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Navigating Daylight Savings Time for March 10, 2024
It's that time of year again—Daylight Savings Time. For 2024, mark your calendars for Sunday, March 10th. While most people just grumble about losing an hour of sleep, for those of us with little ones, it can mean weeks of sleep battles. But fret not! With some simple preparation and gentle guidance, your baby can breeze through the time change without disrupting your household's sleep routine. Let's dive into how you can prepare yourself and your children for Daylight Savings Time and explore two effective transition methods recommended by Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching.
Preparing Your Baby Before the Time Change
Your baby may be oblivious to the impending time change, but you're not! While you've worked hard to establish a bedtime routine, it's essential to approach this transition with grace and patience. Preparation will vary for each family, but it's crucial to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Transition Method #1: Pretend Nothing Has Changed
Perfect for families with easygoing children and parents who appreciate simplicity, this method involves... well, not doing much! For laid-back kids, sticking to the usual bedtime routine can be surprisingly effective. Even though the clocks may shift, the bedtime stays constant. While they might be tempted to sleep in, it's advisable not to let them oversleep beyond their usual waking time if bedtime is set at 7 pm.
Anticipate potential bedtime challenges initially, and consider investing in blackout curtains to reinforce the cues for day and night. Stick to your regular daily schedule, ensuring that meals, naps, and bedtime occur at the usual times (keep an eye on the clock). Remember, your baby is going to bed at their "regular time." For instance, if your baby is accustomed to a 7:00 pm bedtime, put them down at the NEW 7:00 pm (previously 6:00 pm). While meals and naps may naturally adjust, be prepared for the possibility that your child may not feel tired at bedtime right away.
Transition Method #2: Slow and Steady
Designed for children who struggle with changes and families who thrive on planning, this method involves gradual adjustments starting about six days before the time change. By shifting bedtime in 10-minute increments each night, you ease your child into the new schedule. While it requires more attention, this method helps minimize disruptions and maintains your sanity.
But, instead of sending your child to bed at 7 pm one day and “6” pm the next, you’re going to begin changing their bedtime in 10-minute increments.
This example is using the 7 pm bedtime example, but adjust for your own family’s schedule
Day 1 (March 4, 2024): Bedtime at 6:50 pm
Day 2 (March 5, 2024): Bedtime at 6:40 pm
Day 3 (March 6, 2024): Bedtime at 6:30 pm
Day 4 (March 7, 2024): Bedtime at 6:20 pm
Day 5 (March 8, 2024): Bedtime at 6:10 pm
Day 6 (March 9, 2024) - Clocks change tonight): Bedtime at 6:00 pm
Day 7 (March 10, 2024): Bedtime at 7:00 pm (new time) - but you worked your child’s schedule to be ready for this change
So once you decide on your strategy for your children, you might want to incorporate these other tips to help them and YOURSELF move through this time change easier.
Sleep Well Beforehand:
Obtain quality sleep in the nights leading up to the time change.
Build up a "sleep bank" to cope with the switch.
Studies show banking sleep can decrease cognitive impairment and preserve motor skills.
Prioritize Daylight Exposure:
Spend time outside, ideally in the morning before 10am to acclimate to the new light-dark timing.
Natural light, even on cloudy days, is more effective in aligning circadian rhythm than indoor lighting.
Take Precautions in Case of Sleep Disruption:
Don't overload your schedule on the Sunday or Monday after the time change.
Schedule important events later in the week when you've had more time to adjust.
Avoid long drives immediately after the time change due to potential dangers of drowsy driving.
Upgrade Your Sleep Hygiene:
Follow healthy sleep hygiene practices, including a fixed sleep schedule, bedtime routine, limiting caffeine/alcohol, and going device-free before bed.
Create a bedroom environment conducive to sleep by blocking out noise and light.
Take a Short Nap if Necessary:
If experiencing significant daytime sleepiness, take a short nap (under 30 minutes) in the early afternoon.
Avoid late afternoon or evening naps to prevent difficulty falling asleep at night.
Whichever method you choose, remember to be flexible and patient. Daylight Savings Time can be a challenging adjustment for babies and parents alike, but with the right approach, you can sail through smoothly.
In honor of WO3’s mission to partner, promote, and support women-led businesses, I am delighted to spotlight the incredible work and new book from Chantal Donnelly of Body Insight!
