Heather Irvine, CLE & Kim West, LCSW-C , The Sleep Lady – Gentle Sleep...

� � Newborn Sleep

� Infant Sleep Patterns � Helpful Sleep Tips for your Family

� Support Resources

Workshop Overview


� � Bond with your Baby

� Rest & Healing for Mom � Sleep will come in waves during this

time

The Early Months


� � Newborns will sleep between 13-16

hours a day � Sleep is purposeful for your baby. � Newborns will wake up frequently &

are easily awakened (day & night) � Sleep cycles are short, so its normal for

them to wake every 1-2 hours

Newborn Sleep


� � Waking may be essential to survival

(feeding, breathing, illness, warmth) � Excessive waking can signal an

important need for baby. � Ineffective feedings � Illness or injury � Result of physiological immaturity

Reasons for Waking


� Age Average # of times babies wake

between 10pm – 6 am

1 month 3 – 4 times

2 months 2 – 3 times

4 months 1 – 2 times

6 months 0 – 1 time

Average Times Babies Wake At Night

Source: *UC Davis Human Lactation Center


� � Newborns babies sleep 13-14 hours a day � Around 6-8 weeks of age - night time sleep

may lengthen � At 3 months sleep patterns become more

predictable � Nap organization happens around 4-6

months (maybe longer for some babies)

Sleep Develops Over Time


� � Follow Your Baby’s Lead � Feed when hungry day & night � Your baby will go through several growth

spurts during this time � Feeding is essential to your child’s well

being � Consult your doctor or lactation specialist

The Importance of Feeding & How It Impacts Your Baby’s Sleep


� � Rice Cereal � Formula

� Stretching out Feeds � Breastfeeding babies don’t sleep well

� Skipping naps will not cause your baby to sleep longer at night

Feeding & Sleep Myths


�

Tips for Better Sleep in the Early Months


�

Back to Sleep “Tummy to Play”


� � Responding to your baby will build trust &

healthy attachment � Can result in baby getting to sleep quicker

Its Important to Meet Your Baby’s Needs


� � The Womb Environment

� Rocking � Bouncing � Nursing

� Baby Wearing � Massage � Sucking

� Take baby for walk

Soothing


� � Have a nice flow to your day � Encourages predictability and can aid

in better sleep. � Don’t get caught up in rigid routines � Try doing things in the same order

before sleep

Establish Consistent & Flexible Routines


� � Yawning � Rubbing Eyes � Zoning out � Mild Fussiness � Get your baby to sleep when you see

they are tired

Learn Your Baby’s Sleepy Cues


� � Put your baby down for naps during

the day � When they are awake, expose them to

light � Encourage healthy play/activity � Wakeful windows may be short (60-90

minutes) � Naps will vary in length

Daytime Sleep


� Age Wakeful Window Average # of Sleeps

0-6 weeks Approx. 1 Hour 5 to 6 Sleeps in 24 hrs

6 weeks to 3 months 1 – 1.5 Hours 4 to 5 Sleeps in 24 hrs

3 to 4.5 months 1.5 to 2 Hours 3-4 Day Sleeps

4.5 to 6 months 2 to 2.2 Hours 3-4 Day Sleeps

Infant Sleep

Source: Australian Sleep Clinic *These are average sleep guidelines for infants and will vary from baby to baby.


� � Safe Sleep Environment

� Dark Room � White Noise

� Relaxing & Non-Stimulating

Create a Sleep Friendly Environment


� � Bath � Book � Massage � Breast or Bottle � Swaddle � Bedtime

Develop a Relaxing Bedtime Routine


� � Most babies are ready for bed between

6:00-7:00 pm

Early Bedtime


� � Respect night time sleep � Keep lights, stimulation, interaction to

a minimum � Try a sleepy feed before you turn in for

the night � When baby wakes to feed, do so quietly

& put them gently back to sleep

Encourage Restful Sleep at Night


� � Practice in the early months � If it doesn’t work, soothe your baby to

sleep � You can practice again when baby is

older

“Practice”…. Drowsy But Awake Once A Day


� � Use your support network! � Take shifts at night so each parent gets

a nice stretch of sleep � Nap when baby naps � Go to bed early

Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps!


� � Lactation Professionals � Pediatrician/Health Care Practitioner � Obstetrician/Midwife � Mom Support Groups � Breastfeeding Support Groups � Friends/Family � Church Ministries � Babysitters/Nannies/Doulas

Support Network


� � Normal for sleep to get disrupted � Big growth period for your baby � Try Implementing the Sleep Tips � When all else fails - Get Your Baby to

Sleep However You Can � Habits can easily be changed between

6-9 months

Months 4 & 5


� � Baby will sleep in waves in early months � It is normal for babies to wake frequently � Establishing gentle routines can help

encourage healthy sleep � Calming & Soothing your baby can help

them sleep better � Make a plan to get the sleep you need

In Summary


� � Is your baby ready to start sleep coaching?

� 4 & 5 Month Olds Should Be Carefully Assessed � Best to start between 6-9 months � Gentle Sleep Coach

� Full Assessment � Sleep Plan, if appropriate � Gentle Coping Strategies � One-on-one support

Still Need Help?


Heather Irvine, CLE & Kim West, LCSW-C , The Sleep Lady – Gentle Sleep...

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