Transforming Bedtime for Steph, Mum to Abi & Wyatt
Steph mum to Abi (3y) & Wyatt (9m)
Background
Steph, a mother of two—3-year-old Abi and 9-month-old Wyatt—was facing significant challenges with bedtime and night-time sleep. Abi had always struggled with sleep, requiring lengthy bedtime routines that included being read to until she fell asleep on Steph, co-sleeping out of necessity, and often sneaking into her parents' bed during the night. Wyatt, on the other hand, was waking every two hours for feeds and only fell asleep while feeding, leaving Steph exhausted and without any evening downtime.
Challenges
- Abi (3 Years Old):
- Depended on extended bedtime routines, including being read to sleep.
- Co-sleeping due to sleep deprivation and night-time disruptions.
- Frequently sneaking into her parents' bed during the night.
- Wyatt (9 Months Old):
- Woke every two hours for night feeds.
- Relied on feeding to fall asleep, preventing self-settling.
Approach
I provided Steph with tailored strategies to address each child's sleep issues. For Abi, I recommended establishing a consistent bedtime routine that promoted independence, eliminating the need for prolonged bedtime rituals and co-sleeping. Techniques were also introduced to stop Abi's night-time bed visits.
For Wyatt, I guided Steph in gradually reducing night feeds and teaching Wyatt to self-settle, helping him to dissociate feeding from sleep and learn to fall asleep independently.
Results
- Abi (3 Years Old):
- Now falls asleep independently within five minutes, without requiring prolonged bedtime routines.
- Sleeps through the night without waking or sneaking into her parents' bed.
- Wyatt (9 Months Old):
- Has stopped waking for night feeds and learned to self-settle with minimal assistance.
- Steph now enjoys restful evenings, knowing both children are sleeping soundly.
What Steph had to say:
Changed my life completely!!!!!! I dreaded the bed time routine as I knew they both struggled to sleep. I have two bubbas who were having trouble sleeping. My 3 year old has always struggled, we always thought it was normal. Jess changed everything for us!!!! She got me away from reading book after book until she fell asleep on me, co-sleeping when I needed sleep and her sneaky ninja jumped into our bed in the middle of the night. Now she happily goes to sleep within 5 minutes, no fuss or anything!!! She is also sleeping through the night
My 9 month old was waking every two or so hours for a feed and would only feed to sleep. Now he self settles himself with very little help from us and no feeds during the night. Now I look forward to bed time knowing that my bubbas are getting restful sleep and I have my night back from 7:30pm!!!!
Jess you are amazing, you are my guru for all things sleep. You gave me the support and confidence to help my two bubbas to self settle and get restful sleep. You were always a text or call away when I needed to know what to do, and replied so quickly. Can never thank you enough for what you did for my entire family's sleep needs!!
Conclusion:
Steph's experience demonstrates the power of tailored sleep strategies in transforming bedtime and night-time routines for young children. With personalised guidance, Abi and Wyatt's sleep challenges were resolved, allowing the whole family to enjoy better sleep and more restful nights.
