MEET THE PARENTS: EDITION THREE
WITH AMY & family, DISCovery bay
Welcome to this week's edition of our parenting sleep newsletter! In our featured interview, join me as I sit down with Amy, based in Discovery Bay, Hong Kong. Amy graciously shares her personal journey of navigating the transformative path to better sleep for her 8-month-old, Riley, with whom we embarked on this journey together.
Facing numerous night wakings, endless pacifier replacements, and milk feeds in a repetitive nightly cycle, Amy recognized the need for change. As a dedicated full-time teacher and fitness enthusiast with early morning commitments, she was determined to address these challenges in a supportive, systematic, and gradual manner. With her decision to enlist me as her sleep coach, our collaborative journey began.
In our interview, Amy candidly discusses her experience, detailing the transition from sleepless nights to achieving the dream scenario she envisioned. Join us as we delve into her inspiring story! Let's get started...
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY, WHERE YOU ARE CURRENTLY BASED AND A BIT ABOUT YOUR JOB/CAREER/BUSINESS?
We are a Kiwi Family, who have made Hong Kong our home for the past 5 years, along with our (nearly) one year old son. Will is a dedicated Pilot and Amy is a passionate Secondary School Teacher. Given the nature of our busy careers, we've both had an adjustment period of navigating our work, life and parenting balance.
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY, WHERE YOU ARE CURRENTLY BASED AND A BIT ABOUT YOUR JOB/CAREER/BUSINESS?
Sleep has always been a priority for both of us as active individuals. Will, an avid hiker used to complete daily climbs on our local trails. However, with the lack of quality sleep, he experienced a lack of motivation to exercise and felt fatigued throughout the day. Additionally, the unpredictability of Riley’s sleeping routine meant that Will had less time to indulge in his passion for Music and guitar, which he hopes to share with Riley in the future.
Amy is a dedicated runner and also trains with a hybrid style training group in our community. Her postpartum goal was to participate in two Hyrox events with the aim of qualifying for Hyrox Worlds. Given the training required for these events, sleep was crucial for recovery and overall performance. Amy found it challenging to prioritise her own wellbeing and training.
Now that we are enjoying restorative sleep at night, we can both fully focus on prioritising our wellbeing, working towards our training goals, which for Amy now includes competing in Nice at Hyrox Worlds in June.
WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO SEEK THE SERVICES OF A CHILD SLEEP COACH IN THE FIRST PLACE? THERE ARE MANY RESOURCES AVAILABLE AND I’M KEEN TO UNDERSTAND WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOMEONE WHO TRIES TO NAVIGATE THESE ISSUES ON THEIR OWN, AND THOSE WHO SEEK A DEDICATED COACH TO WORK ALONGSIDE YOU?
Our challenges began when Amy returned to work at the beginning of the academic school year. It was during this time that we started encountering difficulties with our previously “naturally good sleeper”. Night after night, we found ourselves dealing with an average of 3-4 wake ups, which gradually became more and more tiring for both our son and ourselves.
Initially, we relied on a parenting/tracking app that provided us with generic wake windows to follow. However, we soon realised that we needed specialised assistance from an expert in the field. We recognised the importance of obtaining a personalised approach to not only improve our son's sleep but also support our own wellbeing.
HOW DID YOU COME ACROSS MY SERVICES, AND WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE ME?
We originally met Jade and her family through our community fitness group in Hong Kong. Through this connection, we had an insight into the services she provided and her reputation for achieving positive outcomes. After our initial consultation with her, we quickly realised that her approach aligned perfectly with our values.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOUR SLEEP SITUATION WAS LIKE BEFORE YOU STARTED WORKING WITH ME? WHAT WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES YOU WERE FACING?
Starting from when Riley was 6 months old, we began experiencing frequent nightly wake-ups, averaging around 3-4 times. During this time, a habit of feeding Riley to sleep gradually developed. In addition to the feed, we relied on other sleep aids such as a pacifier.
The limited space in our Hong Kong apartment combined with hosting visitors meant that Riley was still sleeping in our bedroom which caused further disruptions to everyone's sleep.
