That's Not How A Baby Sleeps
This podcast humorously explores the challenges of parenting and baby sleep, debunking common sleep training myths. Host Alicia Dyshon shares personal stories and insights on gentle parenting, blending laughter with practical advice for sleep-deprived parents. Each episode covers topics from midnight lullabies to daytime chaos, aiming to normalize the ups and downs of raising a child.
Episodes
S3E27 Mouth Breathing, Snoring & Sleep: Airway Health with Dr. Elizabeth Turner
Have you ever wondered if your child's sleep struggles could be related to something more than just sleep?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Turner, an airway-focused dentist, to discuss the often-overlooked connection between airway health and sleep. From mouth breathing and snoring to tongue ties and early airway development, She helps us understand some of the red flags parents
S3E26 Twin Sleep Support: A Behind-the-Scenes Assessment Call with Kate
Note: We had a few technical difficulties with recording this week, so this episode is audio only and may sound a little “off” at times — thank you for bearing with us. 💛This week on the podcast, we’re joined by our Mother’s Day giveaway winner, Kate — a mama of four boys (including her younger twin boys) and a birth doula.Before the call, Kate tracked her twins’ sleep so we could take a deeper lo
S3E25 The Invisible Load Of Motherhood
Enter our Mother’s Day Giveaway HEREMotherhood isn’t just physically exhausting.It’s the constant thinking, remembering, planning, anticipating & the never turning your brain off.This week on the podcast, we’re talking about the invisible mental load of motherhood — the piece no one really prepares you for, but that impacts everything… including your capacity, your nervous system, and even how
S3E24 Time Wealth: Less Burnout & Family Peace With Sondra Fireling
Why does parenting feel like there is never enough time… even when you’re doing everything?This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Sondra Fireling, founder of Beyond Delegation, for a powerful conversation about the invisible load so many parents are carrying and why modern family life can feel so overwhelming.Sondra teaches families how to create time wealth — the feeling of having enough time
S3E23 The Truth About Timed Check-Ins (And Why Babies Cry More)
“Not all sleep training is cry it out.”This is something parents hear all the time… but in reality, many families end up there anyway.In this episode, we’re unpacking why methods like timed check-ins (Ferber) or the chair method—often labeled as “gentle”—can actually lead to more tears, not less.If you’ve ever felt like your baby cries harder when you go in to comfort them… you’re not imagining it
S3E22 Supporting Emotions While Making Sleep Changes
“If my child cries, I’m doing something wrong”So many parents feel stuck between two extremes — either never making changes to avoid upsetting their child, or being told they need to ignore the crying altogether.But there is a middle ground.In this episode, we’re talking about how to support your child’s emotions while still making changes around sleep — whether that’s weaning, moving away from nu
S3E21 Nap Transitions: When They Happen & How to Navigate Them
Nap transitions are one of the most common questions parents ask about sleep.One day naps seem to be working… and the next it suddenly feels like everything has fallen apart.In this episode, I’m breaking down nap transitions from the newborn stage all the way through the toddler years so you can better understand what’s actually happening with your child’s sleep.I talk about:• How many naps newbor
S3E20 Night Terrors, Sleepwalking & Confusion Arousals: Understanding Parasomnias in Kids
Middle-of-the-night moments with our kids can sometimes feel incredibly scary.Your child suddenly sits up screaming. They look awake but don’t recognize you. Or they start walking around the house while seemingly still asleep.And if you’ve never seen it before, it can leave you wondering what on earth is going on.In this episode, we’re talking all about parasomnias — a group of sleep behaviors tha
S3E19 Talking to Kids About Bodies, Boundaries & Consent With Sex Educator Kimberly Wolf
Talking to kids about bodies, boundaries, and consent can feel… intimidating.A lot of us didn’t grow up with these conversations and most parents are quietly wondering:“Am I starting too early?” “How much detail is too much?” “What if I say the wrong thing?”This week on the podcast, we sit down with sex education expert Kimberly Wolf for a deeply practical and reassuring conversation about how to
S3E18 The Baby Led Sleep Approach with Lauren Weber
This week on the podcast, we’re sitting down with Lauren Weber of Isla Grace Sleep and co-creator of the Baby-Led Sleep Approach — the certification both Aleni and I completed as sleep consultants.We dive into Lauren’s journey into motherhood, the sleep struggles that shaped her work, and the pivotal shift that so many parents can relate to:Learning to trust that you actually know your baby best.I
S3E17 Why Prenatal Breastfeeding Support Matter With Lactation Counsellor Taylor Bonacolta
