That's Not How A Baby Sleeps

In this episode, we’re getting real about the highs and lows of motherhood friendships. We’re chatting about the challenges of making new mom friends, how to navigate old friendships when parenting styles differ—or when friends don’t have kids at all—and why building a supportive community matters so much. Aleni shares all about her in-person monthly mom meet-up and how that space has become a lif...

In this laid-back catch-up episode, Alicia & Aleni reflect on the whirlwind of the holiday season and how it impacted their kids’ sleep schedules. From navigating the inevitable illnesses that seem to tag along with winter festivities to the balancing act of New Year’s traditions and letting the kids stay up late, we’re diving into it all. Plus, they sprinkle in some random but relatable mom-l...

Have you ever asked your toddler to put on their shoes, only to be met with a firm “no” or outright refusal? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into Dr. Gordon Neufeld’s concept of counterwill —a developmentally normal, instinctive response to feeling controlled. Counterwill isn’t defiance for the sake of defiance; it’s a protective mechanism that helps toddlers assert their autonomy...

The holidays are here, and with them comes one of the most debated parenting decisions: What do we do about Santa? In this episode, We're sharing our approach to the Santa tradition, how we handle the “Is Santa real?” question, and why it’s okay if your choices look different from ours. We’ll talk about balancing the magic of the season with honesty, teaching kids to respect other families’ tradit...

The holidays are a time for joy and connection—but they can also come with a side of unsolicited advice from well-meaning family members. In this episode, we tackle common comments like, “Why don’t you just let them cry it out?” or, “You’re still nursing to sleep?” and share strategies for handling them with confidence and grace. We’ll explore why these comments can feel so triggering, how to unde...

Many new moms struggle with feeling disconnected from their bodies postpartum. In this episode, we’re joined by holistic nutritionist Teri-Ann, who specializes in supporting postpartum moms on their journey to healing and balance. Together, we unpack the role of nutrition in overcoming postpartum depletion, managing sugar cravings and energy crashes, and shifting the focus from weight loss to true...

In this week's episode, We take a break from the usual deep dives to catch up on the real-life challenges and wins we are experiencing as parents. We get honest about recent bedtime battles, how the time change has thrown off our kids' schedules, and the small but impactful strategies we use to stay on the same page with our partners through weekly parent meetings. We also share when our kids fina...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Crystal, a Registered Counsellor and the voice behind The Gentle Counsellor, to explore the profound impact of Attachment Theory on parenting and the essential role of self-love in raising secure, confident children. Crystal shares her journey into Perinatal Mental Health and Attachment Theory, shaped by her own experiences as a mom and her passion for s...

In this episode, we dive into a question many parents find themselves asking in the early hours: "Why is my baby waking up every hour?". While hourly wake-ups can sometimes be a normal part of development, they can also signal underlying issues that may need extra attention. We’ll explore some of the potential reasons behind frequent waking, from the typical challenges like teething pain and progr...

This week, we dive into the viral moment that sparked a wave of conversation among moms everywhere. It all started when Hannah, a newly postpartum mom of two, shared a raw, unfiltered video of herself collecting 17 diapers scattered around her home after a long day of solo parenting. What followed was a flood of harsh, judgmental comments in the thread, shaming her for not "having it together." In...

In this episode, we’re unpacking the term "gentle" sleep training and why it may not be as nurturing as it seems. You’ve probably heard these methods described as kinder, with less crying and more parental involvement. But here’s the truth—many of these approaches still operate under the idea that independent sleep skill are necessary for a good night's rest. We’ll dive into how misattunement happ...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bonnie Soto, an experienced pediatric physical therapist, to dive deep into baby motor development and what it means for your little one’s overall growth and well-being. Dr. Bonnie, who specializes in treating infants with body tension, oral motor dysfunction, torticollis, and other developmental challenges, answers key questions like: Is it okay for babies to...

