“I wish I’d asked for help sooner.” This is one of the most common things I hear from parents who have struggled with a child who doesn’t sleep, and finally found their way out the other side.
But sadly, many parents don’t reach out until they’ve been in survival mode for far too long, exhausted and running on empty.
So why is it that when sleep is such a fundamental part of our health, so many parents feel guilty, or even ashamed, about seeking help?
If your child had a medical condition, a developmental delay, or something like reflux, you wouldn’t hesitate to talk to a professional. Yet when it comes to sleep, parents often stay silent.
Why? Because sleep has become a taboo subject.
We’re bombarded with mixed messages:
“My baby slept through from six weeks.”
“You should respond to every cry instantly.”
“Prioritising your sleep is selfish.”
And with no “village” to lean on, grandparents working, families living apart, both parents juggling careers, it’s easy to feel like you should just push through on your own.
But here’s the truth: sleep matters. For your baby. And for you.
Babies aren’t just growing physically, they’re developing mentally and emotionally, too. Adequate sleep helps them:
And the same goes for you. When you’re rested, you’re calmer, more patient, and more present. You can give your best self to your family.
When we’re deprived of sleep, the opposite happens. Children become fussy, distracted, and less able to learn. Parents feel irritable, foggy, and overwhelmed. Over time, disrupted sleep raises cortisol (our stress hormone), which can lead to fatigue, anxiety, weight changes, and even depression.
Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s essential.
Here’s where the guilt comes in. Many parents feel that if they teach their child to sleep, they’ve somehow failed. But sleep is just like any other life skill.
You wouldn’t throw your child into a pool to figure out swimming. You wouldn’t hand them a bike and expect them to balance instantly. You’d guide them, step by step, with reassurance along the way.
Sleep is no different. Some babies naturally sleep well; others need a little more help. Sleep training isn’t about harsh “cry it out” methods. It doesn’t mean leaving your baby alone until morning. It’s about providing gentle tools and consistent support so your baby learns to fall asleep and stay asleep, confidently and securely.
The result? Better rest for your child, and for you. And when you’re rested, your whole family benefits.
Parents often tell me they didn’t realise just how much lack of sleep was affecting them until things finally improved. Looking back, many wonder why they waited so long.
Whatever approach you’ve chosen, co-sleeping, feeding to sleep, or responding to every wake, if it works and you’re thriving, then that’s perfect for your family.
But if you’re at the point where you know something needs to change, yet you feel stuck or overwhelmed, I can help. There’s no judgement, only support.
Together, we can create a gentle, practical plan that works for your child and your family. Imagine feeling rested, present, and patient again, and seeing your baby thrive because they’re getting the restorative sleep they need.
You don’t have to do this alone. Let me be part of your village.
Book a free 15-minute call today and let’s talk about what’s possible. Better sleep may just change your life.
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