infant sleep consulting
in denver
book your free 15-minute discovery call
In-Person and Virtual Sleep Training Support for Families Across the U.S.
Say goodbye to unpredictable days and exhausting nights!
Are you ready to escape this vicious cycle?
Your baby isn't sleeping
So you aren't sleeping
You are exhausted and possibly struggling mentally or emotionally
You're too tapped out to figure out what you need to do to help your baby sleep better
Your baby still isn't sleeping
Feel judged or guilty or selfish for considering sleep training…
Know you want to sleep train, but feel too overwhelmed to get started or are unsure if it's the right time…
Even tried to sleep train, but it didn't seem like it was working, or you caved because you were too tired or couldn’t handle the crying…
Maybe you...
First of all, there is NO judgment here.
You are NOT the only one struggling.
I know you’re doing your very best, and I am so proud of you for seeking help to get the support you need for you and your baby to get more sleep.
You deserve to know that sleep training is neither selfish nor harmful, and that you can help your baby learn to be a good sleeper (and get decent sleep yourself) much sooner and more easily than you may have thought possible!
I help exhausted and at-their-breaking-point mommas to be successful with sleep training and get their sanity back.
Hey, I'm Tara
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME:
There is also no credibility to the idea that ANY method of sleep training is "traumatizing" or "damages attachment," and so parents can feel confident using whichever method is the best fit for their baby and family. I also want parents to understand that there is no such thing as "no-cry" or "tear-free" methods of sleep training and that is OKAY. Crying is how babies communicate, and if your baby is overtired or if they are feeling frustrated learning something new, they are going have something to say about that! It is good for our children's mental health to be given permission and space to express all of their feelings (even if/when it makes us uncomfortable!). I help families navigate this discomfort because I want them to be able to personally experience what I know (and research has proven) to be the truth about sleep training: improved infant sleep has a positive impact on the whole family's physical and emotional health!
learn how I define sleep training
My Philosophy
learn about my Approach
How do I define "sleep training"?
Sleep training means teaching your baby to fall asleep, and back to sleep, independently in their own separate sleep space (which could be in their own room or in your room). Falling asleep independently means they don't require assistance to fall asleep: they aren’t fed or rocked to sleep or need to be held or in motion in order to stay asleep.
Sleep training ≠ night weaning. In many cases, sleep training also entails helping your baby learn to sleep for an extended period overnight (approximately 10-12 hours) without eating. This is called "night weaning" but it is not the same thing as sleep training. Some families wish to accomplish both at the same time, but you can still enjoy the benefits of independent sleep even if you want or need to continue to feed overnight.
Sleep training ≠ Cry It Out (CIO). Also known as extinction, CIO is just one method of sleep training. Independent sleep can be accomplished through a range of methods and families can choose whichever one feels right for them and for their baby. You can read more about my thoughts on both CIO and "gentle" methods in my FAQ.
Since people use the term “sleep training” to mean a wide variety of things, let’s pause a moment so I can explain exactly how I define it.
learn about my philosophy
My Approach
- Following a consistent (but flexible) feeding schedule to ensure caloric needs are being met
- Maintaining appropriate limits on awake time based on age, with intentional interactive/“play” time during the day
- Providing a sleep environment conducive to safe* and restful sleep
- Following an approximate schedule for sleep times (following your baby's sleep cues) and having consistent naptime and bedtime routines
- Allowing your baby to learn the skill of independent sleep by implementing your chosen* sleep training method
- Having a plan to take care of your mental well-being as the parent during this process
My approach to sleep training requires developing and following a plan for daytime and nighttime, and includes six different components, providing an extremely thorough and holistic strategy that addresses all the key areas that contribute to success with sleep:
Happy Moms Are Saying...
EVERY CONVERSATION, EVERY TEXT WAS MET WITH COMPASSION, UNDERSTANDING, AND A GENUINE WANT TO HELP.
