About me
Hi, I’m Baila and I’d like to tell you a bit about myself and why I’m so passionate about sleep.
When my oldest was born I was completely clueless. I didn’t know anything about what his sleeping patterns should look like, nor what his wakeful hours should entail. I tried keeping him up so he should sleep longer- and couldn’t understand how it could possibly not work. Another thing I tried was keeping his level of stimulation low so that he would be sleepy and fall asleep faster. Ditto for that.
It was during this time period that I recognized good sleep cannot be taken for granted. It is truly a blessing when everyone in the family is sleeping well.
As the years passed, I began taking note of what worked and what didn’t. Through lots of trial and error (and lots of tears and prayers) my son’s sleep started taking shape. He began having a consistent bedtime at a time that was right for him and began sleeping well.
With baby number two, I knew I had to get it right from the beginning and subsequently read some books on sleep training so that I would be prepared. And so it was- baby number two slept like a dream and was on an awesome schedule right from the start.
However, babies three and four taught me that every individual is unique and what worked for baby number two didn’t necessarily work for them. I had to use other techniques that were more suited to their temperaments.
The difference in a well rested child and a sleep deprived child should be enough to convince anyone how important sleep is. But for me I am truly driven to do my part in helping all the sleep deprived families out there.
Today, after sleep coaching my own four children, and a lot more life experience, I’ve decided to take my knowledge and skills to the next level and become certified as a Gentle Sleep Coach.
It’s been life altering and I feel so blessed to part of the Gentle Sleep Coach community. Specifically as a Gentle Sleep Coach, because Kim West’s method is so super gentle and has the wellbeing of the entire family in mind when formulating a plan. It’s been a wonderful journey and I invite you to join me.
My Education:
GSC Program Summary
The Gentle Sleep Coach Program is the first and most extensive professional sleep coach training and certification program available. The program involves over 80 hours of training with a faculty panel that includes 2 medical doctors, a psychologist, an attorney, lactation counselor, postpartum doulas and a family therapist. Each coach must pass an exam and participate in case mentorship with Kim West, LCSW-C (a.k.a. “the Sleep Lady”) who has been helping tired parents for over 20 years. Clinical mentorship and ongoing advanced training are required to maintain certification as a Gentle Sleep Coach. Some of my training topics included:
- Basic counseling and child development
- Sleep science and behavioral modification techniques to help parents of children age 0 to 6 years old.
- Secure attachment theory
- Support for the breastfeeding mother
The training also consisted of lectures from top specialists, including:
- 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
- GERD and Sleep led by Dr. Anthony Loizides, pediatric gastroenterologist
0-5-Month-Old Training Summary
The GSC Program also includes an exclusive advanced training specifically focused on how to gently work with babies 0-5 months of age.
Some of the curriculum training topics include:
In-depth knowledge of the importance of attachment and infant mental health
The sleep science behind the first six months of life
What special considerations need to be taken when working with and supporting families during this delicate period.
Specialized instruction on how to evaluate families in the first six months
Guidance on how to assess when the baby is ready for sleep coaching based on current research and evidence-based strategies
Review of gentle sleep solutions and strategies that are developmentally appropriate, breastfeeding and attachment friendly and promote a solid foundation for sleep learning and long-term healthy sleep patterns.
This specialty training is designed to give Gentle Sleep Coaches the knowledge, education and all the tools and resources they need to successfully work with families of newborns through 5 months of age in a safe, healthy and developmentally appropriate manner.
Certified Gentle Sleep Coach since July 2021