I recently had a Zoom call with Grace Kaplan of Sleeping Gracefully to talk about all things sleep and babies! As typical with any Zoom call, we were interrupted a few times by our kiddos wanting to talk, but we still had a great conversation!
I was excited to talk to Grace because sleep training is something I do not know much about. With so many different types of sleep training options available and so many different types of parenting styles, finding someone with a wide variety and more flexible style of working with clients was key for me.
I loved hearing about how Grace really works with each parent to find the style that works for their particular family! As a doula, options are key, and I have noticed that the providers who approach each client as an individual rather than a protocol seem to be a better fit for us. And well, Grace and Sleeping Gracefully are just that!
We thought our businesses fit so well, we are excited to announce a partnership for our clients! CBW’s postpartum doulas are going to be learning how to implement the training that Grace teaches so parents can have some support during the sleep training process! We think this is going to be a game changer for tired parents across the Triangle.
Ready to learn more about Grace and Sleeping Gracefully? Let’s get into the interview!
What made you first become interested in sleep training?
I feel my best after getting a full night of rest, so naturally my world was turned upside down when my daughter was born and never slept! I also know many others can relate to this . I’d hear other parents say, “one day you’ll sleep again,” or “it’s normal, babies just don’t sleep!” Well, those answers just weren’t acceptable to this tired mama, so one day I decided that I had to take control of the situation and decided to start studying everything there is to know about baby sleep. I became obsessed with everything baby/toddler sleep related - from the science behind the sleep to the best sleep products on the market. After training my daughter to be a fabulous sleeper, I discovered that I found so much joy in helping other families figure out sleep for their children so they can get the rest that they all deserve.
How would you describe your style of sleep training?
I’m a parent helping other parents, so first and foremost I’m a coach with compassion and understanding. Sleep training is not one size fits all and there are actually several different strategies. This way each family has a personal preference for which one will suit their needs and comfort levels best. As a graduate of the Family Sleep Institute, I’m also committed to science and evidence-based sleep training which helps guide the methods I use in sleep training.
What does a typical session with you look like?
Typically I have families fill out an intake form so that I can get a full picture of the child’s sleep habits and history. We then schedule an hour long phone call where we review the intake form, talk out further what’s happening and why it matters. We also discuss sleep goals then work together on a sleep training method. I then design and write out a comprehensive and personalized sleep plan. Over the next two weeks, I’ll then work closely with the family as they put that sleep plan into action at home.
What is your biggest tip for families to encourage healthy sleep habits?
There are two big things that families can work on implementing right away:
Creating the perfect sleep environment: You want your child in a pitch black room and the temperature should be cool 68-72 degrees. Adding in some white noise is KEY! Start with a soothing bedtime routine every single night before bed. It is a great cue to your child that bedtime is near, and that it is time to start winding down. Bedtime routines can include feeding, diaper change, PJs, swaddle/sleep sack, book, song, bed! An abbreviated version of this should happen before every nap for consistency.
Independent sleep is EVERYTHING! From the first day home from the hospital you can practice independent sleep with your newborn. This may look like putting your baby down drowsy instead of completely asleep, and working toward the point where you can put him/her down completely awake. The earlier your baby learns independent sleep skills, the better. Children can be taught to fall asleep independently at any age, but I do find that the earlier you work on this skill, the easier it is!
When you aren’t working with families, where can we find you?
Well these days of course I’m staying home to help stop the spread of COVID19! My husband and I are constantly coming up with new adventures for our two-year-old daughter, and we’re excited to have a new baby on the way. Pre-Covid you could certainly find me trying out new restaurants around the Triangle, and working out at my gym which I love (and miss!). These days I am spending much more time cooking new recipes at home, baking too many sweets (hello pregnancy cravings), and trying to get myself to like at-home workouts ! A silver lining of the pandemic has definitely been creating new memories and strengthening relationships. It’s also a great time to solidify those sleep habits because we can easily keep to the routine.
Newborn Sleep Coaching Call, August 6th at 7:30pm
I am going to start hosting small group sleep coaching sessions over Zoom for different age groups. The first group coaching session will be all about NEWBORNS! This call will be a great fit for parents expecting a new baby soon, and for parents who currently have newborns ages 0-3 months.
I’ll go over everything you need to know about healthy sleep habits during the newborn period. These group sessions will allow me to keep costs low for families. Space will be very limited as I want to make sure to have time for individual questions at the end of the session.
