31: Why is my child waking so much?! Unpacking normal sleep & gentle strategies with Kim Hawley, MA, MPH, IBCLC & Holistic Sleep Coach (Intuitive Parenting DC)

Ever wished you could decode the enigma of infant and toddler sleep? As your guide through this labyrinth, I’m excited to bring you my engaging conversation with Kim Hawley, an expert in holistic sleep coaching, lactation consulting, and peaceful parenting education – a rare combination indeed! Drawing on Kim’s years of experience, we delve into the winding path of sleep in a child’s early years, distinguishing what’s normal, what's not, and how to respond when you're caught in the crosshairs of uncertainty.
During our enlightening chat, Kim shares insights into her personal journey and how it led her to become a passionate advocate for biologically normal sleep in the modern world. We examine the range of factors that influence sleep in the first two years of life, from developmental milestones to temperamental traits and even medical issues like allergies. Kim shares insider tips on how parental sleep hygiene can positively impact their child's rest, and we shed a light on the often-overlooked importance of night feeds for not just nutrition, but also connection and co-regulation.
Finally, we discuss the critical role of physical proximity and connection in a child's overall development. We shed light on why this instinct is deeply embedded in us, courtesy of our evolutionary past, and how it can be adapted to suit modern parenting. Tune in to discover practical advice on incorporating proximity and connection into your child's sleep routine, even if they're sleeping independently. Whether you're just embarking on the parenting journey or already navigating through sleepless nights, this conversation is brimming with invaluable insights that you won't want to miss.
Kim Hawley, MA, MPH, IBCLC is a Holistic Sleep Coach, Lactation Consultant, Peaceful Parenting Educator, and the owner of Intuitive Parenting. She helps tired parents bring together developmental knowledge, sleep science, and their intuition to improve family sleep. Her specialty is holistic, responsive sleep support for babies, toddlers, and nursing families. She is the founder of Responsive Family Sleep, an online sleep support program for parents looking to support sleep without sleep training, and the host of the new podcast, The Responsive Family Sleep Podcast. Kim lives in Capitol Hill, Washington DC with her husband, 2 kids, guide dog, and cat. She loves running, listening to audio books, coffee, chocolate, and wine.
Kim's Website: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc
Kim's Comprehensive guide to normal sleep 0-5 years.

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