Q: Will my baby have to cry it out?
A: Please rest assured: there is no need to leave your baby to “cry it out” in order to help them achieve more independent and consolidated sleep. Each family will end up with a different plan and guidance based on their priorities, goals, dynamics, and parenting intuitions.
Q: OK so my baby doesn’t have to cry it out… but does s/he have to cry?
A: Most likely your child will cry… and we will welcome and honour those cries. From babyhood to adulthood I endorse an “all emotions welcome here” style of parenting. In my field of child development, we are far more concerned about a baby who doesn’t cry than one who does. Crying is communication for these little humans.
Q: Can my health benefits cover your services?
A: Occupational Therapy is a registered and regulated health service that is covered by a few extended health benefits in BC and other provinces in Canada. Please check with your health care provider directly.
Q: Will we have to stick to a strict routine and not leave the house for two weeks?
A: Nope! I find that model to be challenging for parents and, quite frankly, unnecessary. While we’re changing sleep habits I certainly recommend aiming for consistency, but we are humans who need fresh air, friends, and perspective. I believe in flexibility. That said, I do also recommend not partaking in any major trips or vacations in the first 3 weeks after starting a program with me.
Q: Will we have to get rid of my child’s pacifier?
A: Not necessarily, nope! If it’s not a problem for you, it’s not a problem.
Q: We wish to continue co-sleeping but want to achieve more consolidated sleep. Will you work with co-sleeping families?
A: Absolutely! There is certainly a way to improve sleep and promote healthy development while bed sharing!
Q: Do you have a Facebook group that we can join for follow-up support?
A: At this time I have chosen to keep my services off of social media. I set these boundaries for personal reasons as well as professional ones; I do not want to contribute to the large and overwhelming volume of information that is already available on these platforms. I endeavor to one day have a community-style platform for follow up support and will update all of my families when that day comes:)
Q: Do you use an attachment-based practice?
A: Yes. Always. I am well-versed on attachment theory and attachment based interventions. It is a true passion of mine and I’ve been able to witness the heart-glowing effects of implementing attachment-based parenting strategies time and time again. I also feel strongly about distinguishing attachment-based parenting from “martyr-style” parenting, and find that sleep is one of the best platforms to address this. We do not have to sacrifice our own sleep, happiness, and individuality in order to foster positive attachment between ourselves and our children. In this sense we can have it all, and I can show you how.