Hello, Blissful Baby Sleep community! As we step into the month of March, we're not just flipping a calendar page; we're embracing Women's History Month and eagerly awaiting WO3 Day on March 30, 2024. WO3 is a yearly grassroots campaign that advocates for woman-owned businesses through collaboration, promotion, and support throughout the month of March. Our objective is to highlight and boost the achievements of women entrepreneurs. We envision a future where our movement attains the same level of impact as "Small Business Saturday." Our goal is for promoting and supporting small women-led businesses to become second nature, akin to effortlessly writing reviews/testimonials, sharing blog posts, sending referrals, and more. It's a simple, cost-free, intentional, and supportive way to make a difference
Proudly standing on the Executive Board, this WO3 season, my focus is on illuminating the extraordinary women-led businesses that not only thrive in their respective fields but also extend their influence to support mothers and families, all while infusing their work with an abundance of heart.
I extend a heartfelt invitation to each of you to join the WO3 2024 movement. There are myriad ways to contribute, each tailor-made to seamlessly align with your lifestyle and budget. No financial commitment is necessary to become a devoted partner, promoter, and supporter of the women-owned businesses that resonate with you.
I am beyond excited to introduce you to the remarkable Chantal Donnelly, the brilliant mind behind the groundbreaking book 'Settled: How to Find Calm in a Stress-Inducing World.' In our conversation, Chantal reveals the secrets to managing stress in a way that truly empowers us. As a physical therapist and founder of Body Insight Inc., she discovered a revolutionary approach to stress relief—one that doesn't just treat symptoms but gets to the core of the issue.
Imagine a world where stress doesn't dictate your life, where overwhelm is a thing of the past. Chantal's book offers a refreshing perspective on stress management, focusing on reconnecting with our bodies in simple yet profound ways. In this interview, we delve into the concept of 'disassociation' or 'disembodiment,' something so many of us experience without even realizing it. Through practical tools like 'arm sweeps' and 'neck muscle massages,' Chantal guides us on a journey of self-awareness and resilience-building.
But it's not just about techniques—it's about understanding the deeper reasons behind our stress. Chantal sheds light on why women, especially mothers, often find themselves in a cycle of neglecting their own needs. She uncovers societal norms and offers a path to reclaiming our well-being.
And here's the exciting part! Chantal is hosting an exclusive workshop and book club starting March 5th, where you can dive deep into 'Settled' alongside her. This isn't just a book club—it's a transformative experience led by an expert who truly cares about empowering women. Imagine the impact of being in a supportive community, learning tools that can change the way you navigate stress forever.
The workshop registration is all set up now. Here is the link with all the details.
But wait, there's more! Throughout our conversation, Chantal shares insights, stories, and laughs that will resonate with every woman out there juggling the demands of life. From quick stress-relief tools to profound insights on co-regulation with our children, this interview is a treasure trove of wisdom.
So, if you're ready to say goodbye to stress ruling your life, if you're curious about simple yet powerful tools for resilience, and if you want to be part of a community of like-minded women on a journey to 'Settled,' then don't miss this video!
Click the link below to watch the full conversation with Chantal Donnelly and join us in reclaiming calm and confidence in a stress-inducing world."
Remember, the key is to highlight the benefits, the transformative journey, and the exciting opportunity to learn and grow with an expert like Chantal Donnelly!
In our Interview, Chantal gave a SHOUT OUT to some other Female Owned Businesses that she admires and you will definitely want to check out!
Deanna Moffit - author of The Rewrite, life coach. DeannaMoffitt.com https://deannamoffitt.com/
Julie Winkle Giulioni - author of "Promotions Are So Yesterday" and "Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go" Website= https://www.juliewinklegiulioni.com/
More about Chantal
Chantal Donnelly is a physical therapist and author of the Amazon best-selling book Settled: How to Find Calm in a Stress-Inducing World. She is also the owner of Body Insight, a wellness company designed to help people reconnect with their bodies and improve their health.
She combines her anatomy and physiology knowledge and experience with nervous system science to help people with chronic pain, overwhelming stress, and stress-related illnesses. Through videos, workshops, and her book, Chantal teaches body-focused tools for calming the nervous system. She believes that stress fluency can make the world a better place.