Breastfeeding advice is everywhere — and yet so many parents still find themselves completely blindsided once baby arrives.In this episode, we sit down with Taylor of June And Lily, a lactation educator and pediatric nurse, for an honest, reality-based conversation about breastfeeding, newborn sleep, and the early postpartum days.We talk about why prenatal breastfeeding education matters far more
S3E16 Sleep Support for Highly Sensitive & Neurodivergent Children with Lauren Sloan
Sleep advice often assumes that all babies are the same — and for many families, that assumption is where everything starts to fall apart.In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Sloan, a baby-led sleep and wellbeing specialist who specializes in supporting highly sensitive, neurodivergent, and medically complex babies and children.Together, we unpack the huge gap families fall into when their bab
S3E15 Beyond “Good Parenting”: Sleep, Culture & Shared Values with Childhood Development Specialist, Melina.
Parenting already comes with a lot of noise — and when you’re raising children in a multicultural home, that noise can feel even louder.In this episode, we sit down with Melina, a childhood development specialist and founder of Pueblo, to talk about what it really looks like to parent across differences — cultural and personal — without losing yourselves or your relationship along the way.Melina s
S3E14 When Bed Sharing Stops Working: A Gentle Way to Transition
Bed sharing works for a lot of families… until it doesn’t.In this episode, we’re talking about how to transition away from bed sharing gently and responsively, without rushing your child or forcing independence before they’re ready. We dive into why separation can feel so big for babies and toddlers, how attachment actually develops in the first year of life, and why there is no such thing as a ba
S3E13 What Normal Toddler Sleep Really Looks Like
Toddler sleep can feel confusing, emotional, and wildly inconsistent — especially when it seems like everyone else’s toddler is “sleeping through the night.”In this episode, we’re breaking down what normal toddler sleep actually looks like, from night wakings and nap resistance to bedtime struggles and early mornings. We talk about how developmental progressions, temperament, separation awareness,
S3E12 Normal Infant Sleep: What to Expect in the First 12 Months
If infant sleep has felt harder than you expected, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing anything wrong.In this episode, we walk through what’s biologically normal for infant sleep during the first year of life. From frequent night wakings and short naps to sleep disruptions during developmental progressions, we explain why so many common struggles are actually expected.This episode is for paren
S3E11 Carried With Care: Babywearing, Safety & Supporting Sleep With Anna
In this episode, we’re joined by Anna, a baby wearing educator, for a conversation about baby wearing as more than just a tool — but a biologically normal, relationship-based way of caring for babies and toddlers. We talk about how baby wearing supports regulation, attachment, emotional connection, and sleep, and why humans have always relied on carrying our babies long before cribs and sleep “sol
S3E10 Pelvic Floor 101: What Every Mom Should Know (But Was Never Taught)
In this week’s episode, we’re joined by pelvic floor specialist Dr. Ashley Schaab for a conversation every mom deserves to hear. Pelvic floor health is one of those things we all know matters… but no one actually talks about until we’re already struggling with discomfort, leaking, pain, or feeling like our bodies just aren’t the same postpartum.Ashley walks us through what actually happens to the
S3E9 Santa, Sleep & Surviving the Holidays
In this week’s episode, we’re diving into all things Santa, Christmas, and sleep — because the holidays bring magic… and also overstimulation, late nights, sugar, travel, chaos, and so many opinions from relatives who haven’t had a baby in 30 years.We share how each of us navigates Santa in our homes, what we do (and don’t) feel comfortable with, and why we aren’t forcing Santa photos if our kids
S3E8 Going From 1 to 2: Sleep With Blake Alexiss
This week on That’s Not How a Baby Sleeps, we’re welcoming back one of our past guests — Blake Alexiss — for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the transition from one child to two, and what sleep looked like the second time around.Blake opens up about the rollercoaster of adding a new baby into the mix, how her second postpartum experience compared to her first, and the sleep myths she re
S3E7 Drowsy But Awake: Debunking the Internet’s Favorite Sleep Myth
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most popular — and most frustrating — pieces of baby sleep advice out there: “drowsy but awake.”If you’ve ever tried putting your baby down this way and watched them instantly go from peaceful to panicked… this episode is for you.We break down what this advice was supposed to do, why it only works for a small percentage of easygoing babies, and how it
S3E6 Trusting Your Gut: Kelsey’s Journey to Better Sleep Without Sleep Training
