFLICTING ADVICE?
There are a few reasons why there is so much confusing information about baby sleep.
One reason is that every baby is different and what works for one baby may not work for another. In addition to this, there are many factors that can affect a baby’s sleep patterns, such as age, developmental stage, temperament, and health issues. This makes a one-size-fits-all approach to children’s sleep non-effective. Worse it can leave children confused and parents feeling like they have failed.
Another reason is the different approaches. Some parents prefer a more gentle “attachment style” approach, while others prefer a more structured “cry it out” approach. These different approaches can lead to conflicting information and advice, making it difficult for parents to know which to choose or what to do.
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
The good, and bad news, is that research around baby sleep is still ongoing, and there is still much we don’t know about sleep. It’s essential for parents to trust their instincts when it comes to their baby’s sleep. If you think your baby is unwell, take them to your GP for a review. Sometimes babies will go through developmental leaps that make it harder for them to sleep.
DON’T TRUST THE “EXPERTS”.
There are many companies willing to exploit vulnerable families, who are sleep deprived and anxious to get this right. They will profess to be “Experts” in children’s sleep. But did you know that the word “Expert” will never be used by a health care professional that does have skills and experience specifically around children and sleep? Why – because those that have been educated at a university level around sleep and child development, recognise that the parent is the only “expert” in their child’s needs. Any healthcare professional that is looking after you and your child will ask your opinion because you spend so much time with the child that your knowledge is invaluable.
Also – health care professionals registration (the body that maintains ethical and training practices) restricts us from using the word “expert”. We can use words like …..” 25 years of working with families”, or “registered midwife, child and maternal health nurse”, this tells families the exact qualifications with no ambiguity. However social media makes things really confusing for parents, with people professing to be experts.
SO IN CONCLUSION, WHEN LOOKING FOR HELP WITH YOUR CHILD’S SLEEP:
1. Look for someone who is educated, and experienced in children’s developmental needs and understanding of children’s growing and changing health needs. Amanda is a Registered Nurse, Midwife, Child and Maternal health nurse and Paediatric continence nurse. She has worked with families around sleep and development for the past 25 years.
2. Look for a provider whose philosophy of care aligns with your own. Don’t be led down a pathway or plan of care that makes you uncomfortable or goes against your instincts as a parent (you have these instincts for a reason – don’t ignore them). Call the service and ask for some more information before making a decision. Amanda uses a gentle transition approach that puts the parent-infant attachment first. Her approach helps both the parent and child feel safe so that a new skill can be learned without too much distress for either.
3. If possible, find someone local who can meet with your family face-to-face so that you can really talk and get a feel for what you want and need from their support. If face to face is not possible ask if it is possible to do Telehealth.
WHY DID I START THRIVING FAMILIES?
Thriving Families was originally started as there was no support for local families with sleep issues. Families needed to travel to Brisbane to get help or use expensive services from other areas or Telehealth services. I wanted to help local families find trusted and reliable information so they could enjoy the early years with their children and not feel the anxiety around sleep and settling.
My philosophy has always been to work with parent/child attachment. Promote strong parent/child bonds to improve the children’s overall health and development in a physiologically and physically safe environment.
This is why I often will still talk with families years after our initial consult to support and measure them for the wonderful job they are doing raising their families. I believe in the power of community and the need for a village to raise our children.
Over the years we have added “continence” and “pre and post-natal-care” services to continue to support the families in our local area.
GETTING HELP FOR SLEEP.
If you would like help to cut through the overload of information, to find a clear plan that will help work with your family, all in the comfort of your own home, contact Amanda at Amanda@thrivingfamilies.net.au to make a time for a discovery call today.