The Responsive Family Sleep Podcast

The world of sleep info is generally terrible when it comes to supporting the nursing relationship. As a nursing parent, it’s important to know when information could potentially harm your supply or make nursing unnecessarily hard. IN this episode I’m highlighting some of the most common information that signals a source isn’t giving you nursing supportive advice. Resources related to this episode My podcast on nursing to sleep: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/podcast/2023/9/19/is-nursing-to-sleep-a-bad-habit And my podcast on sleep and lactation: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/podcast/2024/3/29/lets-talk-sleep-and-lactation Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Babywearing is one of my personal essential parenting tools! In this week’s episode I’m joined by Katie Shamp, Babywearing Educator/Consultant, and we are talking all about babywearing. We touch on the reasons to reach out to a babywearing educator and the many ways they can help you along your babywearing journey. We discuss how babywearing looks different from family to family and as your child grows. Plus, we touch on different carrier options, benefits of babywearing, and things to consider when doing a babywearing nap. I hope this conversation gives you some new ideas and things to consider. About Katie I’ve been working in baby- and lactation-land since 2012 at The Breastfeeding Center. A lot of my work supporting our community is behind the scenes, sourcing and vetting our product selection, honing our systems, and supporting our staff with technology—though my favorite excuse to close my computer is working with families on babywearing! I trained with the Center for Babywearing Studies in 2019, and became a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist in 2021. My passion for this work is centered in reproductive justice: I believe all people deserve access-to, and autonomy-in their choices about whether and how to grow their families, followed by respect, and support in realizing their goals. At home I love to splash in any body of water I can find, go on crisp early morning bike rides, and enjoy backpacking with my family and hound-dog. Where to find Katie’s babywearing support https://www.breastfeedingcenter.org/babywearing Instagram: @breastfeeding_center Resources from Katie on babywearing https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/2018/11/24/seven-reasons-why-babywearing-matters/ https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/positive-effects-of-carrying-for-baby/ https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/types-of-slings/ https://www.babycarrierindustryalliance.org/resource/eu-baby-carrier-recalls-2023/ Connect with Kim Grab the free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/ Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

In this episode, I’m talking about what to do when your baby or toddler really, really won’t accept their other parent overnight. Even with the best tips, not all children at all ages are going to gently be nudged into accepting both parents overnight. I work with many families who find that it’s more stressful than they are comfortable with and prefer to find other ways to support the nursing parent – at least in their current phase. So, I’m sharing some ways to reframe and support the primary nighttime parent while you wait for a better time to even out the nighttime parenting load. Resources related to this episode Check out my related blog post on supporting a nursing parent with nighttime parenting: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2021/7/9/how-to-support-a-nursing-parent-with-nighttime-parenting Connect with Kim Grab the free guide busting common sleep myths and learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/ Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Sharing nighttime parenting sounds like a great way to approach caring for your little one, and yet it often doesn’t end up working in practice for many families. There are so many reasons why the nighttime parenting might fall on one parent more than the other. However, just because it isn’t happening organically, doesn’t mean you can’t gently work towards both parents being involved in nighttime parenting. In this episode, I’m discussing tips for sharing nighttime parenting. I share some different options to get your little one more comfortable with the idea and some ideas around when to try first. Resources related to this episode Check out my related blog post on supporting a nursing parent with nighttime parenting: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2021/7/9/how-to-support-a-nursing-parent-with-nighttime-parenting Connect with Kim Grab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/ Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc

Parenting is full of hard things and hard conversations. Between the lack of sleep, shifting identities, and new dynamics, it’s natural to struggle with some hard conversations and disagreements. In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Walsh, an attachment-based therapist with a specialty in building skills and confidence around hard conversations. Megan shares tips for how to have hard conversations in a way that brings you closer together on the other side. We talk about the needs and feelings that often underly hard conversations and disagreements, and how to validate, understand, and come together for a solution that both parents feel good about. About Megan Megan is a psychotherapist and mentor who supports individuals to release people-pleasing, embrace imperfection, calm their bodies, say hard things & build thriving relationships. Connect with Megan Website: https://connect-with-megan.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectwithmegan/ Resources Related to this Episode Check out this blog about how to manage conversations when you and your partner don’t agree about supporting baby sleep: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2022/10/22/my-partner-and-i-dont- agree-about-sleep Connect with Kim Grab a free sleep myth busting guide and learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/ Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Touch is a powerful need and support of healthy development. In this episode, I’m joined by Helen Thompson, a qualified baby massage instructor. We chat about the benefits of massage, ways massage can support sleep, tips for making massage more playful and multi-sensory, and a lot about attunement, reading your babies cues, and communication. I hope this episode gives you some simple ideas you can start right away or gets you excited to take an infant massage class to learn more. About Helen Helen has spent more than three decades working with babies and toddlers and currently lives on the beautiful North West coast of Tasmania, in Australia. She qualified in the United Kingdom as a nursery nurse/childcare educator and has worked in centres in the UK and numerous states of Australia. Helen has always been a huge fan of holistic remedies and how they can help all ages and has spent time over the years training in areas including kinesiology and brain gym. In 2010, Helen heard about baby/infant massage for the first time and decided to train to become an instructor after seeing how it helps build a magical bond between baby and parent whilst helping babies with conditions such as colic and constipation. Helen enjoys teaching mums via her online Zoom workshops. Helen commenced her First Time Mum's Chat podcast in early 2021 and enjoys providing mums with tips to help them in their new parenting journey. She regularly interviews mums who share their journeys and challenges as well as experts in related areas that can help. In her spare time Helen enjoys reading and the great outdoors via cycling and walking. She also enjoys getting away from technology and exploring the many delights of Tasmania. Connect with Helen Website: https://www.mybabymassage.net/ Sleep resource: https://www.mybabymassage.net/responsivesleep Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firsttimemumschat/. Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

In this episode, I’m talking about reflecting on your baby sleep story. Baby sleep stories are the ideas, expectations, and preconceptions we have about what baby sleep should look like. They are influenced by many factors and inform our parenting and sleep experience. Reflecting on your narrative or sleep story can allow you to set aside the expectations and pressures that don’t meet your family’s sleep needs. Resources related to this episode Developmentally informed sleep expectations by age: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2018/7/6/developmentally-appropriate-sleep-expectations-birth-to-age-5 Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Sleep is complex and influenced by many factors. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Karen Molano, a psychologist specializing in infant, family, and early childhood development. Our conversation touches on her 8 pillars to support optimal wellness and then we dive into the specifics around gut health, digestion, and sleep. We touch on the importance of a healthy gut, the brain gut connection, promoting calm and relaxed meals, and even some foods that can help support sleep. I hope you find at least one helpful new perspective or idea in this conversation to take away into your parenting experience. About Dr. Karen Dr. Karen Molano, an esteemed psychologist with two decades of expertise, specializes in infant, family, and early childhood development. As the founder and CEO of LumiTot, she focuses on the crucial period of pregnancy and the first five years. Her innovative LumiTot Method merges neuroscience with eastern wisdom, redefining parenting. This holistic approach promotes cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and physical development. Dr. Molano's approach offers a distinct roadmap for raising kids that unlocks the potential of children and families, simplifying the parenting journey, and nurturing generational excellence. Dr. Molano has been seen on Parents, Bold Journey, and featured on several podcasts. Connect with Dr. Karen Molano Multidimensional Parenting: 8 Keys to Unlock Your Child's Potential: https://gift.lumitot.com/ Website: www.lumitot.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumitot/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LumiTot/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lumitot?_t=8koXfFrdbm2&_r=1 Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-molano-239b07b/ Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