In this episode, we sit down with Kelsey — one of my incredible 6-week clients — to talk about her journey navigating baby sleep without sleep training.Kelsey shares openly about the sleep challenges she faced with her son, the pressure she felt to “fix” sleep by teaching independence, and what it looked like to finally trust her instincts and take a more connected approach.We chat about what led
S3E5 Finding Calm in the Chaos: Organization with Ashley
This week on the podcast, we’re chatting with Ashley — a mom of two and professional organizer who is on a mission to help overwhelmed mothers create more simplicity, ease, and breathing room in their homes.Ashley opens up about her own journey into motherhood, the moment she realized her space and routines needed to work with her instead of against her, and how organizing became a way to find cal
S3E4 F*ck Around and Find Out’ Parenting — Are We Swinging Too Far?
In this episode, we’re diving into the viral trend of “f*ck around and find out” parenting — and unpacking what’s really going on behind it.We talk about the extremes of this style compared to gentle and authoritative parenting approaches, and how easy it can be to swing from one end of the spectrum to the other when we’re feeling burnt out, overstimulated, or just plain done.We also share some ho
S3E3 Finding Answers: Mariel’s Journey with Her Son
In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Mariel, one of Aleni’s past clients, who opens up about her journey navigating her son’s sleep — a journey filled with challenges, advocacy, and ultimately, connection.Mariel’s little one struggled with multiple medical issues, including reflux and oral ties, which made sleep incredibly difficult in those early months. Like so many parents, she was told over
S3E2 Night Weaning: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and Finding Your Own Pace
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most common (and confusing) topics for parents — night weaning. 🌙We talk about what’s biologically normal when it comes to night feeds, the pressure so many parents feel to wean early, and why needing to eat overnight is often a completely normal part of development.We also share some of our own personal experiences with night weaning and stories from
S3E1 Summer Recap: Life Lately & Where Love Begins
We’re back for Season 3! 🎉 In this episode, Aleni and I sit down for a casual catch-up and share a peek into what’s been going on in our lives lately. From Halloween costumes and birthday celebrations to K-pop demon hunters (yes, really 😅), we cover it all.Aleni also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her beautiful new children’s book Where Love Begins, which explores the stages of attachment ou
S2E39 Sensory Needs & Sleep: A Conversation with Pediatric Occupational Therapists
In this episode, we’re joined by two incredible pediatric occupational therapists, Bailey and Claire, for a conversation all about sensory needs, emotional regulation, and how these foundational pieces impact sleep — even if sleep isn’t their primary focus. We dive into what sensory processing actually is, how to recognize signs of dysregulation in babies and toddlers, and why co-regulation plays
S2E38 Summer Sleep & Travel: Our Plans and How We Handle Sleep
In this episode, we’re sharing our summer plans — including a few camping trips with the kids — and how we’re navigating sleep along the way. Whether you’re planning a big family vacation, a weekend in a tent, or just feeling a little nervous about sleep routines shifting during the summer, this episode is full of gentle, realistic tips to help.We talk about how we approach travel sleep (without r
S2E37 Contact Naps Aren’t a Problem: Why They Matter + How to Shift (If You’re Ready)
Contact naps are one of the most common — and misunderstood — parts of infant sleep. In this episode, we’re breaking down why contact naps are not only normal but also deeply beneficial for your baby’s development, regulation, and sense of safety. We’ll explore why babies crave closeness during the day (even if they sleep independently at night), what’s really happening biologically during contact
S2E36 Short Naps Aren’t Crap Sleep: What’s Normal + What You Can Do
If you’ve ever rocked your baby to sleep, tiptoed out of the room, and then watched the monitor light up 27 minutes later — we see you. In this episode, we’re unpacking the truth about short naps. We’ll talk about when they’re completely normal, why they don’t automatically mean your baby is a “bad napper,” and how the popular “crib hour” method actually misses the mark when it comes to supporting
S2E35 Redefining Healthy Sleep Habits: Why the Sleep Training Industry Misses the Mark
We’ve been told that “healthy sleep” means 12 hours uninterrupted, in a crib, with no help, by 6 months old. But…who decided that was the goal?In this episode, we’re breaking down what actual healthy sleep looks like — and why sleep trainers often get it so wrong. From unrealistic expectations to myths about independence, we unpack the pressure parents feel and why it’s totally okay (and developme
S2E34 My 8 Month Old Naps Great—So Why Are Nights So Hard?