We loved working with Tara! Every conversation, every text was met with compassion, understanding, and a genuine want to help. I especially liked how she set parameters but we were able to figure out what worked best for our family and make it our own. Her detailed information from the beginning really set us up for success. It opened our eyes to the fact that our little one wasn't eating enough during the day and once we began working on that, naps improved, and so did sleeping through the night. We are now able to give a better version of ourselves to our little one which is a huge blessing.
- Ali S., 3.5 month old baby
we'll continue to work with tara through toddlerhood because she's been so helpful for us as first time parents.
Before working with Tara, our sleep situation was a disaster. We had fallen into a routine of letting our little one sleep on top of us for hours at a time. My husband would stay awake with the baby sleeping on him from 9pm to 3am and then I would take over at 3am. We were exhausted and our baby still wasn’t napping well during the day. With Tara’s help the baby started sleeping most nights from 7pm to 6:30am without waking up at all. It was a miracle. We’ll continue to work with Tara through toddlerhood because she’s been so helpful for us as first time parents.
- Kate B., 11 week old baby
Tara was very easy to work with and very reassuring as we undertook the sleep training process
Tara was wonderful and did an absolutely amazing job. Before we started sleep training, our son was waking multiple times and night and often eating more than once overnight. He now goes all night without eating and with hardly any wakes (and can easily settle himself back to sleep when he does wake). The difference is night and day, and we never expected to make so much progress so quickly. Tara was very easy to work with and very reassuring as we undertook the sleep training process and we could not recommend her highly enough.
- Sean S., 4-month old baby
This Could Be You
I feel like I’ve barely slept for months and I don't even recognize myself,
I dread bedtime so much. Not knowing how long it will take to get my baby to sleep…or how long it will last…puts me so on edge.
I feel so defeated about my baby’s sleep.
Having to constantly hold my fussy baby or spending hours nursing/rocking/bouncing her has me on the verge of a mental breakdown.
Sleep training saved my sanity. I can function at work and enjoy time with my partner and friends again.
Bedtime is my favorite time of day. I savor those snuggles and that last feeding because I know I’m about to get some “me time” and a full night’s rest!
My baby is an amazing sleeper and I feel so much more confident as a mom.
We’re both so much calmer! Knowing I have a guaranteed break to look forward to helps me be more present and bond with my baby when they are awake.
Sleeping Baby, Sane Momma
This program is for motivated mommas who are ready to let go of any fears or guilt they may have about sleep training and learn the tools they need to be successful in teaching their baby to sleep independently.
Through 1:1 coaching and support with an expert in both infant sleep and maternal mental health, you can stop feeling powerless to improve your baby’s sleep and start getting the rest you need to get your sanity back and be the best momma you can be for your little one!
Let’s get started! You’ll complete a detailed questionnaire so I can understand what sleep looks like in your home now, what your goals are, and any current obstacles to making changes.
Optional: we'll meet for an extra 45-minute coaching call (see below) if you are feeling especially hesitant about sleep training or have a very low tolerance for crying. We'll review different sleep training methods to make sure we choose one you feel confident you can be consistent with and talk through how to cope with any of your discomfort.
Based on your answers to the questionnaire (and possibly an additional conversation about sleep training methods), I'll create a completely customized plan for you and your little one that covers everything you will need to be successful in reaching your goals for your baby's sleep.
Step 1: Assessment
Step 2: Preparation
Once you have read through your sleep plan, we'll have a 30-minute Sleep Plan Review call to go through it together and make sure you feel completely comfortable and confident about what to expect and are ready to start! Your sleep plan will cover:
• Getting Full Daytime Feedings
• Awake Time Limits and Activities
• Naptime and Bedtime Routines
• Creating an Environment Conducive to Safe and Restful Sleep
• Teaching Independent Sleep and Weaning from Night Feedings
• Caring for Your Mental Well-Being
I'll address any questions or concerns you have about the plan, and will collaborate with you regarding anything I've recommended that you wish to adjust to better fit your family's circumstances or preferences.
