A family’s sleep habits are a very personal and private matter. It always surprises me when I hear people openly question new parents about their sleep setup or if their baby is sleeping through the night yet. More often than not, this is quickly followed with advice that is not based on any scientific research whatsoever.
There are no good or bad babies and it should not be a parent’s ultimate goal to have a small baby that sleeps through the night. These are not measures of success or brilliant parenting. Just as every family is unique, each baby is different and has its own specific needs. They should be treated as such and that is exactly what I do.
I am a certified holistic sleep consultant trained in promoting gentle, no-cry solutions which are age and developmentally appropriate. I work only with evidence-based sleep strategies which are protective of infant and child mental health and attachment.
I work alongside parents and aim to inform and empower them. The early years are often so challenging but can be equally rewarding when parents feel supported. I am currently training as a lactation counselor and can offer breastfeeding support as well as advise on safe co-sleeping.
I am an advocate of respectful and responsive parenting and I practice this with my own children. I do not offer or support CIO (cry-it-out) methods or modifications of CIO. However, I do have experience in helping families who have tried CIO, revert to a more gentle and responsive approach in order to improve their baby’s sleep and rebuild attachment and confidence.
“Don’t stand unmoving outside the door of a crying baby whose only desire is to touch you. Go to your baby. Go to your baby a million times. Demonstrate that people can be trusted, that the environment can be trusted, that we live in a benign universe.”
Peggy O’Mara
If you are struggling with your child’s sleep routines and habits or if you are simply looking for a healthy sleep start with your new baby, please feel free to reach out and learn more about how I can support you. I offer my services in both Greek and English.
– Anita