In this special episode, we’re joined by our giveaway winner, Bailey—a mom to an 8.5-month-old who naps like a dream but is waking frequently at night (sometimes 8+ times 😵💫). Together, we unpack what might be behind those restless nights and offer supportive, non-sleep-training suggestions that align with your baby’s needs and your instincts.Bailey also brings up common mainstream sleep tips lik
S2E33 The Truth About the 4-Month Sleep Regression
If you’re in the thick of what everyone calls the “4-month sleep regression” — or bracing yourself for it — this episode is here to support and reassure you.The truth? It’s not a regression at all. It’s actually a normal, healthy developmental progression, and it’s the only one that directly impacts your baby’s sleep architecture.In this episode, we break down:What’s really happening during the 4-
S2E32 Tension & Tongue Ties: One Chiropractor Mama’s Journey
In this heartfelt episode, We're joined once again by chiropractor and fellow mama, Dr. Sarah Shepherd, to talk about her journey navigating early motherhood with her little one — including the unexpected challenges that came with a tongue tie diagnosis.She opens up about the emotional toll of those early weeks, how it impacted feeding and sleep, and what ultimately helped her find clarity and sup
S2E31 Mama Chat + A Mother’s Day Giveaway!
This week, we're slowing things down and catching up—just the two of us. It's been a while since we’ve had a chance to chat about real-life motherhood stuff, and in true mom fashion, there's a lot going on. Aleni shares how she’s preparing for her upcoming 3-night trip away from Nora (and all the feels that come with it), plus details about her new workshop for families transitioning away from bed
S2E30 Milk Supply, Pumping & Letting Go of the Pressure with IBCLC Katie Clark
If you’ve ever stressed about milk supply, doubted your body, or felt totally overwhelmed by the world of pumping—this episode is for you. 💛 We sat down with Katie, a Mom & Certified IBCLC, to talk everything milk supply and pumping. From what truly regulates milk supply (hint: it’s not how full your boobs feel) to how to build a freezer stash without going into oversupply panic-mode, Katie br
S2E29 Rebeka’s Story: Sleep, Mental Health, and Motherhood
In today’s episode, we are joined by Rebeka—former client, mental health counselor, and mom to a spirited two-year-old—for a truly heartfelt conversation about navigating baby sleep without sleep training.Rebeka shares her personal journey with her daughter's sleep, what those early sleepless months looked like, and how she made the choice to parent through connection even when things felt incredi
S2E28 When Only One Parent Wants to Sleep Train: An Honest Conversation with Our Husbands
Let’s be real—navigating baby sleep as a couple can feel really complicated when you’re not on the same page. In this episode, we brought on our husbands for a candid conversation about what happens when one parent wants to sleep train… and the other doesn’t. We asked them the hard questions—“Do babies need to learn to self-soothe?” “Isn’t picking them up all the time creating bad habits?”—and let
S2E27 Toddler Bedtime Battles: Why It’s Happening & What Actually Helps
If bedtime feels like a never-ending struggle—requests for water, a million stall tactics, and a toddler who suddenly needs one more hug—you’re not alone. Toddler bedtime battles are real, and there are good reasons why they happen.In this episode, we’re breaking down why toddlers struggle with separation at night, how boundaries shape bedtime, and what role sensory needs and nervous system regula
S2E26 Developing Sleep Associations With Other Caregivers