WHAT WAS YOUR IMPRESSION OF MY COACHING PROCESS AND APPROACH?
Jade's understanding and empathetic approach has been instrumental in addressing what initially felt like an overwhelming challenge. She attentively listened to all of our concerns and tailored her approach to meet our specific needs. Throughout the process, Jade provided continuous support by checking in with us between scheduled calls. She not only celebrated our successes but also offered valuable advice whenever we required it. Her personalised guidance and unwavering support have truly made a significant difference in our journey.
HOW DID THE COACHING PROGRAM AFFECT YOUR DAILY LIFE AND THE OVERALL WELL-BEING OF YOUR FAMILY? WERE THERE ANY NOTICEABLE IMPROVEMENTS YOU CAN SHARE?
Thanks to the daily routine outlined by Jade, our daily life became significantly more predictable. This newfound predictability allowed us to plan activities around Riley's established routine, providing us with valuable family time and opportunities for socialising with friends. One of the most notable improvements was Riley's ability to settle himself back to sleep, which was a significant milestone and brought about a substantial positive change in our lives.
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT FROM THE PROCESS? DID IT MATCH YOUR EXPECTATIONS?
Initially, we anticipated that Riley's sleep would become more consistent and predictable, but the thought of the hard work involved overwhelmed us. Hearing about our friends' experiences with another sleep coach added to our anxiety about what lay ahead. However, Jade surpassed our expectations. She attentively listened to our concerns, provided reassurance that things would improve, and offered personalised support that truly made a difference. Her guidance and expertise worked wonders, alleviating our worries and leading to positive outcomes for Riley's sleep.
CAN YOU SHARE ANY MEMORABLE MOMENTS THAT OCCURRED DURING YOUR JOURNEY WITH MY SLEEP COACHING SERVICES??
During our second call with Jade, following a week of preparing Riley to self-soothe, she suggested that we remove Riley's pacifier. This recommendation initially concerned us, as we had relied on it as a sleep aid for quite some time. However, we recognised the importance of trusting Jade and her process. To our surprise and delight, the very first night without the pacifier, Riley slept through the entire night. While we initially thought it might be a mere coincidence, this uninterrupted sleep continued for four consecutive nights, reaffirming the effectiveness of Jade's approach.
HOW HAS YOUR CHILD'S SLEEP QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY IMPROVED SINCE WORKING WITH ME?
Since working with Jade, Riley's sleep has remained consistently improved. We had a follow-up call with Jade to discuss minor adjustments to his schedule. With Riley requiring longer wake windows, we were able to make the necessary changes to accommodate his developmental needs. Additionally, we successfully eliminated the night dream feed, which has allowed Riley to experience undisturbed, high-quality sleep. This positive outcome has not only benefited Riley but has also provided much-needed rest for both of us as parents.
WERE THERE ANY UNEXPECTED BENEFITS OR POSITIVE OUTCOMES THAT YOU EXPERIENCED FROM USING MY SERVICES?
Although we had stopped using the pacifier with Riley during overnight sleep, he was still relying on it for his daytime naps. We had made a plan with Jade to gradually eliminate the pacifier while Amy was on holiday from work. However, a few weeks after completing our initial work with Jade, we noticed that Riley began resisting nap time when offered the pacifier. It became evident that he no longer wanted it and had naturally weaned himself off. Once we stopped providing the pacifier for his naps, Riley continued to sleep consistently well. We were pleasantly surprised by how smoothly Riley adapted to all the steps Jade had implemented for him
AS A FAMILY, HOW DID YOU FIND THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH A CHILD SLEEP COACH? DID IT POSITIVELY AFFECT THE DYNAMICS WITHIN YOUR FAMILY?
With everyone in the household well-rested and experiencing quality sleep, we were able to fully enjoy our time together as a family. The anxiety we once felt about potential nighttime wake-ups was replaced with a sense of peace and confidence. As parents, we could prioritise time for ourselves, knowing that if Riley needed to be put down for a nap, the process would be smooth and straightforward. This newfound assurance allowed us to cherish our family moments and embrace the joy of parenthood without constant worry or fatigue.
Our experience of working with Jade was truly enjoyable. Her professionalism and supportive nature made the entire process feel straightforward and achievable. We were so impressed by her unique approach, which set her apart from other sleep coaches. As a result, we have confidently recommended her services to numerous parents who are facing sleep disruptions. We assure them that Jade's approach has the power to positively change their lives.
WHAT ADVICE OR INSIGHTS WOULD YOU OFFER TO OTHER FAMILIES CONSIDERING THE SUPPORT OF A CHILD SLEEP COACH TO ADDRESS THEIR SLEEP CHALLENGES? HOW CAN IT BE MORE BENEFICIAL THAN LOOKING AT VARIOUS OTHER RESOURCES ONLINE OR IN BOOKS FOR EXAMPLE? WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST VALUE – ADD FOR YOU USING A COACH?
One of the invaluable aspects of working with Jade was her empathy and ability to provide tailored information for Riley. With her guidance, we came to understand that Riley was a low sleep need baby, meaning his sleep requirements were below the average recommendations commonly found on apps and online. This personalised insight helped us better understand and meet Riley's unique sleep needs.
If you’re contemplating reaching out to a sleep coach, we highly recommend it. Seeking help and support when needed is absolutely okay, and it can make a world of difference in your parenting journey. Jade's expertise and support were instrumental in helping us navigate our specific situation, and we believe that every family can benefit from the guidance of a knowledgeable sleep coach when it comes to their child's sleep.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE KEY TAKEAWAYS OR BENEFITS THAT OTHER FAMILIES CAN EXPECT WHEN THEY WORK WITH A CHILD SLEEP COACH?
As first-time parents, we recognised the importance of understanding that each child has unique needs. Jade played a crucial role in helping us identify and address Riley's specific needs, as well as providing us with effective strategies to support his self-settling. One of the key benefits for us was the predictability that came with knowing Riley would sleep, allowing us to enjoy our night time routine as a family. This sense of stability brought us comfort as parents.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD OR SHARE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH ME
Jade's support extends beyond sleep alone. During our interactions, we delved into Riley's complete routine, including his eating and feeding habits, playdates, and outdoor time. Jade's genuine care for us and our family was evident throughout these discussions. Her comprehensive approach and attentiveness to every aspect of Riley's well-being demonstrated her commitment to our overall family's happiness and success.
THANKS SO MUCH AMY FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH ME. IT IS AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO HAVE PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN YOUR PARENTING JOURNEY AND I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST!
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Amy and Will, who has been an absolute pleasure to collaborate with. Transforming your baby’s sleep routine requires dedication, commitment, and perseverance, and through my guidance you'll transition away from quick fixes toward sustainable, long-term solutions establishing healthy sleep patterns for your child. Right from the start, Amy showed incredible dedication, great communication skills, and consistent effort, all of which paved the way for remarkable results.
As your dedicated holistic sleep coach, I offer a personalized approach that aims to create a positive and sustainable sleep experience for your baby or toddler. Achieving consistent, restorative, and wholesome sleep patterns is the goal, and many parents witness this transformation within a matter of weeks, if not days in certain cases. My methodology involves a thoughtful evaluation and adjustment of various factors in a specific sequence, gradually and supportively addressing high-level dependencies. The emphasis on these foundational sleep elements, combined with my unique sleep schedule creation process, ensures that every adjustment is tailored to your child's distinct needs rather than conforming to a one-size-fits-all approach.
In contrast to generic advice prevalent in mainstream media, my approach recognizes theshortcomings of average-based recommendations. Resolving sleep challenges requires a specifically tailored strategy that aligns with the unique needs and temperament of your baby. The intricacies and differences among children are not adequately addressed in generic advice or books. This is precisely where my expertise makes a significant impact, offering a tailored and nuanced approach that aligns with the individualized transformation every parent seeks when dedicated efforts are made.