Website: https://www.bodyinsight.com/
Facebook Link https://www.facebook.com/BodyInsightInc
Instagram Link https://www.instagram.com/bodyinsightinc/
Youtube Link https://www.youtube.com/user/BodyInsight
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantal-donnelly-0a69157/
If you want to learn more about her book and some tools you can go to these 2 podcasts.
The Shameless Mom Academy https://shamelessmom.com/episode/chantal-donnelly-how-moms-can-find-calm-in-a-stress-inducing-world/
Empowered Relationships Podcast https://drjessicahiggins.com/erp-389-understanding-our-stress-language-as-well-as-our-partners-stress-language-for-better-living-and-loving-an-interview-with-chantal-donnelly/
Joining the movement is as easy as 1-2-3:
Sign up for March reminders:
Receive delightful, no-cost ideas to effortlessly partner, promote, and support small, women-owned businesses leading up to WO3 Day on March 30, 2024. Sign up here.
Spread the excitement:
Rally your friends and family to join in by signing up and actively supporting a female-owned business in March. Connect with us on social media for inspiration and use hashtags like #isupporther, #wo3connect, and #wo3day.
Instagram: wo3connect
Facebook: WO3Connect
LinkedIn: WO3Connect
Plan your support:
Strategize how to champion women-owned businesses throughout March with easy, no-cost ideas.
Leave a short and sweet review on Google or Yelp.
Follow, tag, and comment on social media pages or podcasts of your favorite female-owned businesses.
Get creative! Generously tip your service providers, recommend businesses, or explore retail therapy by purchasing gift cards.
Grocery shopping? Look for and buy products from woman-owned brands.
Find ways to partner, promote, or support another female-owned business personally or professionally.
Let's make WO3 2024 a vibrant celebration of women's achievements. Join me, and let's shine a light on the incredible women who are making waves in their businesses. 🌈 #wo3connect #isupporther
Navigating the Sea of Sleep Advice: Steering Clear of the Storms
We've all been there – lost in the vast sea of conflicting advice on how to navigate the turbulent waters of baby sleep. Moms' groups, while full of camaraderie, can sometimes become stormy grounds for well-meaning, but questionable sleep suggestions.
Cry it out method is NOT the only option for sleep training
Sleep Coaching CAN honor the nursing relationship
Sleep Coaching CAN strengthen the parent-child bond
Sleep Coaching CAN support family values and goals
The key is to find the right methodology for the temperament of the child and the family and to
coach properly through the steps and stages of your child learning their skills of sleep.
Like so many of my other clients, Stacy felt that…
“Sleep training sounded like putting her in her crib and letting her cry herself to sleep in a dark room alone, which was terrifying for me because I had some separation anxiety to begin with.”
After the recommendation of a friend, Stacy reached out to me at Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching and was pleased to find that Gentle Sleep Coaching is not what she expected. This family experienced a Total Family Sleep Transformation and are enjoying and experiencing the benefits of a peaceful nights including:
Baby is sleeping 11/11.5 hours a night uninterrupted
Baby taking 2.5-3 hour naps
Stronger nursing relationship
Confident parenting
Dad and baby bonding time
More patience
Date nights out
Happier overall with live and transition to being with a parent
Stacy wants to share her experience with Blissful Baby Sleep coaching with sleep deprived families. Here is what she had to say:
"Sleep Coaching with Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching was really a gentle approach. Our daughter was never “crying it out” alone and the whole process was just really gentle. We found Joanna through friends and working with her was the best decision of our lives”
In the sea of sleep advice, it's essential to set a course that aligns with your family's needs and values. As your sleep guide, my approach at Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching is rooted in gentle, tailored solutions that respect both baby and parent. It's about creating a sleep strategy that fosters healthy sleep habits while considering the unique dynamics of your family.
Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one, may not work for another. Let's sail through the sleep storms with a compass of understanding, a map of personalized strategies, and the steady ship of Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching.
Here's to navigating the sea of sleep advice with wisdom, patience, and the assurance that a restful night's sleep is on the horizon.
Are you struggling with your child's sleep? Are you interested in alternatives to cry it out methods?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
Back to Basics: Why is Sleep So Important to our well-being!
What's your #1 superpower?
