Sleep. . .the Second Most Asked Question at the BRC

By: Louisa Brandenburger, IBCLC, Holistic Sleep Coach

This past March, I embarked on a journey into infant/children sleep, a class on Holistic Sleep training and consulting. The key to this program that interested us at the BRC was the Holistic portion. We need to offer an option to the often-used “cry it out” or “controlled crying” method. Teaching our children that when they cry that someone will respond to their needs appropriately and mediate their stress. We, of course, need to preserve breastfeeding and help our families function too! 

The Holistic Sleep Coaching Program focuses on supporting and empowering parents, providing them with gentle, evidence-based strategies. 

There is so much to learn about sleep and how to help your baby/child to sleep. But more importantly, this class has given me insight into what is considered “normal” or appropriate sleep goals for children. While taking this class, I have learned that most new families have a distorted view of what to expect from sleep for their children. In the media, in books, online, from physicians and family & friends, it’s often portrayed that a baby should sleep earlier than is developmentally appropriate. This class has given me the tools to help new parents know what to expect from sleep from their babies, depending upon their age and how to help them get the appropriate amount of sleep.

As an IBCLC, we are often one of the first professionals to talk to new families, either prenatally or immediately postpartum. We want to get our parents off to a good start; setting them up for success early — in breastfeeding as well as sleep.

In the coming months, we will have group Holistic Sleep classes for prenatal families, newborns, and older infants and toddlers too. We hope to offer one-on-one sleep consultations also for individualized strategies specific to .

We hope to get help our families early on to help them avoid the overwhelming and often confusing world of sleep. 

Class Schedule

Here’s what our clients have to say:: 

“When I went in for my sleep consultant with Louisa, I didn’t hold high hopes. Not because I didn’t trust her abilities, but because I hadn’t slept more than a few hours at a time in 5 years. In 5 years I have nursed 3 babies (tandem for 3 of those years!) and had very poor sleepers. I was running on fumes when I reached out for her help. After our first meeting, I left feeling positive, I had new ideas that did not go against my own beliefs regarding sleep and babies! The first full day was a game-changer. She napped. TWICE! Better yet, napped in her crib! It was a huge relief and I wish I could have hugged Louisa! 

It’s been over a month now since our first meeting and MOST days are great (teething interrupts that good sometimes) Not only did her tips help my baby sleep, but also my 2 preschoolers! Louisa is MAGIC.”