From Anxious to Empowered: Returning to work

As a parent, the thought of your baby not sleeping well can feel overwhelming, especially when big changes like returning to work are on the horizon. Many parents find themselves in a similar situation to Melissa, who reached out to me feeling anxious about her 4 month old, Luna.

Luna was used to being fed or rocked to sleep for every nap and bedtime. Melissa couldn't imagine how Luna would ever fall asleep without these comforting routines. With her return to work just a few months away and Luna preparing for in-home care, Melissa was understandably stressed about how her little one would cope without her constant assistance when it came to sleep time. This worry was really chipping away at her confidence.

Luna's days typically started at 6am, followed by four 40-60 minute naps, and then bedtime between 7.30 and 8pm. Melissa's goal was to gain confidence in navigating this stage, not just for Luna's sleep, but for her own peace of mind as she transitioned back to work.

At 4 months, Luna was also breastfeeding every 2-3 hours and experiencing quite a bit of spilling/spit-up. Melissa had already checked with their GP, thankfully ruling out any underlying medical concerns. What Melissa desperately needed was a practical solution to help Luna sleep more independently and confidently.

I was happy to offer a Day Consult that very week, allowing me to visit Melissa and Luna right in their home at nap time. During my visit, I was pleased to see Luna was already using a sleepsack for naps and nights. This is a wonderful choice for safe sleep, as it keeps babies warm without loose blankets and creates a consistent sleep association that any caregiver can replicate. (It's also the safest option for babies like Luna who are confidently rolling, as it allows their arms to be free, unlike a swaddle.)

We immediately made a few adjustments to Luna's sleep environment:

• Darkening the room: A truly dark room helps babies produce melatonin (a sleep hormone) which is crucial for longer, more restorative sleep. A dark space also prevents distraction, which can keep some babies entertained instead of sleeping!

• Introducing 50dB white noise: Consistent white noise can mask household sounds and provide a soothing, womb-like environment that helps babies fall and stay asleep.

  
  

We also discussed adjusting Luna's feeding schedule. For a 4 month old, spacing breastfeeds out to every 4 hours can sometimes help with spit-up, and it also allows for more consistent sleep periods between feeds. Combining this with an age-appropriate routine/schedule helped ensure Luna wasn't overtired, which can lead to a whole lot of fussiness and often make night sleep worse.

Most importantly, Melissa was ready to gently guide Luna away from being fed and rocked to sleep. Teaching Luna to self-settle was key to giving Melissa the confidence she needed for her return to work. We worked collaboratively, with me guiding Melissa through an in-the-room settling technique. This approach allowed Melissa to support Luna and help her learn a new way to fall asleep, all while feeling secure in her cot.

I was so impressed by how quickly Melissa and Luna embraced these changes! By the time I left their home, Luna was already taking her first 2 hour nap since her newborn days! Melissa now felt equipped with multiple options and backup plans, empowering her to confidently support Luna's sleep.

Within just five days, Luna was happily self-settling for her long midday nap and at bedtime. Melissa chose to continue assisting Luna's other naps by using the pram, which allowed her to enjoy walks and get out of the house without feeling tied down by sleep training all day long.

This is what I love most about my work: empowering parents with flexible options that truly suit their ideal day. My goal is always to tailor a sleep plan to your individual family's needs, boosting your confidence so you and your little one can thrive.

If Luna and Melissa's story resonates with you, and you're feeling overwhelmed by your little one's sleep, I'm here to help. I offer personalised in-home sleep consultations for families in the Manawatū area, providing hands-on support right where you need it most. For families located anywhere else in the world, I also offer convenient and effective video consultations. Let's connect and create a tailored sleep plan that leaves your anxiety about sleep in the past.

Much Love,

Laura Peacey

Infant and Child Sleep Consultant, based in Palmerston North.

Email me anytime! hello@peaceysleep.co.nz