310 - Sleep

Dr. Carole Keim talks about the all-important subject of sleep in this episode. Sleep is a frustrating thing as a new parent which is why there is so much sleep advice and so many sleep books available. Dr. Keim will break down what sleep patterns are normal at different ages and give information on different ways to help babies (and parents, by extension) sleep well.

All babies are different and what works for one baby’s sleep may not work for another. But there are normal sleep patterns for different ages and Dr. Keim clears up confusion around those necessary patterns. She explains why babies crave the rocking and contact of being held as opposed to being laid in a bed to sleep and offers advice on how to slowly get them accustomed to the change. From night feeding to sleep positions to not using your phone in your baby’s room to all the different alternative healing modalities that have been shown to be helpful in promoting sleep, Dr. Keim gives the key information parents need on the topic of sleep.

In this episode:

Sleep (00:27)

• Intro: helping babies sleep at night is one of the most difficult and frustrating things as a new parent. All babies are different. What’s normal at different ages:
  • Newborns cluster feed and wake at least once every 2-3 hours
  • For the first 2 months of life, a baby can’t sleep more than 4 hours
  • From 2-6 months it’s ok to let them sleep longer, but most still wake 2-3x at night to feed
  • From 6-9 months, allowed to sleep as long as they want, typically wake 1-2x per night, worse when teething
  • From 9-12 months, can start offering water at night. Feeding higher fat/protein meals at dinner time can help them sleep better.
  • After 12 months, they don’t need milk at night, only water if they wake up, and reassure for night waking. Cosleeping will make you both get worse sleep, and remember a thin blanket is ok, but no thick blankets and no pillows til age 2. Sleeping with a tight shirt can help curb breastfeeding at night.
• Western - graduated or progressive extinction method. “Cry it out” is not recommended due to emotional trauma. Melatonin is not recommended on a regular basis; can be used intermittently when traveling (jet lag) but not more than 2-3 days. Also a consistent bedtime routine helps - run/play, brush teeth, bath, reading/singing, low lighting, avoid screens x 2h before bed.
• TCM - pediatric acupuncture (shonishin) and Chinese herbs can both help with sleep. Speak to a pediatric acupuncturist for specific recommendations.
• Chiro - pediatric chiropractic and craniosacral therapy can help your baby or child sleep better. Chiropractic is built around relaxing and resetting the nervous system, so regular adjustments tend to be really helpful for sleep.
• Nutrition/supplements - Eating a dinner high in fat and protein and low in sugar at least 2 hours before bedtime, magnesium supplements (check with a doctor for dosing), chamomile tea over age 1 or for breastfeeding moms; can give a spoonful of chamomile tea under age 1 (no honey!)
• Homeopathy - aconitum napellus, arsenicum album, belladonna, china officinalis, chamomilla, calcarea carbonica, and pulsatilla. Note: not supported by western science; speak to a CCH for specific recommendations.
• Aromatherapy - Can diffuse oils or dilute in a carrier oil and rub onto baby’s back and feet. The best oils for sleep are Roman chamomile, German chamomile, neroli, tangerine, pettigrain, and lavender. Lavender can be stimulating in children; if this seems to be the case, try chamomile oil instead.

End of season; stay tuned for more in the future!

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, which can be ordered here. Her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of your baby’s life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• There is more information like this in the Holistic Mamas Handbook. You can order the Holistic Mamas Handbook on Amazon
• The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon
• Dr. Keim’s Supplement/vitamins link for 10% off

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree |