If you ask parents what they miss most about their lives before children, most will say “SLEEP”! It is the rare family who doesn’t long for the day when everyone will “sleep through the night”.
Parents call me for a sleep consultation when the advice they’ve found in books or heard from friends isn’t working for their baby or child. They want an individualized plan designed just for them and ongoing support to make sure that the plan really works.
As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I use a comprehensive “whole child” approach when I consult with your family. Most parents say that the consultation feels like an extended, relaxed pediatric visit, with time to talk and ask questions about all aspects of their baby's health, development, and behavior. Both parents come to this consultation.
To help you with a plan that will work for you, I learn about your child's current sleep patterns, health history, nutrition and feeding, your family's schedule and routines and any other family considerations that impact on sleep. We talk about your child’s sleep environment, parents’ work schedules, and any child care needs. There are many reasons why babies and children don’t sleep well, and there is no “one size fits all” solution.
First, I will have you fill out a detailed questionnaire so that I can prepare for our consultation. Next, we have a 1 1/2-2 hour parent visit with me (in Oakland) which includes your child if she is under a year old. If there is more than one parent, it is important that both parents come to this visit. You will leave with a plan to begin within the week. Once you begin the plan, we check in every morning by telephone or email so that we can fine tune or adjust the plan as needed. You will also send me a daily log and report on your baby's sleep so that the plan works as quickly as possible.
Within two weeks of following the plan your baby should be sleeping well at night (or if your child is older we will have completed the first phase of a plan) Naps may take longer to work out, especially if a baby has several different daytime caregivers.
In order to get the best possible results in the shortest possible time it is important to choose a time in your life when you can commit to being home every night for at least two weeks (and during the day if naps are also an issue). Consistency is the key to developing new sleep patterns!
Fees:
The “Package Plan” for babies and toddlers costs $500 and includes the initial questionnaire and evaluation, a 1 1/2-2 hour visit, a written plan, and daily check-ins by telephone or email for two weeks. The fee for twins is $750. Older toddlers or babies who have had a lot of inconsistent approaches to sleep may need more time. If we need additional visits or calls, time is prorated at $150 per hour.
Single consultation: This is recommended for babies under three months or for parents who wish a single consultation for any reason. It is also appropriate for parents who are sorting out "fussy baby", feeding, or any other newborn issues or for parents who want to explore options in sleeping arrangements. This fee includes the initial evaluation and visit described above and a short written plan. The single consultation is $250.
If you do not live in the Bay Area, we can arrange a consultation using telephone, email, or Skype (or all three). I will have you pay in advance of the call via Paypal.
Please e-mail me with further questions.
Many parents like to have a telephone conversation before we make our first appointment, so please let me know good times to reach you by telephone.
I look forward to helping your family “sleep through the night”!
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