The Sleep Mums

Feeding: Formula milk

We want to talk about feeding, the different ways of feeding and how that can impact sleep. As we always say, we’re all different. Our babies are different and our families are all different; that should always be celebrated, which is why The Sleep Mums is zero judgement.  You might choose to listen to all three of our feeding episodes that we’re but we wanted to give you the chance to listen to what you need, whether that’s one, two or all three.

In this episode we’re going to talk about bottle feeding, some useful guides, bin some myths and chat through how you can maximise sleep through bottle feeds.

Feeding: Breast milk

We want to talk about feeding, the different ways of feeding and how that can impact sleep. As we always say, we’re all different. Our babies are different and our families are all different; that should always be celebrated, which is why The Sleep Mums is zero judgement.  You might choose to listen to all three of our feeding episodes that we’re but we wanted to give you the chance to listen to what you need, whether that’s one, two or all three.

In this episode we’re going to talk about breastfeeding, some hot tips and bust some myths. We’ll also talk about how you can maximise sleep through your feeds.

A to Zzz: A for Allergies

Being a parent is hard enough, then you put allergies or suspected allergies in the mix. It can be scary, disorientating and exhausting with a poorly or unhappy baby. Allergies are also becoming more and more common in babies and young children, which is why it felt really important for us to talk to an expert about it.

It can be a long road for parents to find out what the problem is - from reflux and digestive issues to intolerances and allergies - in this brand new episode of The Sleep Mums A to Zzz we chat to The Allergy Health Coach, Erica Silcocks to discuss all things allergy, what to do if you suspect one and where to find help if you need it

The Witching Hour (s)

There isn’t a magic spell that can help your baby sleep but whilst there might not be magic, there is witchcraft – the so called witching hours, when your lovely baby can suddenly become more than a little bit spirited.

 

This time of day (usually between 5pm and 11pm) babies can be tired but awake, fractious but needing near constant attention. It can be really hard to know how to deal with this unmagical witching hour (or two), in this Sleep Mums episode we’ll look at a few ways to help you and baby through to bedtime… without casting a spell on them!

 

1 – What Is The Witching Hour? 2 – Tiredness 3 – Milk Feeds and Hunger 4 – Distractions 5 – Flexibility

A to Zzz: D for Development

After your baby is born their mind grows almost as much as your laundry pile. The first year of their life can feel a blur of counting weeks not months, healthcare visits and developmental milestones. But those milestones can feel pretty scary for parents. What are they? Do they really matter? And, what should I do if my baby isn’t meeting them?

In this episode, paediatric neurologist Dr Niamh Lynch talks us through all that, and much more (in her gorgeous Irish tones!).  D is for development and developmental milestones.

Early Waking

When you become a parent, you look back on before children lie ins with a mixture of admiration and horror. I mean, how was it even possible to sleep until 11am? That’s lunchtime! These days even 6.30am can feel like a bit of a luxury. However, you don’t have to just accept that early waking is what you do now.

In this episode we’ll show you some of the ways and little tweaks you can use that can help you to gradually increase babies wake up time; to one that (hopefully) doesn’t hurt quite so much!

We’ll also answer our listener Alyson’s question about how she can help her baby through early waking after introducing a dream feed.

 

1 – What about environment? 2 – What about naps? 3 – What about food? 4 – What about habits? 5 – What about settling?

A to Zzz: T for Twins

Today’s letter on The Sleep Mums a to Zzz is T for Twins. We talk through the emotional rollercoaster of finding out you’re having two babies at once with award-winning blogger, twin mama and author of  new parenting guide, OMG It’s Twins, Alison Perry.

As a first time mum Alison launched her Not Another Mummy Blog in 2011, talking the hits, misses and maybes of motherhood. In 2018, after five years of fertility treatment, Alison gave birth to twins and she has just written her first book OMG It’s Twins, a comprehensive guide to making it through the first year with two!

In this episode, we cover everything from when you first find out to the differences in parenting twins over a single child and, of course, what it means for sleep!

 

 

Dummy Detox

Dummy, Soother, Pacifier; whatever name you choose these little suckers can be both a big help when it comes to baby sleep and a struggle. Millions are sold each year – they are not a bad thing by any means - and there are loads of reasons why they are a brilliant addition to the parenting toolbox.

However, there are also several reasons why you might be thinking about getting rid of one, from having to be up multiple times a night replacing it to hoping that your child won’t go to school with one! So, in this episode we’ll take you through The Dummy Detox.

We’ll also answer our listener Joanne’s question about getting her toddler to give up their dummy after multiple attempts.

 

1 – When to do it? 2 – How to do it 3 – Should I have given it? 4 – The Sleep Mums Golden Rule 5 – Should I replace it?

A to Zzz: E for Expectant Dad

There are lots of books, references and social media accounts for mums but not nearly so many for Dads and, even then, they can be a bit mum-sided. It often leaves Dads feeling like they shouldn’t be the one to ask the questions, either because it’s not their’ job’ or because, like lots of parenthood stuff, they feel like they should know it all naturally. But we're not born parents, we learn how to be them.

So, this week, expectant Dad, Ed turned the table on us and asked us five questions; from sleep to mental health. We talk ab

 

1 - When will my baby sleep through?  2 - How does sleeping environment affect babies? 3 - How to cope in terms of mental health? 4 - Is routine a British thing? 5 - What bad habits should I be aware of slipping in to?

 

 

Leaps and Regressions

In their first few years of life, babies grow almost as quickly as your laundry pile. These huge developmental changes are often called leaps or are connected to sleep 'regressions'. But what are these things that have a whopping 200 million hits on Google, are they real? In this episode, we’ll talk you through what leaps and regressions are and share some tips to help you and your baby through the major milestones of their early years.

We’ll also answer our listener Craig's question about managing expectations about 'leaps'.

1 – What is a 'Regression'? 2 – What is a 'Leap'? 3 – Baby Help 4 – Parent Help 5 – How to Cope