Yes, Your Baby Can Be “Attached” and Sleep Well Too
It’s crazy that I even have to make posts like this in 2023. I thought we were past bullying and shaming moms on the internet? I thought we support women doing what’s best for their families? Hmmm…
Well, social media "influencers" are so loud with "anti sleep training" rhetoric right now it gives me a stomach ache. (I’ve even been cyber bullied for being a sleep consultant, multiple times)
Almost all of the rhetoric sets up a false dichotomy between having your baby be "attached" to you or learn how to sleep well.
Heads up…you can teach your baby healthy sleep habits AND:
bond with your baby
respond to your baby
build a secure attachment
breastfeed if that’s your desire
be flexible during illness, big life transitions, traveling
It’s NOT either/or and stop letting people tell you it is.
We are not required to let our health go down the drain from sleep deprivation out of fears that taking any steps to help our children sleep better will somehow negatively impact their attachment. That’s not a thing. Prolonged abuse and neglect hurt attachment, not laying your cherished, adored, full tummy baby in their pottery barn crib.
With all of the evidence showing the harm that sleep deprivation causes to every single system in our bodies, it’s clear: we were never meant to endure extreme prolonged sleep deprivation past that initial newborn stage where those tiny babies need feedings around the clock.
Let’s lay aside some of this heavy baggage hurting our backs and look at some solutions which will help the whole family survive and enjoy optimal health and development.
My clients feel more attached with their children after sleep improves, because they're no longer irritable and burned out by trying to parent while sleep-deprived.
Have you considered sleep coaching but have hesitated, wondering if it’s the right thing? I would love to have a zero-pressure conversation with you just to explore these thoughts - no salesy stuff. Just contact me and we'll talk!
Much love,
Sara Skiles
Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant