In 2017, I gave birth to my first son, Mason. It was the most amazing experience however, my post-partum journey was a bit of a roller coaster. Not only was I a brand new mother trying to figure everything out for myself and this new little babe, I was moving back and forth from Toronto and Berlin for my husband’s hockey career. Mason and I made the trip five times over the course of the season. Obviously all of the travel wasn’t ideal for creating good sleeping habits. For the first several months of Mason’s life we winged it and that worked really well for us at the time. Sometimes he slept in his crib, stroller, carseat, baby carrier, or on/with me. I did what I had to do to survive the travel, teething, sleep regressions, and growth spurts. Finally at nine months old, I decided I was ready to get quality sleep again and have a routine for Mason. He was waking numerous times a night and unable to put himself back to sleep. Mason’s naps were inconsistent and short. One of my hockey girlfriends suggested I contact Pam Nease Sleep and work with Pam. She had worked with Pam when sleep-training her twins and it went very well. I was so tired and I had nothing to lose at this point. I booked my phone consultation with Pam and the rest is history.

Blake and I met with Pam over facetime. She devised a sleep plan we were comfortable with and set us up for success. I was nervous to begin but I knew that it was necessary for my mental health and Mason would really benefit from building a solid sleep foundation. 

Blake played a huge role in the initial part of sleep training since I was breastfeeding. Mason adapted immediately and slept through the entire first night! I woke up with sore swollen breasts the next morning and was in shock he did it. Pam was extremely supportive throughout the entire process. We kept in touch via phone calls, text, and email. Pam’s positive and uplifting energy was very supportive throughout the transition. After he was successful at falling asleep on his own and sleeping through the night, we focused on naps. Within a couple of weeks Mason was sleeping through the night and taking two consistent daytime naps. At this point I wish I had done it sooner.

My husband’s famous line is “I told you we should’ve sleep-trained Mason earlier!” Blake is one hundred percent correct even though I hate to admit it. He has recommended working with Pam Nease Sleep to his dad buddies whose children have sleep struggles. If you ask Blake, he will tell you it's the best money we have spent.

Mason is a SUPER SLEEPER. Since sleep training he has mastered a routine and sleeps twelve hours a night. He does well with jet lag which is a part of our hockey lifestyle when we move overseas for the season. Mason had no issues travelling to China and adjusting to a fourteen-hour time difference. He sleeps through everything. Teaching Mason how to sleep independently has benefited us in so many ways - most importantly I know he is getting the uninterrupted sleep he requires for his physical and emotional wellbeing.

I got my life back. I got my sleep back. I got my sanity back. I'm a better mother when I am able to re-charge my own batteries.

Fast forward to May 2020. I gave birth to my second son, Colton. Before he was born, I reached out to Pam Nease Sleep. I wanted to sleep-train Colton at a younger age because I knew better this time around. I was well aware that the lack of sleep with Mason lead to some of my own mental and physical health struggles.

Pam suggested I work with sleep angel Jessica this time and we are thrilled with the results! Jessica is an absolute sweetheart. Initially, I signed up for a Newborn Sleep Package. However, once Colton was born I realized he was a completely different baby than Mason. After our breastfeeding issues were resolved and he was eating more efficiently, he was giving me "longer" stretches of sleep. I decided to wait to sleep-train him. I enjoyed the newborn lack-of-sleep phase much more with Colton. I think it's because I KNEW better sleep would come down the road. I soaked in all of the snuggly night-feed sessions and cuddles. Once again, I did what I had to do to survive while adjusting becoming a mom of two. It is different with the second child because you now have two children's schedules to work around. Bringing them together and finding what works for your family dynamic is key.

In December we moved to Finland for my husband’s hockey season and decided it was time to get Colton into a sleep routine. He was waking up a few times a night and taking cat naps throughout the day. Of course we would have good and bad days but it was necessary to establish a sleep schedule so I knew Colton was getting great quality sleep. He is my stubborn second child. Colton didn’t adjust to sleep training as quickly as Mason did. It took more time and patience but it was worth it! We worked with Jessica virtually over the phone and email. She was incredibly supportive. After sleep training, he sleeps twelve hours a night and takes two 1.5-2 hour naps a day. 

While sleep-training Colton there was quite a bit of noise on his part. I was so nervous he would wake up his big brother. Mason slept through it all. He is truly an incredible sleeper thanks to the solid sleep foundation from Pam Nease Sleep. 

My husband and I are so grateful to have our evenings to ourselves and know that our boys are getting good quality sleep. Although sometimes I miss the initial chaos of transitioning from one to two children, it's nice to have some consistency in our lives again. We created a schedule that currently works for where we are at in life. Both boys go down within thirty minutes of one another and sleep through the night. Of course we have a rare rough night but that is to be expected. Whether its illness or a bad dream, I know that after I comfort them they will be able to put themselves back to sleep.

Giving your child the gift of sleep is incredibly important. It is an essential part of their mental and physical development. Sleep is a time for restoration and for your child’s body to recharge and retain the information they have learned throughout the day. Their body’s energy is restored, growth and repair occurs, and important brain hormones are released. Sleep deprivation can affect their immune system and negatively affect mood and behaviour. 

We are very consistent with our boy’s sleep routine and keep them to a schedule as much as possible. Their bedrooms are a place for sleeping so we limit the toys to just stuffed animals and books.

Colton's bedtime routine (10 months old): bath, diaper, jammies, sleepsack, nurse/bottle, brush teeth, two books, two songs, lights out!

Mason's bedtime routine (3.5 years old): bath, jammies, brush teeth, potty, two books, two songs or special chat time, lights out!

I know sleep-training might not be for everyone and that’s okay. It’s important not to judge other people’s decisions. I never thought I would use it yet look at me now. Teaching my boys to sleep has played a crucial role in my motherhood journey. I am forever grateful to have found Pam Nease Sleep. If you are struggling to get sleep with children at any age, please reach out and schedule a free consultation. It could change your life. 

Here are some great resources for you: 

Pam’s Top 5 Baby Sleep Tips

Pam Nease Sleep - Sleep Webinar – next one is on April 18, 2021

Schedule your free initial consultation.

I'm so excited to offer you a discount code SARAH5 for 5% off any sleep package booked with Pam Nease Sleep.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions about my experience. I wish you health and happiness… and great SLEEP!

Love,

Sarah