I have come across many parents who find out that I'm a pediatric sleep consultant, and they tell me how much sleep training changed their life and their baby's life for the better.

On the other hand, I also come across parents who find out what I do and run the other direction or worse, think that what I do puts a parent's needs ahead of their baby's needs.

Sleep training tends to get a bad rap by some folks. Personally, I prefer to use the phrase 'sleep coaching' because I think it sounds much more gentle and encouraging, whereas 'sleep training' brings an image of Jillian Michaels yelling at babies and trying to teach them to sleep!

I thought it'd be a good idea to set the record straight and talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of sleep coaching!

The Ugly:

If you've heard horror stories from parents who attempted sleep coaching, they probably revolved around the method that was used. There are all kinds of different methods that range from gentle to firm. Each family has a method that will best suit them.

If you are a parent who cannot stand to hear their baby cry for even one second, then I would not recommend that you jump right in with a cry-it-out method! You may be better suited to a very gentle method. With that comes the understanding that your gentle method may take a month or more until you are able to put your baby down for bed awake and leave.

On the flip side, if you are extremely sleep deprived with a very overtired and unhappy baby and you just want your family to get some relief quickly, then a firmer method may be the right choice.

With sleep coaching comes the responsibility of keeping your baby on an age-appropriate schedule. If you expect your baby to start sleeping well but you don't set them up for success, they will undoubtedly fail.

Babies are not like adults and they need naps at regular intervals throughout the day. Forcing a baby to keep a schedule that suits your needs as opposed to theirs is another reason why sleep coaching fails.

The Bad:

Deciding to sleep coach should be a decision that your family makes together and that everyone is on board with. It shouldn't

be hastily decided, rushed into, or half-attempted. Some mistakes you can make when it comes to sleep coaching are to not be prepared, not have a plan in place, and not have the right expectations.

Sleep coaching is hard work and depending on the method you choose to use, you could be in for several weeks of teaching your little one to fall asleep independently. This means you need to be able to stay consistent day in and day out until your baby has figured it out.

If you get overwhelmed and give up in the midst of sleep coaching, you have now just taught your baby to protest longer and harder the next time you try. You also need a support system.

If you are a single parent or your spouse works evening hours, ask a friend or relative to come help support you. You aren't asking them to train your baby, but to be there for you; maybe they tend to your other children or simply come to provide encouragement for those middle of the night wakings.

Lastly, you need to make sure that you have the right expectations from the start. Yes, your baby will be able to learn to fall asleep on their own, sleep for longer stretches at night, and take regular naps throughout the day. No, your baby will not sleep through the night if they still need feedings, or go to bed and wake up at a time that suits your adult schedule perfectly.

Babies are still babies even once they are properly sleep coached and so your expectations should reflect that.

The Good:

My favorite part! I have watched so many families and babies be changed for the good because everyone finally got some sleep!! Never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep for you or your baby!

Sleep is extremely important for your growing baby. It is during sleep that their bodies are able to restore themselves effectively. Muscles grow, tissues repair, proteins are synthesized, and growth hormones are released. This will not happen as efficiently and effectively without proper sleep.

Poor sleep can cause your baby to be tired and cranky and even have an effect on their ability to reach milestones.

Not only is sleep important for your growing baby, but it is also important for you! For all the reasons mentioned above. Sleep helps refresh us and is imperative for our mental health. Depression is associated with poor sleep and moms are especially at risk postpartum.

When families make the decision to sleep coach their babies, and they commit to it whole-heartedly, incredible strides can be made. Some families take a DIY approach and others hire a sleep consultant.

Either way works, it just depends on what your needs are. If you are a bookworm, enjoy researching and understanding new topics, and have the confidence and perseverance to see sleep coaching through to the end, then doing it yourself is a good option!

If you are looking for more guidance, insight, and support from a professional, then maybe you should look into hiring a sleep consultant. When a family comes to me for help, I start by assessing their needs and goals. Then I create a sleep plan with detailed, step-by-step instructions that are tailored to their family's unique situation. Finally, I work together closely with the family, offering support and troubleshooting, until the sleep plan has been implemented and everyone is getting more rest!