My Background

I'm Annette, Baby and Child Sleep Consultant. I have worked for over 20 years helping parents get the sleep they deserve and put an end to the burden of sleep deprivation.

Having trained and qualified in the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK and set up and run a specialist Sleep Clinic, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to tackling sleep issues in babies and toddlers.

My background and training in child development and psychology, nutrition and maternal mental health enables me to devise a sleep plan specific to your child's, and your family's, needs.

Any number of factors can affect sleep including how your child naps, their feeding pattern and sleep environment.  I have ‘seen it all’!  From bed hopping toddlers and early risers to frequent night feeders - the list goes on.  Trying to juggle a baby or toddler that doesn't sleep well with a busy lifestyle is exhausting and can have a considerable impact on both mental health and wellbeing.  

You can be assured that I have the skills and knowledge to support you through your seemingly impossible situation.  Sleep is a biological necessity and your family deserves the best sleep they can get.  

After moving my family to New Zealand in 2011, I set up Serene Sleep to bring my knowledge and expertise to help Kiwi families achieve better sleep.

As a working mum to three children I have experienced many of the issues you might be facing such as sleepless nights, lack of confidence in certain areas, and family and work life imbalance. Many of us are parenting without 'the village' support around us. Modern day parenting is nothing like parenting of the past.  There is so much pressure and the expectation to get everything right.    

You’ll find the solutions I suggest are practical and take into account all the pressures today’s parents face.

I'm often told by parents that I have the knack of bringing clarity to everything. They like the way I’m able to see things through their child’s eyes too. It gives them a different perspective.  Parents describe my approach as sensible, flexible and supportive and me, as a warm, positive and caring person.

Please contact me if you’d like to learn more about me and how I can help you.

How I Work

Personal Service You Can Trust

There is a lot to be said for personal service provided by someone you trust. Search the internet, read self-help books, talk to friends and you will get conflicting advice that will probably confuse you. When you consult with me, you have the confidence that I am trained and qualified. Baby and Child Sleep Consultancy is all I do, that is, apart from being a mother myself. My sole focus is you and your child. You’ll get the help you deserve. I’m as invested as you are in getting results.

On-Going Support For Reassurance

I am the only Baby and Child Sleep Consultant in New Zealand to offer 3-weeks of follow-up support as standard with any sleep package.

There are strong reasons why it’s so important to provide follow up support to parents in addition to the initial Home or Zoom video consultation. After we’ve set the sleep plan in motion, you’ll notice positive changes after just a few days, but you will need support as you all adjust to the new routine. Clients have said how reassuring it is to be able to talk to me directly when they experience any problems. It also gives me the opportunity to make small tweaks to the plan if your child isn’t responding as expected or circumstances change. 

Tailored Sleep Plans

I know from experience that a sleep plan designed specifically for your child will have far more success than a generic one. There are so many variables that can impact a child's sleep and behaviour. You’ll notice how thorough my online questionnaire is. That’s because a tailored plan takes into consideration things such as the child’s behaviour; any health conditions or difficulties; room setup; parenting style; home environment; and support networks.

A Practical, Gentle, Holistic Approach

Through many years of working with stressed parents whose children aren’t sleeping or have disruptive sleeping patterns, I’ve found that simple, practical solutions paired with a gentle and caring approach achieve the best outcomes. I also look at the bigger picture - beyond the child's sleeping - to see if factors such as sleep environment, health difficulties, nutrition or lifestyle might be having an impact.