Are sleep consultants worth it?
I know I put it in the title-but something still needs an obvious disclaimer; “are sleep consultants worth it” is a totally subjective notion. What is “worth it” to you, may not be worth it to me, and is completely dependent on your current financial situation, family dynamics, and a myriad of other factors. However, with the growing research in the sleep field, it’s no exaggeration to say that sleep is as vital to our health as eating, breathing, and drinking water. There is no set price you can put on a good night’s sleep, and it is a top priority for many people.
What do sleep consultants do?
Pediatric sleep consultants are trained to evaluate and address sleep related struggles from newborns to preschool, with approaches that are both age appropriate and suited to the child’s personality and needs. The primary goal is to establish healthy sleep habits and routines, promoting better overall well-being.
We do this by gathering information via an in-depth intake form (and believe me this thing is hefty!). Ever hear the term, you can’t see the forest for the trees? Sometimes when our own children are struggling in the sleep department, it can be hard to see the overall picture when we’re bogged down in day to day pain points such as teething, feeding difficulties, gross motor milestones, illness, etc (not to mention your own obligations, responsibilities, and well-being). A sleep consultant can take your brain dump of an intake form, and pick out key points that will help guide you to improving your family’s sleep situation. Using these key points, a sleep consultant may create a customized sleep plan that includes the goals YOU listed and how you will reach them. This isn’t about what I think your baby’s sleep should look like, it’s about what you envision for your child’s sleep. Many sleep consultants also utilize sleep logs to pinpoint timing issues and optimize the child’s sleep schedule.
Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, sleep consultants should be there to SUPPORT your family. I aim to listen, understand, and support you in your quest for better sleep. I love to include my clients in the process of creating their sleep plan, because it’s really up to them to implement my suggestions. Many families want to know the “why” behind what I’m asking you to do, and so sharing that knowledge is a huge part of the process. I want you to walk away from our time together feeling empowered, educated, and confident that you can tackle any sleep hiccups that come your way.
How Sleep Consultants are Worth It
Personalized Approach: Consultants created tailored plans to suit your family’s unique circumstances by evaluating individual sleep patterns, habits, and environments.
Expertise and Knowledge: saving you time and energy from having to read book after book about baby sleep, sleep consultants bring a wealth of knowledge about sleep hygiene, child development, schedules, and effective intervention strategies.
Time Efficiency: many families either don’t know where to start when implementing changes to their sleep habits, and this is where a sleep consultant can streamline the process, giving step-by-step guidance on how to efficiently reach your goals.
Emotional Support: Sleep issues can be emotionally draining. Sleep consultants often provide emotional support and reassurance, guiding individuals through the challenges and setbacks that can occur during the sleep improvement process.
Considerations Before Hiring a Sleep Consultant
Cost: Hiring a sleep consultant can be an investment that some families may not feel equipped to take on at that moment in time. It’s important to consider whether that investment aligns with your budget. Some families do see the cost being justified by the potential for sleep improvements, quality of life, and overall well-being.
Sleep Books and Resources: many families have pursued the DIY route and gathered their own knowledge, with varying levels of success. This is a great, economical option, if you are a self starter and able to easily pare through the wealth of information out there. This is perhaps not the fastest option when considering the time it takes to gather the resources and come up with a plan, and doesn’t provide the same level of personalized support that you may be looking for to tailor the plan to your family dynamic.
Medical Consultation: We do have medical questions included in our intake form to screen for sleep related issues prior to starting formal sleep training. If sleep issues are related to underlying medical conditions, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. Sleep consultants can complement medical advice, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment.
For those facing persistent sleep challenges and seeking a personalized, efficient approach, the expertise of a sleep consultant may prove to be a worthwhile investment. It is hard to feel so alone and exhausted in these messier parts of parenthood. Having a sleep consultant in your corner, cheering you on with every little win, and dusting you off after a setback, can be a major game changer when it comes to changing habits around sleep. This is your family’s sleep journey, and if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s that is okay. As long as you are still moving in a positive direction to your goals, and you feel empowered by your choices, that is what truly matters.
Related blogs:
20 questions to ask a baby sleep consultant
When is the right time to sleep train?