Does your child insist that only one parent put them to bed? You’re not alone! Bedtime is a vulnerable time, and children often cling to the parent they associate most with comfort and sleep. But this preference isn’t rejection—it’s simply an attachment pattern built through routine. The good news? Attachment is flexible, and with patience, children can build trust and comfort with both caregivers
S2E25 Adding Baby Number 2: The Emotional & Practical Shift
Going from one child to two is a massive shift—for everyone. Your firstborn, your new baby, and you are all adjusting, and it’s okay if it feels overwhelming. You might find yourself grieving the one-on-one time you had with your firstborn while also feeling immense love for your new baby. The guilt, the exhaustion, and the sibling jealousy are all normal parts of this transition. In this episode,
S2E24 Siblings & Sleep: Room Sharing, Bed Sharing, and Making It Work
Thinking about having your kids share a room—or even a bed? While sibling room sharing can be a beautiful bonding experience, it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about making the transition as smooth as possible. We’ll discuss when and how to introduce room sharing based on age, development, and family space, as well as key s
S2E23 Independent Sleep for Older Kids: A Gentle & Attuned Approach (+ Spring Forward Tips!)
Does your child need you to lay with them until they fall asleep? Are you feeling ready to make a change but want to do it in a way that feels respectful and connected? In this episode, we’re breaking down how to support older children in falling asleep independently—without using sleep training. We’ll walk you through what to assess before making changes, including overtiredness, separation anxie
S2E22 Early Morning Wake-Ups: Why They Happen & How to Shift Them
If your little one is waking before 6 AM and you’re running on fumes, you’re not alone! In this episode, we’re diving into early morning wake-ups—what causes them, when they’re biologically normal, and how to shift them when they’re not.We’ll explore how circadian rhythms impact early wake-ups and environmental factors that may be contributing to your early morning wake up call. We’ll also break d
S2E21 Split Nights: Why Your Baby Is Awake for Hours & How to Fix It
Have you ever found yourself rocking, bouncing, or pleading with your baby or toddler to go back to sleep at 2 AM—only for them to be wide awake for hours? That’s called a split night, and while they can be a normal part of development, they can also become a frustrating pattern if sleep pressure isn’t balanced properly.In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about split n
S2E20 Baby Reflux 101: A Holistic Approach with Aine Homer, The Baby Reflux Lady
Is your baby struggling with reflux, constant spit-up, or unexplained discomfort? You’re not alone. Reflux is often dismissed as “just a phase” or colic, leaving parents feeling helpless and exhausted. But what if there’s more to the story?In this episode, we sit down withAine Homer, The Baby Reflux Lady, to dive deep into the root causes of baby reflux and how to support your little one holistica
S2E19 Meeting Your Child Where They Are: Ditching The Sleep Rules
There’s so much pressure to get our kids sleeping independently by a certain age, but what if that pressure is completely unnecessary? In this episode, we’re breaking down the fears around so-called “bad habits” like rocking, feeding to sleep, and bedsharing—and why meeting your child where they are is actually the key to better sleep.
Alicia shares why they've been rocking their 3-year-old t
S2E18 Preparing for Parenthood: The Conversations You & Your Partner Need to Have Before Baby Arrives
Bringing a baby into the world is a life-changing experience—not just for you, but for your relationship too. So much of the overwhelm that new parents feel comes from unrealistic expectations around sleep, baby responsibilities, and support.
