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Hi! We'd Love to Connect.

It’s our mission to help parents find sleep solutions through responsive parenting practices while building connected relationships. We’re passionate about helping families improve sleep without resorting to sleep training.

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📌 IMPORTANT: If anyone tries to tell you that b 📌 IMPORTANT: If anyone tries to tell you that bedsharing causes SIDS, they are NOT reading the actual research.

This 2025 study - like many before it - confirms what the science actually shows:

✅ ~70% of SIDS cases involve brainstem abnormalities ✅ Serotonin system dysfunction is a major factor
✅ Metabolic and genetic vulnerabilities play key roles ✅ Neurological development issues are central

The research is crystal clear: SIDS is a complex medical condition involving neurological, metabolic, and genetic factors - NOT sleeping arrangements.

Yet somehow, parents (especially bedsharing families) continue to be blamed and shamed with outdated, fear-based messaging that isn't supported by the evidence.

Read that again: The actual research does NOT identify bedsharing as a cause of SIDS.

What the research DOES show is that we need:

Better understanding of infant metabolism
Recognition of genetic vulnerabilities
Improved investigation protocols
Focus on actual biological causes
Stop letting anyone guilt you with unscientific claims. SIDS has biological causes that we're still working to fully understand. It's not about where your baby sleeps - it's about their unique neurological and metabolic makeup.

Anyone still pushing the "bedsharing causes SIDS" narrative in 2025 is either:

Not reading current research
Confusing correlation with causation
Repeating outdated information
The science has evolved. It's time the messaging catches up. 🔬

The study (Goldman & Cheng, 2025) reviews existing literature on infant metabolism, genetic factors, and SIDS outcomes. While it raises questions about temporal associations with medical interventions, it's important to note this is a narrative review - not original research.

What stands out: The need for better postmortem protocols and recognition that every baby's metabolic system is unique.

📖 Citation: Goldman GS, Cheng RZ. "The Immature Infant Liver: Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and their Relevance to Vaccine Safety and SIDS Research." Int J Med Sci. 2025; 22(10): 2434-2445.

#SIDSresearch #EvidenceBasedParenting #BedshareScience #InfantHealth
This audio by karenmillen_obe on @channel5_tv is This audio by karenmillen_obe on @channel5_tv  is exactly why I remind parents to tune out all the noise ❤️ ... I have heard a lot of things but breastfeeding being selfish - this is definitely a first! 

More benefits 👇

Custom-Made Immunity

Just 20 minutes after a mother is exposed to a pathogen, her breast milk begins producing specific antibodies against it! Each feeding delivers millions of white blood cells and protective factors like secretory IgA, lysozyme, and lactoferrin that protect your baby while their immune system develops.

HAMLET - The Cancer Fighter
Human breast milk contains a remarkable substance called HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumor cells), a protein that can transform into a cancer-fighting molecule while also protecting against respiratory infections like pertussis.

Smart Fats
Breast milk contains essential fatty acids critical for brain and eye development. These lipids represent about 4% of milk content and provide 50% of its energy. The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are particularly important for neurological development.

Short-Chain Fatty Acids
SCFAs produced when beneficial bacteria metabolize HMOs help strengthen the intestinal barrier, regulate inflammation, and support immune function—potentially protecting against conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.

Chronobiology of Breast Milk
Breast milk composition changes throughout the day! Evening and nighttime milk contains extra melatonin, helping both mother and baby return to sleep quickly. Morning milk has different components to energize baby for the day ahead.

Exosomes and MicroRNAs
One of the newest discoveries: breast milk contains exosomes—tiny vesicles carrying microRNAs that may help program infant development and immunity. These molecular messages are absorbed by the baby's intestinal cells, potentially influencing long-term health outcomes.

More 👇

#breastfeeding #breastfeedingmoms
Baby sleeping but you're not? Instead of counting Baby sleeping but you're not? Instead of counting sheep, you're counting worst case scenarios 🍼😴➡️😰

Your little one is finally asleep, and THIS should be your moment to rest. But instead? Your mind is racing.

Here's what's really happening...

