Gentle Sleep Coaching
for happy sleeping families
Gentle Sleep Coaching
for happy sleeping families
My Gentle Sleep Coaching Approach
I was personally selected and trained by Kim West, LCSW-C (a.k.a. ‘”the Sleep Lady’) who has been helping tired parents for over 20 years. I am proudly the first qualified Gentle Sleep Coach in South Africa.
The Gentle Sleep Coach® (GSC) program is the first and most extensive professional sleep coaching certification program available. It is 1 of only 5 paediatric programs recognized by the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants (APSC).
GSC Program Summary
The Gentle Sleep Coach® program involves over 80 hours of training with a faculty panel that includes 2 medical doctors, a psychologist, an attorney, lactation counsellor, postpartum doulas and a family therapist. Each coach must pass an exam and participate in case mentorship with Kim West, LCSW-C (a.k.a. “the Sleep Lady”). Clinical mentorship and ongoing advanced training are required to maintain certification as a Gentle Sleep Coach.
Some of my training topics included:
- Basic counselling and child development
- Sleep science and behavioural modification techniques to help parents of children age 0 to 6 years old.
- Secure attachment theory
- Support for the breastfeeding mother
Expert Training from top specialists, including:
- Postpartum Depression from Dr. Shoshana Bennett, author and leading specialist on Postpartum Depression
- Medical Conditions and Sleep Apnea in Children led by Dr. Lewis Kass, Director of Children’s Sleep Center
GERD and Sleep led by Dr. Anthony Loizides, paediatric gastroenterologist - Jodi Jennings, OTLR; expert in sensory processing disorders and sleep
In addition to being certified to coach children from 6 months to 5 years , the GSC Program also includes exclusive advanced training specifically focused on how to gently work with babies 0-5 months of age.
Some of the curriculum training topics include:
- In-depth knowledge of the importance of attachment and infant mental health
- The sleep science behind the first six months of life
- What special considerations need to be taken when working with and supporting families during this delicate period
- Specialized instruction on how to evaluate families in the first six months
- Guidance on how to assess when the baby is ready for sleep coaching based on current research and evidence-based strategies
- Review of gentle sleep solutions and strategies that are developmentally appropriate, breastfeeding and attachment friendly and promote a solid foundation for sleep learning and long term healthy sleep patterns
The Philosophy at Little Sleepers
Working as a Sleep Coach means being welcomed into a families home to help create a positive change. This responsibility is an honour that I take very seriously.
Little Sleepers was founded on the values of compassion, professionalism and love. The relationships I create with my clients are a testament to this. This is shown in the ongoing success, word-of-mouth referrals and the great rapport I have with my clients.
Creating positive change
Little Sleepers adapts each sleep plan for each individual child.
I believe each child is unique and I take my time to create an individual sleeping plan. I also believe that no-one knows your baby better than you do. I understand the juggle that daily life brings and that dynamics vary from client to client. So, by working together and listening to clients, I can create the best outcome for families.
Your little one is my number one concern and every action taken is explained in great detail. You will understand why particular changes may need to be made, followed by guidance on how to implement those changes. I believe sleep issues can be resolved by looking at a range of elements. Some include, associations, patterns of reliance and understanding any history and or circumstance surrounding particular sleep issues.
Happier children and stronger families
Getting sleep sorted makes for happier children and stronger families. As a passionate and experienced Gentle Sleep Coach, I will help you establish sustainable routines and sleep skills that will transform your home for the better and give your little one the best start to life.
Helping families all over the world achieve healthy sleep habits.
Jacqui was so helpful, reassuring and calm during an extremely stressful time. Jacqui changed our lives and helped us calm the chaos! We would highly recommend her.
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Jacqui was so helpful, reassuring and calm during an extremely stressful time. Jacqui changed our lives and helped us calm the chaos! We would highly recommend her.
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