I get a lot of families coming to me for help. Many of whom have tried solving their sleep struggles on their own. Between Dr. Google, and all your Mama Friends, there is a wealth of information out there.
Sometimes this advice helps, sometimes it doesn’t. With so many differing opinions, it’s easy to doubt your next move.
I get it. Hiring a sleep consultant isn’t exactly high on your list of ways to spend you hard earned cash!
Maybe you just learned that sleep consultants exist and are not sure if this is something for you. Or maybe you have been contemplating getting professional sleep support for a while now and just need some motivation.
Many people have a good couple of nights and think “I can do this!” but then retreat into desperation and despair when the sleeplessness returns. The sleep roller coaster is REAL and sooooo emotional!
So, I am going to start off by saying what I needed to hear when I was in your shoes with my boys a couple years ago.
You are doing a great job!
Just the fact that you are here reading this blog shows that you are a caring parent, carefully weighing your options.
But even more than this…you are brave. Why? Because it takes a brave soul to ask for help. It should’t be this way. But our culture and society has led us to value independence. We are expected to be self-sufficient. To not complain, and to do it all.
Only this isn’t how we are supposed to parent. No…our anthropological history valued something very different. It valued community. In fact, we are meant to parent together. A whole village of support! A village our culture lacks despite the fact that it is so desperately needed – especially among new moms.
So let me tell you about the ways a sleep consultant can help.
1) You are tired
So, I’ll keep this one quick. A sleep consultant saves you the time and energy of having to solve things by yourself.
2) Cut through the crap
With the MASSIVE amounts of information out there on the internet, a sleep consultant can help you get to the important stuff quicker. Why waste your time searching and reading and watching content that doesn’t even seem to really apply to you?
3) Education
Anyone can read a book or blog on sleep. (In fact, most of my clients have a good collection of DIY sleep books). There are countless publications about sleep. Many of which are great! The vast majority, however, spout off the same old lessons, full of unresearched, and contradictory methods which only help to perpetuate the many myths and misconceptions that help to keep me employed!
4) experience
THIS is really what you are paying for. Knowledge is great, but it can only get you so far. A good sleep consultant can tell you WHY they are recommending something, and importantly steer you away from the things that others have found difficult or unhelpful – AND help you avoid the stuff that is NOT backed by science.
5) coaching
Try to rid yourself of the mental image of the angry athletic coach pushing you past your breaking point. Will I tell you how it is? Sure. But, for me, coaching is more about helping you to maximize your strengths. While, creating an awareness of how our every day lifestyle can negatively effect sleep.
Its sort of like having your very own cheerleader to help motivate you and keep you accountable when you are feeling overwhelmed or get stuck making the same mistakes over and over.
6) i’ve got your back
Is your spouse skeptical? Are your in-laws razzing you yet again? People are judgmental, and they LOVE to give {bad} advice about sleep. I am big about involving family in the assessment and planning process.
A supportive family increases your odds of success! So, invite them along, send them a copy of your plan – I love educating people on sleep!
7) boost your confidence
Not knowing if you are helping or hindering a situation can be stressful. Most of my clients are anxious. They simply want to know that they are on the right track.
Rest easy – Stop second guessing yourself! My goal is to give you the tools to start parenting confidently not just at night, but during the day too!
8) personalization
Your personal beliefs and values are important. If something doesn’t feel or sit right with you, you are not going to be invested enough to follow through. A sleep consultant can help you discover what your non-negotiables are, so you can spend your time and energy in the areas you are willing and able to change.
I will never expect you to try something you don’t agree with. YOU are the expert on your child, your input is not only needed, but valuable.
9) troubleshooting
Something not working? Not sure if you are doing the right thing? Have questions? One of the best parts of hiring a sleep consultant is that you have someone knowledgeable and experienced to problem solve with. Most sleep packages come with follow-up support. Reach out for help!
10) take back your life
A better sleep is about a whole lot more than just sleep! A sleep consultant who specializes in a holistic approach can help you modify your lifestyle in a way that will help to set the stage for sleep.
My coaching plans include a holistic health and wellness assessment covering areas like self care, anxiety management, and nutrition.
I hope this helps! I am an over-analyzer by nature and so lists like this help me to make decisions. I really hope this helps to paint a clearer picture of what working with me will be like.
In the end, what it comes down to is S-L-E-E-P. The ultimate prize.
In truth, I haven’t met a Mama that didn’t want my help!
You just feel badly asking for it, and even worse having to pay for it.
Why is this?
Why can we spend $6 on a coffee, $20 on a bottle of wine, worse – $200 on a new hairstyle!? Yet we cannot rationalize spending a little extra on our health…our wellness….and our life!?
When working on your sleep, you are investing in your future. Results that will definitely outlast those new highlights.
But I also get that this can be a lot of moo-lah
So, I offer a variety of different packages, including pay-as-you go support. Just like you would do with a massage or physio therapist.
For those who just want some quick reassurance or have a one-off question – I now have an option for that too.
Not sure what is best for you? Send me a message at hello@maisieruttan.com and I’ll help you decide!
Sleep well,
~ Maisie Zzz