It’s go time! You’re ready to begin sleep training and I will be here holding your (virtual) hand the whole way!
Starting with an optional initial 1 or more nights of in-person support (see below), you’ll implement the plan we created together over the course of one week and keep a log for me to review each day.
I will be available daily for text support to encourage and reassure you, help you troubleshoot any issues, and celebrate your successes!
Sometime during the week, we will have your second 30-minute video call to talk through any areas you're still struggling with.
Step 3: Implementation
You did it! After we finish working together, I will send you my graduation guide, “We Sleep Trained, Now What?”
This guide covers daytime/nighttime sleep needs, recommended wake windows, and sample schedules for every age from birth through age 2 so you can be confident your baby is continuing to get the rest they need as their sleep needs change! This guide also covers all of the most common sleep disruptors through the infant and toddler years and how to deal with them.
If you are ever still feeling stuck with how how to adjust their schedule or get back on track, I offer follow-up coaching calls to help you quickly get everyone back to sleeping well!
Step 4: Follow-Up Support
If you're someone who knows you want to (or need to) sleep train but thinking about it brings up really overwhelming feelings including fear or guilt...
Or if you're someone who tried sleep training before but ended up not following through because you just couldn't handle the crying...
Does thinking about sleep training bring up a lot of anxiety?
- I offer an extra coaching call for us to talk through any concerns you have about sleep training and the crying involved, and I'll educate you on when/how crying is necessary or beneficial to the process vs when it isn't (and how to know the difference)
- We'll address any other fears you have and set realistic expectations for what the process will look like and how you can cope with any of your discomfort
- We'll discuss the various options for sleep training methods (what the crying would look like/how you would or would not address your baby's discomfort for each) and collaborate to decide on which method will be the best fit based on your baby's temperament as well as your anticipated ability to engage effectively with the method
it's okay. I've got you.
For families in the denver metro area
Get in-person support during at least the first (hardest) night of implementing your sleep training method, and possibly one or more additional nights. Deciding how many nights to book depends on where sleep is at to start, and how much of the process you want to do yourself.
The goal is for you to catch up on sleep so you are well-rested for the remainder of the process, and to build your confidence by seeing how much progress your baby has already made before you continue on your own.
Looking for In-Person Support?
- Shifts are scheduled for 9 to 12 hours. The first night is always scheduled for a 12-hour shift so that I can meet your baby at the start of bedtime and be there all the way through until your baby's intended wake time. Depending on if bedtime is a primary concern and on parental preference, subsequent nights may still begin at the start of bedtime, but may be scheduled to start after the baby has gone down for the night but before the parents go to bed.
- At the start of the shift, I will check-in to answer any questions and confirm the plan for the night.
- I will take over care of your baby as much as possible, soothing or feeding as needed, depending on your chosen method for sleep training and night weaning.
- I will wash any bottles/pump parts and store any expressed milk.
Still Have Questions?
Hiring a sleep consultant is a big investment and I want to make sure that you are ready, that my philosophies are the right fit for your parenting style, and that my services will help you to accomplish your specific goals!
If it turns out I'm not a good fit for you, I’ll help connect you to another sleep consultant or to other resources to better meet your needs!
Book Your Free 15-Minute Discovery Call
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It is a common misconception that sleep training can’t begin until a baby is a certain age or weight. I’ve heard everything from older than 4 months, over 6 months, over a year if baby is breastfed, not until baby has doubled their birth weight, etc.
Yes, some methods of sleep training are better suited to older babies.
Yes, some babies are not ready or able to go all night without eating for a variety of reasons (including age, but also due to their daytime feeding schedule, slow weight gain, or mom’s milk supply, to name a few).
