~my sleep story~
Like many first time Moms I did lots of homework before my son was born. I read books about breastfeeding, about parenting and about nutrition. I aired out his mattress the appropriate amount of time and I washed all his tiny baby clothes in baby safe laundry wash. I thought I was ready. I knew that there would be challenges but I felt that with enough love and patience we could get through anything. Only it turned out that there were challenges that were bigger than me. Things that I thought would come naturally, like breastfeeding and sleeping, did not. I was at a loss and by the time my son was 10 months old I was exhausted, growing resentful, my marriage was strained and I was desperate for a change.
Luckily I found Kim West, LCSW-C, who has coached thousands of families over the past 16 years, and she coached me through creating a plan and supported me as I taught my son the skill of putting himself to sleep and staying asleep all night without nursing, or holding, or being in my bed. I helped him learn to go to sleep without me doing something for him or to him. And, as a graduate of the Gentle Sleep Coaching (SM) program, I want to help you do the same so that like me you can feel confident in your parenting skills, nurturing toward your child and so that everyone can feel well rested.
Luckily I found Kim West, LCSW-C, who has coached thousands of families over the past 16 years, and she coached me through creating a plan and supported me as I taught my son the skill of putting himself to sleep and staying asleep all night without nursing, or holding, or being in my bed. I helped him learn to go to sleep without me doing something for him or to him. And, as a graduate of the Gentle Sleep Coaching (SM) program, I want to help you do the same so that like me you can feel confident in your parenting skills, nurturing toward your child and so that everyone can feel well rested.
the Gentle Sleep Coach training program:
I am a trained, licensed and certified Gentle Sleep Coach ℠, as well as a member of the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. In July 2012 I graduated from Kim West’s Gentle Sleep Coach ℠ Program, which is currently the most comprehensive and professional sleep certification program available. The program involves over 80 hours of training, an exam and participation in case supervision with Kim West, LCSW-C (a.k.a. The Sleep Lady®) who has been helping tired parents for over 17 years. Clinical supervision and ongoing training with some of the top experts in the field of sleep science (see specifics of training program below) are required to maintain certification as a Gentle Sleep Coach(SM).
Some of my training topics included:
The GSC Program also includes an exclusive advanced training series directly centered around how to gently work with babies 4 and 5 months of age. This program, which I have also completed, consists of an additional 40+ hours of instruction and mentorship.
Some of the curriculum training topics include:
Some of my training topics included:
- Basic counseling and child development
- Sleep science and behavioral modification techniques
- Secure attachment theory
- Support for the breastfeeding mother
- Postpartum Depression from Dr Shoshana Bennett, author and leading specialist on Postpartum Depression
- Medical Conditions and Sleep Apnea in Children led by Dr Lewis Kass, Director of Children’s Sleep Center
- Sensory Processing Disorders and Sleep by Jodi Jennings, OTLR
- GURD and Sleep led by Dr Anthony Loizides, pediatric gastroentrologist
The GSC Program also includes an exclusive advanced training series directly centered around how to gently work with babies 4 and 5 months of age. This program, which I have also completed, consists of an additional 40+ hours of instruction and mentorship.
Some of the curriculum training topics include:
- In depth knowledge of the delicate nature of infants under 6 months of age and how to consider all elements of their well-being.
- Current evidence based guidelines and instruction on how to evaluate the 4-6 month old child and family and determine if the child is ready for sleep coaching.
- Gentle sleep solutions and strategies that are effective and developmentally appropriate for the younger baby.
In addition to my certification as a Gentle Sleep Coach ℠ I have a Bachelors of Science from the University of Maryland University College (a member of the University System of Maryland), and graduated at the top of my class to become a Phi Beta Kappa graduate. My degree in social science allows me to take a holistic approach when working with a family to solve their sleep problem.
I also have completed additional training in infant mental health through the Infant Mental Health Promotion (IMHP) and
The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Canada.
In addition I have completed course work with the Wonder Weeks Academy on Infant Mental Health and Development.
You can learn more about the Kim West's Gentle Sleep Coach Philosophy here.
I also have completed additional training in infant mental health through the Infant Mental Health Promotion (IMHP) and
The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Canada.
In addition I have completed course work with the Wonder Weeks Academy on Infant Mental Health and Development.
You can learn more about the Kim West's Gentle Sleep Coach Philosophy here.
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