In my last blog, I examined how the effects of poor sleep can profoundly impact both children and parents. Building on that discussion, let’s explore what a sleep consultant does and how we can support families in overcoming these challenges. When I tell people that I’m a sleep consultant, I often receive puzzled looks or the response, “I wish they were around when I had children.” As a parent of three now-adult children, I understand the sleepless nights, the struggles to establish routines, and the overwhelming desire to do what’s best for your little ones. I know many families who could have benefited from the support of a sleep consultant during those challenging early years.
So, what exactly is a sleep consultant? In this blog, I will explore what you can expect from a sleep consultant and how we can help your family achieve better sleep.
What to Expect from a Sleep Consultant
In the world of sleep consultancy, various approaches exist, making it essential to find a consultant whose methods align with your family’s needs. Just as you would choose a physiotherapist or a coffee shop, each consultant has their unique philosophy. At Little Dreams, we focus on gentle and effective strategies that respect your parenting style and foster a positive sleep environment. Our consultants are trained through the UK’s first and only accredited sleep consultancy course, ensuring they are equipped with evidence-based techniques and compassionate support tailored to your family’s requirements.
One of the most common questions parents face is, “Are you getting any sleep?” Unfortunately, many respond with a heartfelt “no.” While this lack of sleep is often viewed as a rite of passage, it doesn’t have to be that way. Many parents are beginning to realise that support is available, and all they need to do is ask for help.
At Little Dreams, our consultants bring together evidence-based methods, personal experience, and compassion. Many of us have been in your shoes and understand the struggles firsthand. Here’s what you can expect when you reach out for our support:
Evidence led
All our approaches are based on evidence. This means that it isn’t just that someone tried it once, and it worked, but there is often a scientific backing. This is embedded within our initial training, but also an ongoing program refreshed information. We can therefore give families current and up to date support and insight.
Bespoke
Every one of the plans we produce is individual to a family. No two families are the same and therefore it is really important to us that we develop a plan and approach that works both for improving sleep, but also in a way that you feel comfortable with. The plans are developed using an initial assessment, providing information about the child’s sleep pattern, but also their daily activities as these can all impact sleep. A this information supports the development of a tailor-made plan which is discussed in a consultation session. Once families start implementing their plan, we then provide both email and telephone support to help celebrate changes or provide tweaks to plans where further work in needed.
Breastfeeding friendly
There are a lot of myths around breastfeeding and formula, with some feeling the solution to sleep is to stop breastfeeding. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Little Dreams have worked with many families who have achieved amazing outcomes whilst continuing their breastfeeding journey.
Seeking help from a sleep consultant can be a transformative step for your family. If you’re struggling with sleep issues or simply want to ensure your child develops healthy sleep habits, I encourage you to reach out for support. Together, we can navigate the journey to better sleep for you and your little ones.
Here at Little Dreams we’re accredited by the APSC Home – Association of Professional Sleep Consultants.