But NO, sleep training - meaning teaching your baby to fall asleep and fall back asleep independently - can begin from birth! What that process will look like will vary depending on your baby’s age and if they are or are not ready to night wean…but better sleep for both you and baby can start RIGHT NOW - it’s up to you!*
*I do always recommend consulting with your pediatrician to make sure there are no medical issues that would make it ill-advised for your baby to begin learning independent sleep.
My Sleeping Baby, Sane Momma program is best suited for babies 3-12 months. We can start as early as about 10-12 weeks, and if your baby is a bit past 12 months, that’s fine too, but if your child is well beyond one year old and/or has transitioned out of the crib, then I recommend working with a sleep consultant who specializes in toddlers!
One huge advantage to working with a sleep consultant is that I am familiar with ALL the methods out there and can educate you on the various pros and cons of each. I joke that I’ve read all the books so you don’t have to! Really though, I’ve read Moms on Call, The Happiest Baby, Babywise, Healthy Sleep Habits, Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems, Secrets of The Baby Whisperer, 12 Hours Sleep by 12 Weeks Old, Good Night, Sleep Tight, The Sleepeasy Solution, and The No-Cry Sleep Solution and so I’m familiar with the full range of methods of techniques.
I do have a couple “favorites” that are actually variations of popular methods I’ve developed myself based on all my years of experience with in-person sleep training and virtual sleep consulting. That said, I am supportive of all methods and my goal is to help you choose the method that is best for you and your baby.
While I’ve never suggested CIO (“Cry It Out,” also known as “extinction”) as my primary recommendation for any of the families I’ve worked with, it is a perfectly valid method for certain situations and temperaments. If it ends up being right for you, I will totally support that!
I don’t refer to any sleep training method as “gentle” because 1) it’s shaming language that implies that other methods are “harsh” or “mean,” which isn’t true and only furthers the stigma around sleep training in general, 2) what feels gentle to one baby may not for another, and 3) the implied goal of “gentle” methods is less crying, but they usually take longer to work, which can result in more total crying... so I feel this is misleading. I prefer the terms more interactive vs less interactive, more hands on vs hands off, or parent-present vs giving space.
Unfortunately, “no-cry” or “tear-free” methods are a marketing ploy. While in the womb, a baby is constantly held and never hungry. Life outside the womb is obviously different, but many parents sacrifice their own sleep and sanity for weeks and months in an effort to prevent their baby from ever being uncomfortable and learning something new. Whether you start early or later, babies eventually have to adjust to being in the world, and expecting your baby to make this adjustment without ANY crying at all is completely unrealistic. A huge part of what I do though is help minimize the crying as much as possible, and teach you how to cope effectively when it does happen!
- One (1) 30-minute "Sleep Plan Review" video call (your partner is invited!) to go over the sleep plan and make sure you are 100% ready and confident to get started
- Seven (7) days of log reviews and text support while you are implementing your sleep plan
- One (1) 30-minute "Troubleshooting" video call to problem solve anything you're struggling with
- Bonus graduation guide: “We Sleep Trained - Now What?”
- Sleep Assessment
- Customized Sleep Plan, which includes:
- A full 24 hour age-appropriate schedule including all feedings and naps
- Detailed nap and bedtime routines
- Detailed instructions for how to implement your chosen sleep training method for bedtimes, naptimes, and overnight wakings
- Detailed instructions for overnight feedings and/or how to implement your chosen method for night weaning
- Links to additional resources for further reading if interested
- One (1) 45-minute video to talk through your concerns, discuss coping strategies, and collaborate to choose the sleep training method that you feel confident you can be successful with
- Whether you choose to book one night or several, all overnight shifts include:
- Upon arriving, I start with a check-in with one or both parents to answer any questions and agree on the plan for the night.
- I will take over care of your baby as much as possible for the full duration of the shift, soothing or feeding as needed, depending on your chosen method for sleep training and night weaning.
- If applicable, I will wash any bottles/pump parts and store any expressed milk.