In this episode, we’re diving into the important conversations you and your partner should have before baby arrives. We’ll talk about what’s actually normal
S2E17 Cracking the Code on False Starts: Why They Happen and How to Fix Them
False starts are one of the most common—and frustrating—sleep struggles parents face. In this episode, we’re diving into what might be causing your baby or toddler to wake up shortly after falling asleep. We break down the most common reasons behind false starts, from overtiredness to under-tiredness and developmental shifts.
But we don’t stop there—we’re sharing practical, attachment-focused tip
S2E16 Finding Your Village: Navigating Mom Friendships, Community, and Unexpected Chaos
In this episode, we’re getting real about the highs and lows of motherhood friendships. We’re chatting about the challenges of making new mom friends, how to navigate old friendships when parenting styles differ—or when friends don’t have kids at all—and why building a supportive community matters so much.
Aleni shares all about her in-person monthly mom meet-up and how that space has become a l
S2E15 Holiday Chaos & Catching Up: Sleep, Sickness, and Staying Up Late
In this laid-back catch-up episode, Alicia & Aleni reflect on the whirlwind of the holiday season and how it impacted their kids’ sleep schedules. From navigating the inevitable illnesses that seem to tag along with winter festivities to the balancing act of New Year’s traditions and letting the kids stay up late, we’re diving into it all.
Plus, they sprinkle in some random but relatable mom
S2E14 Counterwill in Toddlers: Understanding Resistance and Leading Through Connection
Have you ever asked your toddler to put on their shoes, only to be met with a firm “no” or outright refusal? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into Dr. Gordon Neufeld’s concept of counterwill—a developmentally normal, instinctive response to feeling controlled. Counterwill isn’t defiance for the sake of defiance; it’s a protective mechanism that helps toddlers assert their autonomy w
S2E13 The Santa Dilemma: Finding the Magic That Works for Your Family
The holidays are here, and with them comes one of the most debated parenting decisions: What do we do about Santa? In this episode, We're sharing our approach to the Santa tradition, how we handle the “Is Santa real?” question, and why it’s okay if your choices look different from ours.
We’ll talk about balancing the magic of the season with honesty, teaching kids to respect other families’ tradi
S2E12 Boundaries, Babies, and the Holidays: Responding to Unsolicited Advice
The holidays are a time for joy and connection—but they can also come with a side of unsolicited advice from well-meaning family members. In this episode, we tackle common comments like, “Why don’t you just let them cry it out?” or, “You’re still nursing to sleep?” and share strategies for handling them with confidence and grace.
We’ll explore why these comments can feel so triggering, how to und
S2E11 Postpartum Healing Through Nourishment: With Holistic Nutritionist Teri-Ann
Many new moms struggle with feeling disconnected from their bodies postpartum. In this episode, we’re joined by holistic nutritionist Teri-Ann, who specializes in supporting postpartum moms on their journey to healing and balance. Together, we unpack the role of nutrition in overcoming postpartum depletion, managing sugar cravings and energy crashes, and shifting the focus from weight loss to true
S2E10 Real Talk: Bedtime Battles, Schedule Shifts and Ways We Make Parenting Easier
In this week's episode, We take a break from the usual deep dives to catch up on the real-life challenges and wins we are experiencing as parents. We get honest about recent bedtime battles, how the time change has thrown off our kids' schedules, and the small but impactful strategies we use to stay on the same page with our partners through weekly parent meetings.
We also share when our kids fina
S2E9 Raising Securely Attached Kids & Having Self Love With Crystal Hardstaff
In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Crystal, a Registered Counsellor and the voice behind The Gentle Counsellor, to explore the profound impact of Attachment Theory on parenting and the essential role of self-love in raising secure, confident children. Crystal shares her journey into Perinatal Mental Health and Attachment Theory, shaped by her own experiences as a mom and her passion for s
S2E8 Hourly Wake-Ups: Red Flags and When To Look Deeper
In this episode, we dive into a question many parents find themselves asking in the early hours: "Why is my baby waking up every hour?". While hourly wake-ups can sometimes be a normal part of development, they can also signal underlying issues that may need extra attention.