Did you know that getting CONSOLIDATED, RESTORATIVE SLEEP is the super-power that leads to optimal well-being?
In this “Get Your Life Back.... It Starts with Sleep” coaching session, I go back to basics and answer why is sleep so foundational.
Our society is so geared towards productivity and tangible output that sleep is considered kind of unproductive time. Sleep is one of the most productive things we can be doing to optimize our wellbeing and your long-term health.
In this video I go over:
REM Sleep
Emotional first aid and overnight therapy
Consolidating memory and learning
Benefits of sleep
Why is sleep essential
Social costs to lack of sleep
Tips for better sleep
If your poor sleep is due to your child not sleeping well, this can be easily solved with my signature process of guilt-free, Gentle Sleep Coaching!
Are you struggling with your child's sleep?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
Parenting Advice for Toddlers
No one in this family was getting enough sleep! Nanit and Divya had a 6.5 year old and and 1 year old who was waking up every couple of hours. They had struggled with their older child for years and had to hold him to sleep. With the younger child, they decided they needed to get help earlier and not just "wait this out". Many parents have this belief, child will “grow out of bad sleep habits”, but unfortunately, sleep skills are learned and it is never too late to teach sleep skills. I work with families from 6 months to 10 years of age.
Parenting advice for toddlers
This couple reached out to friends and family for help and thanks to a referral from a friend, this family found me at Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching to help walk them through the process. Now their son has a routine and sleeps 7pm-6am!--11 hrs consolidated, restorative, independent sleep! Yes, this can be your life too!! This family has experienced a Total Family Sleep transformation!
Namit wants everyone to know:
"Joanna guided us through our whole process and definitely "held-our-hands" through the process. Now, our son is sleeping beautifully. He has a wonderful routine. Working with Joanna was a GOD SEND send and we are so happy and thankful to you. I have referred her to so many of my friends. I know how it is to go through sleepless nights and working with Joanna was so helpful. Please continue to do your awesome work, Thanks again."
Are you struggling with your child's sleep?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
Impact of 1 Choice
Who doesn't love looking back on decisions you made that turned out to be SO good (even if you were skeptical at first)?!
It's amazing the impact 1 choice can have on your life.
That one choice for Brent & Megan was choosing to work with Joanna on Guilt-Free, Gentle Sleep coaching! Thinking back to when their 1 year old daughter was still waking up multiple times a night. What their life was like before sleep coaching was full of pain and effort getting their child to sleep and left little time for themselves.
It's so common for parents to be hesitant to sleep coach their child.
How is someone who doesn't know their child going to help them sleep better via zoom?
I know it sounds crazy, but with 13 years experience, helping thousands of families all over the country, I can create a customized sleep plan and guide you through it “day-by-day and step-by-step”.
What do you have to loose when 1:1 sleep coaching packages come backed by my Sleep Success Guarantee?
Trust me… guilt-free, gentle sleep coaching works!
This family experienced a TOTAL FAMILY SLEEP TRANSFORMATION and although they "only" wanted their child to sleep through the night they got so much more. Sleep coaching is on the agenda for baby #2 when he gets old enough!
Don't just take my word for it, Watch the Sleep Success Story below to hear Brent & Megan's story!
Child was 11 months old at time of guilt-free and gentle sleep coaching
Is your child not sleeping? Wondering what you are doing wrong? Is any help out there?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
What To Do When Your Baby Is Gassy!
When babies are crying we go through the mental checklist - are they hungry? tired? need a new diaper? gassy? Teething?
Baby screaming in pain from gas
Gas can be a natural by-product of digestion, no matter what you do, it can be something your baby struggles with because of the immature digestive system.
It can be hard to distinguish gassiness from over-tiredness, if your baby is suffering from gassiness.
I realize how challenging it is to tend to a baby that is clearly uncomfortable. In the video below I address the causes of bouts of gas and what you can do to help your baby.
What is gassiness
What causes gas
How to help baby gas at night
How to help baby relieve gas
How to determine gassiness from over-tiredness
How to reduce gassiness in babies
If you are interested in any of the gas products, I mentioned check out my recommended gas products.
Here are my fav picks:
Are you struggling with your child's sleep?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
Unveiling the Truth: Debunking Common Sleep Coaching Myths!