- Night 1 is $750 and is always scheduled for a 12-hour shift (from the start of bedtime through your baby’s intended wake time for the day)
- The recommended shift length for any subsequent nights depends on if bedtime and/or early wakings are problem areas for your baby and if you want continued help during those times. You can choose to schedule a 9-hour ($500), 10-hour ($550), 11-hour ($600), or 12-hour ($650) shift for any additional nights.
I’ve never had parents be unsuccessful with sleep training who followed the plan I outlined (or any changes we agreed on together), communicated clearly with me, and were consistent in their efforts. So basically it’s up to you how successful this process will be - I am here to educate, guide, encourage, and support you every way that I can, but I’m not the person who is putting your baby down at certain times or deciding how to respond when they cry - you have to do the work!
Because of the nature of the service I provide, I literally can’t offer a guarantee, since success is dependent on if and how you are implementing the plan I give you. However, if you do not feel satisfied with your baby’s progress after the full week of implementing the plan (and as long as you are communicating with me and being consistent in your efforts), then I will provide a full reassessment, updated sleep plan, and an additional week of daily support to help you reach your goals.
I’ve seen some other sleep consultants that offer 2 weeks of support...why do you only offer 1 week?
Great question! The main reason is because I specialize in babies - while toddlers and preschoolers often require at least 1-2 weeks before seeing significant progress, babies learn much more quickly!
With a thorough initial assessment, thoughtfully designed plan, and consistent implementation, most babies will have made huge progress with their overnight sleep within the first three nights. By that point, some may have completely night weaned and learned to both fall asleep at the start of the night, and back asleep throughout the night, without any assistance, while others may still be weaning from one final feeding or needing soothing once during the night. Within a week, most babies are consistently sleeping through the night, and naps are also solidified (or almost).
And so the second reason is because I have an extremely consistent track record of success following the timeline above, and so I learned that families didn’t find much value in having daily support for that second week.
You’re a therapist, but this isn’t therapy, right? What's the difference between Therapy and Consulting/coaching?
Correct. There is some overlap between therapy and coaching/consulting (I use “coaching” and “consulting” interchangeably) - both can help address a variety of mental, emotional, and relational challenges, can deepen self-awareness, teach coping skills, collaborate in solving specific problems, and improve general well-being.
Psychotherapy is considered a medical treatment for a mental health disorder - it can only be provided by a licensed clinician, who is subject to the laws and ethics of the state boards in which they practice. A therapist diagnoses the client and develops an appropriate treatment plan, which may include psychoeducation and teaching coping skills in order to better manage symptoms, but also involves implementing various therapeutic techniques in an effort to treat or heal various forms of mental distress.
Coaching, on the other hand, is offered by professionals from many educational backgrounds and does not have a state- or federally-regulated scope of practice. While coaching may be offered by licensed therapists, in this service these clinicians are not performing a medical role: even though they are qualified to do so, they do not diagnose and they do not provide medical treatment for a mental disorder. Again, even though a licensed therapist has the training to do so, as a coach it would be inappropriate to dig into any deeper, underlying mental or emotional issues that may be contributing to the present problem for which coaching is intended to solve.
While my hope is that the Sleeping Baby, Sane Momma program would be incredibly beneficial for mommas experiencing postpartum mood issues, this program is not therapy, does not substitute for therapy, and does not prevent, cure, or treat any mental disorder or medical disease. If I believe you would benefit from further assessment and possible treatment for a postpartum mood or anxiety disorder, I will provide referrals and help get you connected to an appropriate provider in your state. Unfortunately, even if you live in a state where I am licensed, due to the ethics of my therapy license, I am not able to provide therapy services to clients I have already worked with as a sleep consultant. If you are already working with a therapist and would like me to speak with them before or during our time working together in the Sleeping Baby, Sane Momma program, I am happy to do that! You will just need to ask them for a release of information form to give permission for them to contact me.
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