Hi there,
I've pm-ed you also, but was having a few wifi issues so thought I'd post a reply too!
My name is Sophie and I'm a Family Consultant based in London but working all over the UK and further afield! I specialise in sleep issues and behavioural management issues, but also help with routines, weaning, eating problems, potty training advice, new parent support and teach first aid and CPR.
Although I do offer phone-only support if you'd like, I mainly work with clients in their own homes. Each child, baby, family and home environment are unique and the ability to be there, observing, discussing the situation, and getting to know and observe the baby and child, in a friendly, warm and supportive way, it is far easier for me to get a handle on why things may be happening, how to change things quickly for the better and which ways of doing this will be best for everyone.
The client then chooses whether they want to try things for themselves or whether they'd like me to help directly. When mums and dads are exhausted and overwhelmed, and have tried many things and are feeling too tired to be able to maintain the consistency and calm that my gentle approach takes, they often choose to have me come in and sort things out for them, reset sleeping patterns, put changes into place in a supportive and friendly way that their child can enjoy snd be happy with, and then leave them with a sleeping little one and a plan for how to continue.
The most important thing to note is that I do not use cry-it-out or controlled crying techniques. I am sure they work well for some families or sleep trainers, but I have never found it necessary, and do not believe it's effect, even if it leads to eventual sleep, is psychologically beneficial.
You sound like you are having very similar problems to several of my most recent client families. Things can often come to a head when sleep problems you may have been just about able to push through, begin to affect other siblings, or when a new baby us on the way, or other major life event occurs.
Getting 'outside help' is something most parents give a lot of consideration to, and think over long and hard. If you've reached the point where this is a potential option it is usually a very healthy and sound decision to make. Sometimes a kind, friendly and experienced person, with objectivity and empathy can see things more clearly and can be of huge help.
I have 21 years of experience working with families, have a BA (Hons) in Eng Lit & Lang (special interest Child Linquistic Acquisition), post-grad training in child development and Early Years Education and a BSc (Hons) in Medical Studies. I also have an enhanced DBS etc.
If you'd like to know a bit more, my website is
www.gentle-start.com and all my contact details are there.
I'd be very happy to help, if I can.
Sophie.