As parents, we spend our entire day in survival mode - constantly stimulated by our baby's needs, household tasks, and endless to-dos. When baby finally sleeps, we think we're "winding down" by scrolling through social media or catching up on shows.

But we're not actually processing our day. We're just... distracting ourselves more. 📱

So when our head finally hits the pillow? BOOM. 💥

Every worry floods in: "Did I sterilize those bottles?" "Is the baby breathing?" "What if they wake up in 10 minutes?" "Did I pay that bill?"

Our mind becomes a highlight reel of anxieties because it's the FIRST quiet moment we've had all day.

Here's the truth: Your precious sleep time isn't meant to be your worry processing time.

Enter CONSTRUCTIVE WORRY ✍️

Set aside 10-15 minutes DURING THE DAY (while baby naps or at least 2-3 hours before your bedtime) to:

Write down what's bothering you
Identify tomorrow's priorities
Give your brain permission to let it go
This simple practice can significantly reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep.

Because when you give your worries their own time slot, they're less likely to hijack your sleep.

Your bed should be for rest, not for replaying every parenting decision. 🛏️✨

Ready to reclaim your sleep? We're offering FREE sleep assessments over at @sleephelpforadults - because you deserve rest too, mama. 💕

#MomLife #ParentingSleep #PostpartumSleep #TiredMom #SleepDeprivedParents #NewMomStruggles #BabySleeping #MomCantSleep #ParentingTips #SelfCareForMoms #MomWellness #PostpartumSupport #SleepHelp #ParentingHacks #MomsMatter #RestForMoms #ConstructiveWorry #MomAnxiety #ParentingStress #SleepSolutions
Something happened on my page that's unfortunately Something happened on my page that's unfortunately pretty typical in the sleep training world, but it perfectly illustrates why parents need to be cautious about who they trust with sleep advice.

After sharing expert opinions from 6 internationally recognized child development and sleep experts who advise against cry-it-out sleep training, a sleep trainer came to my comments claiming their expertise was "not valid" and "not science."

Let me be clear: Professor James McKenna has spent 30+ years studying mothers and babies IN AN ACTUAL LABORATORY. Dr. Margot Sunderland is the Director of Education at the Centre for Child Mental Health. Dr. Helen Ball runs the Parent-Infant Sleep Lab. These aren't Instagram influencers - they're pioneering researchers with decades of peer-reviewed publications.

This sleep trainer then listed 14 studies in my comments, claiming they prove CIO creates secure attachment and causes no harm. I recognized some of these studies - they're the same ones I was given in sleep school years ago to justify CIO. Reading them critically is what made me question everything.

Here's what I discovered after reviewing each study:

❌ At least 5 studies actually OPPOSE sleep training ❌ Several had nothing to do with attachment or sleep training ❌ Some citations led to completely different papers ❌ NOT ONE study proved CIO creates secure attachment ❌ Multiple studies had serious conflicts of interest ❌ Most had fatal methodological flaws

This is a classic example of what happens in the sleep training industry: Trainers attend courses, receive lists of studies, and pass them along to vulnerable parents WITHOUT EVER READING THEM.

Think about this: Parents trust sleep professionals. When someone claims "30 years of research proves CIO is safe," parents believe them. They don't have time to read 14 studies. They assume the person advising them has actually read and understood the research.

The most outrageous claim? That leaving babies to cry (sometimes to vomiting) "creates secure attachment." This shows a fundamental misunderstanding of attachment theory. John Bowlby, the founder of attachment theory, would be horrified.

Contd 👇
Is Your Baby a Cat Napper? 😴 Here's what you n Is Your Baby a Cat Napper? 😴

Here's what you need to know about those 20-30 minute naps...

First, breathe mama. Short naps are COMPLETELY NORMAL for babies under 6 months!

Your baby isn't broken. The books aren't always right. And you're not doing anything wrong.

Why Do Babies Take Short Naps?

🧠 Active Brain Development: Babies' brains are SO active that they build up sleep pressure faster than adults. When they take multiple naps, they naturally stay in lighter sleep stages with shorter cycles.