We’ll explore some of the potential reasons behind frequent waking, from the typical challenges like teething pain and pro
S2E7 17 Diapers: Postpartum Survival, Mom-Shaming, and the Power of Vulnerability
This week, we dive into the viral moment that sparked a wave of conversation among moms everywhere. It all started when Hannah, a newly postpartum mom of two, shared a raw, unfiltered video of herself collecting 17 diapers scattered around her home after a long day of solo parenting. What followed was a flood of harsh, judgmental comments in the thread, shaming her for not "having it together."
I
S2E6 The Truth Behind “Gentle” Sleep Training
In this episode, we’re unpacking the term "gentle" sleep training and why it may not be as nurturing as it seems. You’ve probably heard these methods described as kinder, with less crying and more parental involvement. But here’s the truth—many of these approaches still operate under the idea that independent sleep skill are necessary for a good night's rest.
We’ll dive into how misattunement ha
S2E5: Supporting Baby's Development: Milestones, Motor Skills, and More with Dr. Bonnie Soto
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bonnie Soto, an experienced pediatric physical therapist, to dive deep into baby motor development and what it means for your little one’s overall growth and well-being.
Dr. Bonnie, who specializes in treating infants with body tension, oral motor dysfunction, torticollis, and other developmental challenges, answers key questions like: Is it okay for babies
S2E4 Understanding Temperament: How Your Baby’s Personality Affects Sleep
In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that can really change how you approach sleep—your baby’s temperament. Every child is unique, and their personality plays a big role in how they navigate sleep. From easy-going sleepers to highly sensitive little ones, we’ll explore how different temperaments affect everything from bedtime routines to sleep transitions. We’ll share tips on how to create t
S2E3 Newborn Essentials: What You Really Need for Sleep, Breastfeeding & Support
In this episode, we dive into our personal newborn must-haves, focusing on the essentials for sleep and breastfeeding that helped us navigate those early days with our little ones.
But it’s not just about the stuff— we also open up about the postpartum support we leaned on, which we believe is just as important (if not more!). From creating a cozy sleep space to surrounding yourself with the rig
S2E2: Melatonin for Kids: What You Need to Know
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of melatonin as a sleep aid for children. We'll explain what melatonin is, how it works in the body, and why it’s become a popular over-the-counter option for parents trying to manage their child’s sleep struggles.
But is it really safe for kids? We’ll explore some of the concerns surrounding its use, including the potential impact on puberty, the
S2E1 Summer Recap: Sleep Schedules, Potty Training, and Big Emotions
We’re back! After taking the summer off, Aleni and I are catching up on all the things—parenting wins, challenges, and everything in between. In this episode, we share how we got our kids’ sleep schedules back on track for school and daycare (because, let’s be honest, summer throws everything off!).
I’ll also dive into how I navigated a potty training regression with my toddler, our experience ha
S1E19 The One With The Husbands: Getting Dad's Perspective
In this hilarious episode, Alicia and Aleni sit down with their husbands to delve into the unique experiences of fatherhood, especially when it comes to navigating baby sleep.
Listen in as the husbands share their candid thoughts on supporting each other during those challenging, sleepless nights, and the impact of baby’s sleep on their own sleep and daily routine.
They also discuss sharing pa
S1E18 Empowering Moms with Chiropractic Care: Interview with Dr. Sarah Shepherd
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Shepherd to explore the transformative benefits of chiropractic care for Moms and babies. We dive deep into how chiropractic care can be a game-changer during pregnancy and postpartum, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the key issues it can alleviate.
We also discuss why parents might seek chiropractic care for their little
S1E17 The One About Attachment
In this episode, we explore the vital role of attachment in your child's emotional development & sleep.
We introduce you to what attachment is and its stages, as outlined by Dr. Gordon Neufeld & the importance of attachment coming above peer attachments.
We'll discuss strategies to strengthen parent-child attachment & the connection between attachment and sleep, including how a ca
S1E16: Navigating Bedsharing: Your Questions Answered
This week, we're diving deep into one of the most intimate and nurturing sleep arrangements—bedsharing. We’ve gathered all your burning questions about bedsharing, and we’re here to provide you with evidence-based answers, practical tips, and supportive advice.