I’m here to clear the confusion around some common sleep coaching myths. You know, the ones that make you second-guess the effectiveness of gentle sleep methods. Today, I'm putting on “my myth-busting mindset” to address a couple of these misconceptions.
Myth #1: The "Chair Method" means silent nights with no response whatsoever.
Ah, the Chair Method confusion! I hear it all the time – the idea that you sit there like a statue, offering no comfort or connection. Well, let me set the record straight. For over 25 years, The Sleep Lady Shuffle, has been a beacon of gentle, responsive sleep coaching. Yes, you sit in that chair, but it's not a vow of silence. The parent coach can Shush, coo, hum, and offer the warmth of touch – it's all encouraged! This method is about gradual steps, moving the chair away over time while still offering both sound and touch as reassurance. It is very supportive because the parent does not have to “withhold” their love.
Myth #2: The Chair Method or the Shuffle is "basically crying-it-out while sitting next to your child".
No, no, no! It's not a solo act of crying-it-out while you awkwardly sit there. Picture it as a beautiful dance of support and gradual independence. We're right there, side by side, creating a comforting rhythm until your child masters the art of settling and soothing to sleep without the need of a sleep crutch. It's not a sudden leap, but a graceful transition of sleep responsibility from you to your child. One gentle step at a time. Usually it takes about 2 weeks for the nigh-time sleeping to become beautiful, blissful sleep.
Myth #3: Gentle sleep training methods don't work; only crying-it-out is proven.
Hold the phone! This one is a classic mix-up. Gentle methods, like the parental fading technique, are likely more effective than the cry-it-out approach because a parent is in the room to witness all the learning and support their child through the sleep skills learning process. Parents start with lots of help and gradually loosen up as the child learns the skills of sleep. It's all about finding the right balance between assistance and independence. In fact, I find that many families try “cry-it-out” and it only works for a short period because the child never really learned sleep skills, they simply learned how to “crash out” at bedtime, instead of settling and soothing to sleep.
Join me on a mission to debunk common misconceptions about sleep coaching and The Sleep Lady Shuffle, ensuring parents receive accurate information empowers them to make informed decisions for a restful night's sleep without compromising the vital parent-child bond. Let's spread the word together!
Click HERE to read the full article from Kim West herself
Check out my Instagram, Facebook and Linked-in because over the next couple of months, I will be debunking the myths around sleep coaching.
And if you are curious about wanting help from a Gentle Sleep Coach, you can download this handy check-list that will overview when it is time to engage some expert sleep support.
Unveiling The Truth: Debunking Myths about The Sleep Lady Shuffle and Gentle Sleep Coaching
Today I want to address some misconceptions surrounding The Sleep Lady Shuffle—a sleep coaching methodology meticulously crafted by Kim West, LCSW-C, nearly three decades ago. It's essential to set the record straight, emphasizing that The Sleep Lady Shuffle is rooted in sound sleep science and is a gentle, effective method for cultivating healthy sleep habits and maintaining a strong parent-child bond.
The Sleep Lady Shuffle, also known as The Shuffle, SLS, or The Chair Method, has been a trusted solution for families worldwide for over 25 years. As a family therapist, Kim West, designed the Sleep Lady Shuffle method based on sleep science, attachment theory, and behavioral science, prioritizing the mental, physical, and emotional health of the child with emphasis on maintaining a strong parent-child bond.
Contrary to recent interpretations, this technique is NOT about leaving your child in distress with no response. If done correctly, The Sleep Lady Shuffle, involves placing a chair next to your child's crib while simultaneously encouraging physical and verbal reassurance, such as shushing, patting, humming, and even picking up to soothe your little one.
Join me on a mission to debunk common misconceptions about sleep coaching and The Sleep Lady Shuffle, ensuring parents receive accurate information empowers them to make informed decisions for a restful night's sleep without compromising the vital parent-child bond. Let's spread the word together!
Click HERE to read the full article from Kim West herself on the true tenants and benefits of The Sleep Lady Shuffle.
Check out my Instagram, Facebook and Linked-in because over the next couple of months, I will be debunking the myths around sleep coaching.
And if you are curious about wanting help from a Gentle Sleep Coach, you can download this handy check-list that will overview when it is time to engage some expert sleep support.
Are you looking for alternatives to cry it out methods? Could you use support?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!