🧬 Genetics Play a Role: Some babies are just naturally cat nappers (sensitive babies especially tend to take shorter naps)

Common Causes of Short Naps After 4+ Months:

✨ Working on new skills (hello, middle-of-the-night rolling party!) 🦷 Teething pain or discomfort
😴 Overtired (missed the sleep window) 
🎯 Not tired enough (wake window too short) 
🎪 Overstimulated from activities

What Can You Do?

1️⃣ Accept & Shift Perspective: If baby wakes happy after 30 minutes, that might be all they need! Use this time for a podcast or quick self-care

2️⃣ Adjust Wake Windows: Try tweaking timing slightly - but don't turn naps into battles

3️⃣ Try Motion: Use the stroller, carrier, or rock baby back to sleep at the 25-minute mark

4️⃣ Add Comfort: More cuddles, a lovey (if over 12 months), or something that smells like you

Remember: Every baby is unique! What works for Instagram's "perfect sleeper" might not work for YOUR baby - and that's okay!

The last nap of the day being only 30 minutes? Totally normal!

This too shall pass, mama💕

👇 Comment 'NAP' below to get our complete Cat Napper Guide with all the tips for extending those short naps!

#ShortNaps #CatNapper #BabySleep #NapTime #BabyNaps #SleepTips #NewMom #MomLife #BabySleepHelp #SleepConsultant #TiredMama #BabySleepTips #ParentingTips #NapStruggles #SleepSupport #MotherhoodJourney #BabyDevelopment #SleepTraining #GentleSleep #NormalBabyBehavior #SleepEducation #PostpartumSupport #NewbornSleep #InfantSleep #ToddlerNaps
Can we talk about the elephant in the attachment p Can we talk about the elephant in the attachment parenting room? 🐘

I see so many parents following every "rule" of AP - bedsharing, babywearing, extended breastfeeding - yet still struggling with:

Kids who won't accept any limits
Constant meltdowns over boundaries
Parents who feel held hostage by their child's emotions
Here's why: Secure attachment isn't a checklist. It's a RELATIONSHIP.

Dr. Neufeld reminds us that attachment is about "who we are to our children, not what we do to them."

You can bedshare for years but if you can't hold a loving limit... You can babywear 24/7 but if you're terrified of their tears... You can breastfeed on demand but if you can't be their confident leader...

...then you're missing a crucial piece of secure attachment.

Our children need us to be their answer - not just for closeness, but for containment. Not just for comfort, but for guidance. Not just for yes, but for loving, confident NOs.

Swipe through to understand why boundaries and attachment go hand-in-hand, and why avoiding all tears might actually undermine the security you're trying to create.

Drop a 🙌 if you needed to hear this today.

#attachmentparenting #gentleparenting #consciousparenting #parentingboundaries #attachmenttheory #positiveparenting #respectfulparenting #parentingwithconfidence #emotionalregulation #toddlerboundaries #parentingtips #attachmentscience #lovingboundaries #confidentparenting #parentcoach #parentingsupport #raisingkids #motherhoodunplugged #intentionalparenting #connectedparenting #authoritativeparenting #parentingwisdom #toddlermom #preschoolmom #parentingcourse
If your baby "hates" the crib, you're not alone. B If your baby "hates" the crib, you're not alone. But here's what's really happening...

Your baby isn't manipulating you or being stubborn. They're experiencing separation anxiety - a normal, healthy sign of secure attachment.

In those first months, your baby can only feel connected through their senses. When they can't see, hear, touch or smell you, their nervous system sounds the alarm. It's not personal, it's biological.

The good news? You can bridge this separation while still helping your baby learn to love their sleep space. Swipe through to understand the WHY behind the tears and get practical tips that honor your baby's needs.

Remember: responding to your baby's needs for closeness doesn't create bad habits - it builds secure attachment. And that's the foundation for future independence 💪

Drop a ❤️ if this resonates and save this for those 3am moments when you need the reminder that you're not doing anything wrong.
I didn't want to leave this comment without addres I didn't want to leave this comment without addressing it after my sleep training post. 

This will be a TWO PART reel ...

