Arthur’s Sleepover Success
From Midnight Mayhem to Dreamland Bliss!
At just 9 months old, little Arthur was already quite the night owl. His daytime routine was a dream - a couple of hour-long naps at home or at daycare, self-soothing by sucking his arm. But when the sun set, it was a different story. You see, Arthur had turned into quite the midnight snacker. He'd wake every couple of hours, and only a feed would send him back to sleep - even if he wasn't really hungry. His mom tried to help him sleep through the night using a method known as Capped Extinction for 5 minutes when he woke, but this only led to more crying and more stress for everyone involved.
“We are not expecting miracles! But even if we had a baby that slept 5 hour stints would be lovely as both of us are back at work. ”
Arthur's mom was at her wit's end. She was up every couple of hours breastfeeding Arthur, trying to soothe him back to sleep. Her husband was unable to help during these late-night sessions, and she was left feeling isolated and frustrated. With other children to care for and the demands of work, she was quickly burning out. The lack of sleep was taking its toll on the whole family, creating a tense and stressful environment.
It was time for a change. Caity could see the problem was clear: Arthur had developed a strong association between feeding and sleep. He was waking up every couple hours - a normal part of a baby's sleep cycle - and looking to his mom for help falling back asleep. This had to stop. The solution? Helping Arthur learn to fall asleep independently, without the need for a feed every time he woke up.
The family decided to try something called the Spaced Soothing method. This approach seemed like the best fit for Arthur - his mom felt that the other methods they had tried in the past had been too stimulating and had only upset Arthur more. The first few nights were a struggle, but the family stuck with it. They were determined to make it work. And then it clicked. Arthur started to get the hang of his new sleep routine, and his sleep improved dramatically.
“PU/PD would be too stimulating for him I think. When we tried similar in the past they seemed to only make him more upset.”
The family had decided to get help with their sleep challenges by booking a package with a sleep consultant. They found the comprehensive support and personalized advice they received incredibly helpful. The process was a win-win: they got the help they needed, and they also contributed to the professional development of the sleep consultant.
In the beginning, the transition was tough. The first three nights were particularly challenging for Arthur's mom, and she was ready to throw in the towel. But then, on the third night, she noticed a huge improvement. Arthur was settling faster and sleeping longer. Before long, he was sleeping through the night with only two feeds - a dreamfeed and one other. It had been a difficult journey, but the results were worth it.
"Prior to commencing any sort of training though his nights were 5 wakes. So this is a huge change!" - Ashleigh Mum
The transformation in the family's daily routine has been remarkable. Arthur's mom says, "Day naps are awesome now; he self-settles within minutes." The nights are also much more manageable, with Arthur typically waking only once or twice, as opposed to the previous five times. The change has been a huge relief for everyone involved. In the end, the journey was challenging, but the family is now enjoying a smoother, more restful routine.
If Arthur's sleep transformation resonates with you and you're looking for similar guidance, Dreamland Coaching can help. Our expert team offers personalized support to navigate sleep challenges and find solutions tailored to your family’s needs. Whether you’re dealing with nighttime struggles or seeking a more restful routine, Dreamland Coaching is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out today to discover how we can assist you in achieving the peaceful nights and refreshing days you deserve.
