What is 'normal' baby sleep? Are you wondering what your baby's sleep is meant to look like? Being told that your little one ‘should’ be sleeping through 'by now'? Feeling like everyone else’s babies sleep so much better than yours? Newborn sleep is naturally fragmented because their small stomachs require frequent feedings, typically every 2-3 hours, both day and night. In the early weeks and months, babies haven't yet developed their own circadian rhythm, meaning they can't

Exam stress in young people and teens can have a huge impact on their sleep. The pressure of exams can cause additional anxiety and stress, and this can have a major impact on their ability to relax and get enough rest, which is critical, especially at this time. Issues you may notice with your teen around exam time can include: Difficulty falling asleep: With additional stress around exams, young minds may be racing with worries about how well they will do, whether they hav

Many children and young people struggle with anxiety at some point in their lives and this can negatively impact sleep as well as other areas in their life such as school, friendships, and social interactions. If your child is struggling, particularly with the effects of anxiety on their sleep, then do read on for tips and strategies to help with this. Symptoms of anxiety You know your child best, so you’ll more than likely have a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right.

Anyone who has suffered the pain of heartburn or indigestion can only imagine how hard it must be for a baby who is suffering with silent reflux, and is unable to tell anyone about it or find ways to relieve it independently. Having had a son myself with severe acid (silent) reflux as a result of initially undiagnosed food allergies, I know only too well the pain of watching your child suffer and feeling unable to help them. Not to mention the effect it has on everyone’s slee

The Christmas season is generally a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for families with young children, it can also be a time of chaos, disrupted routines, and extra stress. With all the excitement and build up to the big day plus occasional festive outings, it's easy for children's routines to get off track. However, maintaining some sense of structure can help keep everyone happy, healthy, and well-rested during this busy time of year. Here are some practical

The ‘ideal’ setting for sleep is a completely dark environment for the whole night so generally for smaller ones, total black out is usually the best option for optimal sleep. This is because, when darkness falls, our bodies naturally produce the sleep hormone, melatonin, which induces sleep. However some children find it hard to sleep in total darkness and some older toddlers or children may prefer some kind of light for reassurance if they wake during the night (which is no

It goes without saying that the Fatherhood role has changed vastly over the last 70 years, and more recently we are seeing more and more Dads and father figures embracing or sharing the ‘home carer’ role, with the other parent going out as the main worker or breadwinner - but either way, parents are generally sharing more responsibilities, which can only be a good thing for everyone! ‘Dads’ come in various different capacities too; genetic fathers, grandfathers, surrogate or

One of the things I often get asked about is when the right time is to get rid of a little ones dummy. I advise that up to around 6 months the dummy is a great tool for comfort and settling and if you have started using one, it can help prevent SIDS, but after this time it can sometimes become more of a hindrance than a help. It’s also really important that little ones don’t use a dummy for too long, as this can affect their teeth and their speech later on. Ideally it is best

Pregnancy is a unique and special journey, whether for the first time, second, third - or more. It's a time full of transformation, change and growth, but its also natural to have some apprehension of the unknown ahead. Of course, you just want to meet your new baby, but the lead up to their arrival can bring mixed feelings of excitement and sometimes anxiety (especially if it's your first pregnancy, or you've had a difficult previous experience). Pregnancy relaxation sessi

Many new parents will at some point search for a sleep coach to help their baby or child sleep better, or sleep through the night. Whilst many of these coaches may well be very experienced and highly trained in paediatric sleep, there are also many who are not. SO... how do you know if your sleep coach is expertly trained and qualified enough to advise on such an emotive part of life for many families? And why is it so important that they are adequately trained? In this blog

Clocks go forward on the last Sunday of every March and backwards on the last Sunday of every October. Nearing a clock change, especially for those who have their little ones in a gentle but predictable routine for sleep, or whose children struggle with sleep as it is, can seem daunting. You’ve maybe put in the hard work of establishing a bedtime routine, and just as things are on point, the clocks spring forward or backwards un-doing all that hard work! The good news is, the

It’s common to see pictures of babies who have literally just been born, just minutes earlier, with a cosy little hat on – be it knitted especially by granny or popped on automatically by the hospital staff - and all with the best of intentions of course. But there are also many reasons why placing a hat straight on a newborn babies (beautiful smelling) head may not be ideal.… Breastfeeding initiation Uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact, mothers inhaling their new babies beaut

Many aspects of parenting and caring for infants has a basis in our evolutionary biology. Contact naps, co-sleeping and breastfeeding on demand are practices that have been common in human societies for generations, and continue to be in many cultures, and they are natural and nurturing ways to care for babies. However modern life, unrealistic expectations of both babies, and parents (financial need to return to work, pressure to get babies 'sleeping through', or sleeping in

Hypnobirthing is an approach to labour and birth that enables the birthing parent to access deep relaxation, allowing the unconscious...

The journey into parenthood can be an incredibly exciting experience for expectant parents, however, it can also be challenging and sometimes pretty overwhelming! There is so much to experience and learn about, from the physical changes happening to the body, the various stages of labour and delivery, to the emotional and psychological aspects of becoming a parent. This is where antenatal classes come in. They play a crucial role in preparing parents for childbirth and early

RECOVER is a great way to think about all the different angles that need to be considered in order to plan for the postnatal period, so that all members of the new family are well supported, and to protect this special period of time. Rest Sleep is key for recovery and restoration. If you have a partner/friend/family member who can look after your baby (or babies!) while you nap in the day, or enable you to get an early night if the baby sleeps for the first part of the night

Hormones play a huge part during pregnancy, labour, birth - and postnatally. There is a very natural flow of hormones (chemical messages) between both mother and baby, throughout the process of labour and birth that, if undisturbed, can enable things to go smoothly and safely. Many people underestimate how much of an effect hormones can have on birth, or don’t realise how beneficial most of them can be - and that they can be influenced and encouraged, to help labour and birth