Just because I do not believe in using CIO does not mean that I think parents should be using wait-it-out. Sleep deprivation is REAL and if you are not coping, it is time for a change ❤️ but the key to that change is being able to support your little one through shifting patterns by supporting emotion. If this is something you struggle to do + supported tears make you uncomfortable (to the point where you would rather walk away + cannot remain calm), I am putting my Understanding Emotion course on sale for 50% off using code 50EMOTION. The course is linked in my shop. 

Ultimately we need to support our children through change in the same way we would for any other human we love. We complicate things because they are babies ... they have same needs (although way more dependent) as we do. Let's remember to treat them with the same love we show to all the people we care about ❤️ 

As I mentioned in my reel, if you need to rule out discomfort head to the link in my bio and I will post my 'hourly wakes' blog to help. 

Have questions about your situation ... comment 👇

#SleepTraining #GentleParenting #EmotionalSupport #ParentingTips #AttachmentParenting #SleepDeprivation #MindfulParenting #BabySleep #ParentingJourney #UnderstandingEmotion
I didn't want to leave this comment without addres I didn't want to leave this comment without addressing it after my sleep training post. 

This will be a TWO PART reel ...

Just because I do not believe in using CIO does not mean that I think parents should be using wait-it-out. Sleep deprivation is REAL and if you are not coping, it is time for a change ❤️ but the key to that change is being able to support your little one through shifting patterns by supporting emotion. If this is something you struggle to do + supported tears make you uncomfortable (to the point where you would rather walk away + cannot remain calm), I am putting my Understanding Emotion course on sale for 50% off using code 50EMOTION. The course is linked in my shop. 

Ultimately we need to support our children through change in the same way we would for any other human we love. We complicate things because they are babies ... they have same needs (although way more dependent) as we do. Let's remember to treat them with the same love we show to all the people we care about ❤️ 

As I mentioned in my reel, if you need to rule out discomfort head to the link in my bio and I will post my 'hourly wakes' blog to help. 

Have questions about your situation ... comment 👇

#SleepTraining #GentleParenting #EmotionalSupport #ParentingTips #AttachmentParenting #SleepDeprivation #MindfulParenting #BabySleep #ParentingJourney #UnderstandingEmotion
Alright ... let's start today with ... When we kno Alright ... let's start today with ... When we know better, we do better ❤️

The reason people get so so triggered with these types of posts is because they were not given all the information before sleep training. The 'expert' or paediatrician or friend didn't bother to (or didn't understand) explain the 'it' in crying IT out ... what are you crying out? How does it work? What is actually happening? 

I used CIO with my oldest. I thought I was teaching her to self-soothe + that she needed to be independent so I am here today to share ALL the information so you can make an informed decision. 

From pediatricians to psychologists, the message is clear: letting babies "cry it out" causes more harm than good.

What some call "self-soothing" is actually neurological shutdown. What some call "independence" is actually resignation.

The infant brain is incredibly vulnerable in the first year. When we leave babies to cry alone, we're not teaching them anything positive - we're flooding their developing brains with toxic stress hormones.

Every expert interviewed had the same message: babies cry because they NEED us. Responding to those needs builds trust, security, and healthy brain development.

Remember: All babies eventually learn to sleep through the night in their own time. There's no need to force it through distress.

If you're struggling with sleep, seek support from qualified professionals who understand infant development - not outdated methods from 1913.

Your instinct to comfort your crying baby? That's biology working exactly as intended. Trust it. 💙

Source: BellyBelly article "Cry It Out Method | 6 Baby Experts Who Advise Against It" by BellyBelly, last updated June 18, 2024

Want more sleep without sleep training? Comment GUIDE below + I will send you my FREE guide to maximizing sleep in motherhood ❤️
🚨 BREAKING: New research reveals a maternal men 🚨 BREAKING: New research reveals a maternal mental health crisis that's been building for years

A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed 198,417 mothers from 2016-2023 and found alarming trends that demand immediate attention.

THE NUMBERS ARE STAGGERING:

32% decline in mothers reporting excellent mental health
64% increase in fair/poor mental health ratings
Mental health declined across ALL income levels
Crisis started BEFORE COVID-19
WHO'S MOST AT RISK: Single mothers, those with less education, and families with public insurance face the highest rates of poor mental health - and these disparities are getting worse, not better.