Join us as we explore:
✨ When you should stop bedsharing—what does the research say?
✨ How to gradually transition away from bedsharing
S1E15: Rest and Reassurance: Maggie's Sleep Journey with Alicia
In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Maggie, a devoted mom of two, a passionate entrepreneur and former client of Alicia's to delve into her inspiring journey of achieving peaceful sleep without sleep training.
Maggie shares her personal experiences and valuable insights, including how she navigated the challenges of sleep with her little ones under Alicia’s compassionate guidance. She
S1E14: Navigating Nap Transitions: Newborn Through Toddlerhood
In this episode of That's Not How A Baby Sleeps, we dive into the complex world of nap transitions for babies and toddlers. Whether you’re a first-time parent or experienced caregiver, navigating the ever-changing sleep needs of your little one can be challenging.
We share our personal experiences and the knowledge we've gained from supporting countless families through these transitions.
Join
S1E13: Beyond Sleep Training: Kayla’s Story
In this episode, we sit down with Aleni's client Kayla, a dedicated midwife & loving Mama who shares her personal journey with sleep and her decision to forgo traditional sleep training methods.
Join us as Kayla opens up about her experiences, offering a candid look into the challenges and triumphs she faced while navigating her baby's sleep needs. As a midwife, Kayla brings a unique perspe
S1E12: Potty Training: Trusting the Process and Knowing When They're Ready
In this episode, we dive into the world of potty training with personal experiences, practical advice, and a healthy dose of empathy.
Join us as we share our own journeys with our children, discussing what worked, what didn’t, and why each child’s path to potty independence is unique. We’ll break down the research on readiness, debunk common myths, and highlight the importance of trusting your c
S1E11: I Regret Sleep Training: How To Mend After The Fact
In this weeks episode Alicia & Aleni dive into the concerns many parents face after sleep training or even attempting sleep training.
We're getting real about what "attunement" really means in the attachment world and laying out some practical steps to heal those moments when we might've missed the mark with our little ones.
Join us for some heartfelt chats where we tackle the worries many f
S1E10: From Exhaustion to Empowerment: Kasey's Sleep Without Sleep Training Journey
Join us as we sit down with our former client, Kasey, to delve into her journey towards better sleep with her son. Kasey shares her experiences from the challenging newborn days, where she navigated her son's oral ties, to the transformative journey through our 6-week Sleep Without Sleep Training program when her son was 9 months old.
Discover how Kasey went from the exhaustion of 4-5 wake-ups a
S1E9: Parenting Solo & Navigating Your First Night Away
In this week's episode Alicia & Aleni dive into the struggles of parenting solo as Alicia shares her own strategies for difficult bedtime routines & just navigating parenting in general alone.
Aleni shares her tips for bridging separation when you are leaving your little one overnight for the first time with other caregivers.
Join us as we normalize the struggles of parenting solo &
S1E8: Nurturing Sleep & Birth with Blake Stewart
In this week's episode we sit down with former client, content creator & birth doula Blake Stewart who opens up about her personal journey with her little one's sleep challenges before we teamed up. Blake shares her candid experience with sleep solutions that promised gentleness but missed the mark, highlighting how these attempts felt out of sync with her Mama instincts.
As a birth doula, B
S1E7: Embracing Big Emotions: Nurturing Toddler Tears
In this episode, Alicia & Aleni dive deep into the world of supporting big toddler emotions. We explore the importance of nurturing emotions, understanding the adaptation process, and why supported tears are healthy for our little ones' emotional development. Discover practical tips on how to navigate your own triggers and work on self-growth to better support your child's emotional journey. T
S1E6: Decoding Toddler Sleep: From Night Wakes to Nap Strikes
In this episode we're diving headfirst into the world of toddler sleep—a topic that leaves many parents searching for answers and reassurance. From understanding the nuances of nighttime awakenings to navigating the complexities of sleep regressions, this episode is a comprehensive guide designed to demystify the sleep patterns of toddlers and offer practical advice for weary parents.
In this enl