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that can really change how you approach sleep—your baby’s temperament. Every child is unique, and their personality plays a big role in how they navigate sleep. From easy-going sleepers to highly sensitive little ones, we’ll explore how different temperaments affect everything from bedtime routines to sleep transitions. We’ll share tips on how to create t...

In this episode, we dive into our personal newborn must-haves, focusing on the essentials for sleep and breastfeeding that helped us navigate those early days with our little ones. But it’s not just about the stuff— we also open up about the postpartum support we leaned on, which we believe is just as important (if not more!). From creating a cozy sleep space to surrounding yourself with the right...

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of melatonin as a sleep aid for children. We'll explain what melatonin is, how it works in the body, and why it’s become a popular over-the-counter option for parents trying to manage their child’s sleep struggles. But is it really safe for kids? We’ll explore some of the concerns surrounding its use, including the potential impact on puberty, the r...

We’re back! After taking the summer off, Aleni and I are catching up on all the things—parenting wins, challenges, and everything in between. In this episode, we share how we got our kids’ sleep schedules back on track for school and daycare (because, let’s be honest, summer throws everything off!). I’ll also dive into how I navigated a potty training regression with my toddler, our experience han...

In this hilarious episode, Alicia and Aleni sit down with their husbands to delve into the unique experiences of fatherhood, especially when it comes to navigating baby sleep. Listen in as the husbands share their candid thoughts on supporting each other during those challenging, sleepless nights, and the impact of baby’s sleep on their own sleep and daily routine. They also discuss sharing parent...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Shepherd to explore the transformative benefits of chiropractic care for Moms and babies. We dive deep into how chiropractic care can be a game-changer during pregnancy and postpartum, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the key issues it can alleviate. We also discuss why parents might seek chiropractic care for their little o...

In this episode, we explore the vital role of attachment in your child's emotional development & sleep.   We introduce you to what attachment is and its stages, as outlined by Dr. Gordon Neufeld & the importance of attachment coming above peer attachments. We'll discuss strategies to strengthen parent-child attachment & the connection between attachment and sleep, including how a careg...

This week, we're diving deep into one of the most intimate and nurturing sleep arrangements—bedsharing. We’ve gathered all your burning questions about bedsharing, and we’re here to provide you with evidence-based answers, practical tips, and supportive advice. Join us as we explore: ✨ When you should stop bedsharing—what does the research say? ✨ How to gradually transition away from bedsharing...

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Maggie, a devoted mom of two, a passionate entrepreneur and former client of Alicia's to delve into her inspiring journey of achieving peaceful sleep without sleep training. Maggie shares her personal experiences and valuable insights, including how she navigated the challenges of sleep with her little ones under Alicia’s compassionate guidance. She d...

In this episode of That's Not How A Baby Sleeps, we dive into the complex world of nap transitions for babies and toddlers. Whether you’re a first-time parent or experienced caregiver, navigating the ever-changing sleep needs of your little one can be challenging. We share our personal experiences and the knowledge we've gained from supporting countless families through these transitions. Join us...

In this episode, we sit down with Aleni's client Kayla, a dedicated midwife & loving Mama who shares her personal journey with sleep and her decision to forgo traditional sleep training methods. Join us as Kayla opens up about her experiences, offering a candid look into the challenges and triumphs she faced while navigating her baby's sleep needs. As a midwife, Kayla brings a unique perspecti...

In this episode, we dive into the world of potty training with personal experiences, practical advice, and a healthy dose of empathy. Join us as we share our own journeys with our children, discussing what worked, what didn’t, and why each child’s path to potty independence is unique. We’ll break down the research on readiness, debunk common myths, and highlight the importance of trusting your chi...

In this weeks episode Alicia & Aleni dive into the concerns many parents face after sleep training or even attempting sleep training. We're getting real about what "attunement" really means in the attachment world and laying out some practical steps to heal those moments when we might've missed the mark with our little ones. Join us for some heartfelt chats where we tackle the worries many fam...