WHY THIS MATTERS: This isn't just about mothers - it's about entire families. Maternal mental health directly impacts child development, family stability, and long-term outcomes for the next generation. Mental health conditions are now the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the US.

THE WAKE-UP CALL: While we've focused heavily on maternal mortality rates, this study shows we're missing a much larger crisis affecting millions of mothers across America. The decline started years before the pandemic, suggesting deep systemic issues that require urgent policy intervention.

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN: 
✅ Expanded mental health screening and treatment access 
✅ Targeted support for high-risk mothers
✅ Address structural inequities in healthcare
 ✅ Invest in maternal mental health research
 ✅ Recognize parenting as a public health priority

The 2024 Surgeon General's Advisory called parental mental health a "critical public health challenge" - this study proves just how critical it really is.

📊 Study Citation: Daw JR, MacCallum-Bridges CL, Admon LK. Trends and Disparities in Maternal Self-Reported Mental and Physical Health. JAMA Intern Med. Published online May 27, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.1260

#MaternalHealth #MentalHealth #PublicHealth #Healthcare #Motherhood #Research #Policy #MaternalMortality #HealthEquity #ParentingSupport
Another amazing 5 ⭐️ review for the @babyledsl Another amazing 5 ⭐️ review for the @babyledsleepcertification ❤️ This course has received HUNDREDS of 5 ⭐️ reviews!

For those of you who don't know, I run a baby sleep certification program. I am passionate about a) growing a community of practitioners who spread the message about NORMAL infant sleep and b) providing an opportunity for women to be able to stay home with their children and contribute financially to the household. 

When I fist began in this industry + took a sleep certification program I was absolutely HORRIFIED by the information I was learning. Most of it was really dated and not rooted in any actual science or what we now know about who babies are and what they need. Since parents often reach out in the first year for either feeding support (which is mostly regulated + therefore amazing) or sleep support, I knew we needed sleep coaches who were properly trained so they could actually help parents to make INFORMED decisions around sleep. 

With this motivation, I created the @babyledsleepcertification. It is the MOST COMPREHENSIVE certification that exists combining learning from over 40 experts including Professor James McKenna, Dr.Stephen Porges + Dr. Deborah MacNamara. This course is over 120 modules + will teach you everything you need to know about how to support families to get sleep without using any sleep training. 

If you are following a sleep expert who mentions 'Baby-Led Sleep' or 'Sleep Without Sleep Training' it is very likely that they have been through the program!

Have questions? Comment below, send me a dm or head to the link in our bio for more information.

#onlinesleepcertification #babysleepcertification #workfromhomejobs #workfromanywhere #sleepandwellbeingspecialist #babysleepexperts #islagracesleep
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ABOUT
Isla Grace

At Isla Grace, we’re passionate about helping individuals and families optimize sleep across the entire lifespan. From supporting parents with baby sleep challenges to guiding adults toward better rest, we take a holistic, medication-free approach. Using the Baby-Led™ Sleep Approach, Lauren and her team of worldwide Sleep and Well-Being Specialists empower families to get better sleep without relying on sleep training methods. We offer a range of courses and one-on-one coaching, all based on the latest science and research, to help you achieve restorative, personalized sleep solutions for every stage of life.

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ABOUT
Isla Grace

At Isla Grace, we’re passionate about helping individuals and families optimize sleep across the entire lifespan. From supporting parents with baby sleep challenges to guiding adults toward better rest, we take a holistic, medication-free approach. Using the Baby-Led™ Sleep Approach, Lauren and her team of worldwide Sleep and Well-Being Specialists empower families to get better sleep without relying on sleep training methods. We offer a range of courses and one-on-one coaching, all based on the latest science and research, to help you achieve restorative, personalized sleep solutions for every stage of life.

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Baby-Led™ Sleep and Wellbeing Specialists

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  • Night Weaning Course
  • Toddler Bedtime Battles
  • Sleep Without Sleep Training
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  • Baby-Led Sleep™ Certificate Course for Professionals
  • Empowering Her in The First Year of Motherhood
  • Night Weaning Course
  • Toddler Bedtime Battles
  • Sleep Without Sleep Training
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  • Baby-Led Sleep™ Certificate Course for Professionals
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