In this episode, I’m unpacking the ways in which sleep and lactation are interconnected. So many parents hear conflicting information about nursing and sleep, and there is a lot of sleep advice that can negatively impact a parents nursing relationship. This is a big topic, and I’m highlighting 4 factors that are important to consider: the need for nighttime milk removal to maintain supply; baby’s need for night feeds; lactation hormones supporting sleep and supply; and the fact that we need the whole picture of a baby’s feeding pattern to put night feeds in context. Resources related to this episode Nursing to sleep podcast episode: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/podcast/2023/9/19/is-nursing-to- sleep-a-bad-habit Reverse cycling blog post: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2023/6/27/reverse-cycling-why-your-baby-is-suddenly-feeding-more-at-night Magic number: https://www.nancymohrbacher.com/articles/2010/8/13/the-magic-number-and-long-term-milk-production-part-1.html Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by Nikko a Perinatal Quantum Biology Practitioner and Doula. We talk about the importance of a healthy circadian rhythm, how the circadian rhythm develops, and factors that support a healthy circadian rhythm. We also discuss why you should even care about a healthy circadian rhythm. This was a fun conversation and I hope it offers you some new ideas and insights. About Nikko Nikko Kennedy is a perinatal quantum biology practitioner and certified labor and postpartum doula. She has a B.S. in Biopsychology from the University of Oregon and is the creator of Brighter Days, Darker Nights, a Substack publication dedicated to promoting circadian rhythmicity and quantum wellness in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. You can hire Nikko for virtual and in-person doula services, 1-1 coaching, and online and in-person presentations and workshops. She is also a frequent podcast guest. Before starting her birth business, Nikko worked as an online marketing and business manager for nearly a decade, serving a variety of individuals, partnerships, family businesses and nonprofits. She lives in beautiful Southern Oregon with her husband and their 4 children. A Special Savings To Learn More From Nikko Nikko is generously offering a 15% savings to my audience if you’d like to join her community and learn more from her. You can access that here: https://www.brighterdaysdarkernights.com/responsivefamilysleep Connect with Nikko Website: https://nikkokennedy.com IG: https://instagram.com/nikkokennedy Resources Related to this Episode My blog post on light and the circadian rhythm: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2023/3/7/lets-talk-light-and-the-circadian-rhythm Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 basic concepts that can guide the ways you understand and support your littles sleep. These are concepts I’m often talking about with the parents I support – curiosity, context, connection, coregulation, and consistency balanced with flexibility. I hope they give you some new insight or perspective the next time you are stressing over what’s happening with sleep or how to respond. Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Bedsharing is a wonderful parenting tool, but also one that comes with so many questions, decisions, and challenges in modern western culture. In this episode I’m joined by Tiffany from Cosleepy to talk about bedsharing tips and tricks. Our conversation ranges from worries and anxiety over choosing to bedshare to tips around comfort while bedsharing. Plus, we talk about some of the grey areas and tricky choices that come with the messiness of day to day bedsharing. We could have kept this conversation going for ever, and I hope you enjoy the tips and insights we discuss. About Tiffany Tiffany Belanger attended UCLA and adventured in the film and television industry prior to parenthood. In 2020 she founded Cosleepy, a cosleeping one-stop shop to help modern parents keep their babies safe and close at night. Tiffany has completed training on normal infant sleep through Durham University and keeps up-to-date on emerging research. She's a frequent guest on podcasts and blogs, and she was interviewed in New York Magazine's viral article Are We All Secretly Co-sleeping? She lives (and cosleeps) with her husband and two little boys in northern California. Connect with Tiffany https://cosleepy.com https://instagram.com/cosleepy Resources Related to this Episode My safe bedsharing episode: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/podcast/2023/10/6/how-to-bedshare-safely My bedsharing safety and FAQ blog post: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2022/1/6/bedsharing-guide-benefits-safety-and-faqs-for-cosleeping-and-bedsharing-families Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Gentle is such a buzz word in the sleep world. What does gentle even mean when it comes to sleep support, gentle sleep strategies, or gentle sleep training? In this episode, I’m exploring thoughts around what gentle is and what it is not. I’m talking about my own personal ideas around gentle and encouraging you to think about your own definition. Resources Related to this Episode Check out my older, related blog post on gentle sleep: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/blog/2020/12/5/what-does-gentle-mean Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

It’s almost that time of year again! The clocks jump forward, and we get more evening sunlight. In this episode, I’m sharing some ideas around helping your baby adjust to daylight saving time. I share a few ways to adjust your baby’s sleep times ahead of daylight saving time and a few tips for helping everyone settle in after the time change. And if you are looking for permission to just do nothing , I’m giving you that in this episode as well! Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by Austin Rees, IBCLC and Craniosacral Therapy Practitioner. We discuss what bodywork is, and more specifically what CST is. We talk about the ways bodywork can help your baby with more comfortable and effective feeding, calm the nervous system, and support sleep. Austin shares ideas on how to find a bodyworker and a few ideas for what to do when you are struggling to get hands on bodywork support. About Austin Austin Rees (she/her) is a mother to four children and has been engaged in the health field for 25 years. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and Craniosacral Therapy Practitioner. She is the founder of Nourish and Align, providing craniosacral therapy for all stages in life; using an individualized approach for each client and family. Austin specializes in optimizing infant oral function though bodywork. She provides guidance to caregivers on how to comfortably feed their baby, reduce crying, understand sleep, increase their baby’s immunity, foster parent and baby’s confidence, and nurture their baby’s intelligence. Resources related to this episode Baby Craniosacral Therapy Practitioner Directories: https://www.carolgraycenterforcststudies.com/practitioner-directory/ https://www.iahp.com/pages/search/index.php https://www.beamescst.com/grads/ Recommended infant massage online class: https://www.sweetwillowmassage.com Connect with Austin website: https://www.nourishandalign.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/nourish.align FB: https://www.facebook.com/Nourish.Align Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

Life with a young child is busy, and most parents struggle to make time to connect with each other. In this episode, I’m sharing some reframes and connection ideas that I regularly share with my clients. The more ways we have to connect as a couple the more likely we are to feel connected to our partner. I hope some of these ideas give you something new to try. Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by my colleague Rachael, sleep coach and founder of Hey Sleepy Baby. Our conversation centers around our own sleep journeys from first time moms who knew nothing about sleep to experienced sleep coaches and moms. We both share tips, insights, and reflections on our own experiences and how our parenting around sleep evolved. Join us for a fun conversation. About Rachael Rachael is a mom of three living in San Francisco, CA. Rachael founded Hey, Sleepy Baby to offer parents compassionate, stress-free and sustainable sleep solutions for their little ones. Rachael is passionate about parents feeling confident and informed about their sleep approach, and utilizes methods that prioritize connection and security vs. separation or tears. Rachael is also the host of the No One Told Us podcast where she interviews guests about a variety of parenting topics. Connect with Rachael Website: heysleepybaby.com Instagram: @heysleepybaby Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

There’s so much sleep information shared, but so much of it has no basis in basic sleep biology. In this episode, I’m talking about two ways the body regulates sleep – our circadian rhythm and sleep pressure. I teach these basic concepts to every family I work with or who takes a sleep class with me. Once you understand how the body regulates sleep, you can set up rhythms that work with their sleep biology rather than working against it. Resources Related to this Episode I mentioned my upcoming masterclass on Feb 8 in this episode – check it out here: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/the-truth-about-baby-sleep-webinar Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend, sleep coach, and OT Heather Boyd. We dive into the world of our senses, sensory processing, and using sensory strategies to support sleep. Heather shares tips for sensory input throughout the day and evening to fill our kid’s sensory cup, allowing them to head into bedtime ready for sleep. About Heather Heather is a private practice occupational therapist from Niagara, Ontario, Canada and the mother of three boys. She provides online support to families who are experiencing challenges with infant sleep, parenting, and infant development. Heather takes a developmental- and attachment-based approach to supporting families by helping parents change perspectives and change the sleep environment, rather than change the nature of the child. Connect with Heather Website: https://familysleep.ca/ Instagram: @familysleep.ca Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by Bri, a holistic health coach for moms. Self-care is so important and yet it can feel like one more to do to add to all the things we are trying to juggle. Bri shares tips around prioritizing and simplifying nurturing yourself. We talk about how to figure out what to focus on, how to move forward, and what support you need. About Bri Brianna Wilkerson is a Holistic Health and Life Coach, Brand Partner with Savvi, podcast host, wife and momma, matcha tea lover, at-home crossfitter. She helps ambitious women and mommas prioritize their health & self-care and gain the energy, joy, and fulfillment they are looking for. She also has a passion for women creating an income and impact and growing into the leaders they were meant to be. Connect with Bri Website: www.briannawilkerson.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mommymetimecommunity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommymetimecoach Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-wilkerson/ Facebook Page: https://www.instagram.com/mommymetimecoach Connect with Kim Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/