Apres The Bump

At some point your toddler or bigger kid will mention that they are scared of the dark, monsters, or closing the door. It is often genuine, although sometimes it’s just a stalling tactic. Of course you want to acknowledge their fears and support them, but how do you keep sleep from unraveling? How do you make sure you aren’t suddenly sleeping at the foot of your child’s bed (or worse, floor), co-sleeping again, or dealing with multiple wake ups?

The answer is in finding solutions that work both to ease their fears, AND ALSO, uphold sleep boundaries. Because you know what can spark even more nightmares or night terrors? Sleep deprivation.

Head to the blog to read on!

It’s never just about sleep.
It’s about the mom who feels like she’s losing pieces of herself.
It’s about the partner, the friend, the woman — hiding behind exhaustion.
It’s about finally having the energy to live, not just survive. 💛

You can address bedtime fears AND keep a sleep environment conducive to great sleep!

Yes it’s now cold outside, but your baby still needs fresh air and varied entertainment (yes babies CAN get bored).

Here are some of my favorite local places for winter indoor playtime:


BUT ALSO just get the right gear for YOU and BABY so you can play outside! Even a 30 minute playground session can make a difference for everyone. Great play and outdoor exposure significantly helps everyone sleep more soundly.

Do all these activities feel like a chore because you are so tired you can barely function? Head to the link in my bio and schedule your evaluation call! You could be sleeping in 2 weeks.

Join me this Sunday at and LET’S TALK SLEEP.

Why is your baby waking up a million times at night?
Why do you need to rock them for an hour to nap 30 mins?
How do i get my child to stop waking at 5am?
Why does my toddler make bedtime a 2 hour ordeal?

And mostly

HOW CAN YOUR NIGHTS BE PEACEFUL, ENJOYABLE, AND CONSISTENT?

Come ready to have all your sleep questions as I piece together the sleep puzzle for your family.

This year, on November 3rd, 2024 daylight saving time will end once again. For anyone without children, this means you “gain” an hour of sleep. For those of us with kids… it means our 6am waker is now up at 5am. *yay*

The good news is, just a little preparation can make this change pretty seamless. Something to remember every time the clock changes, whether it’s from travel, or daylight saving time, is that our bodies are regulated by food, sleep, and light. We are essentially sophisticated plants. So when navigating these time changes, pay extra attention to those three things.

Head to the blog for more details!

https://apresthebump.com/preparing-for-daylight-saving-end-fall-back/

Stop googling!

Including sleep consulting into your baby budget during pregnancy (whether you end up needing it or not), is becoming more common and I’m glad to see it.

Making sure your baby is 1. Well-fed and 2. Sleeping well with age-appropriate expectations, makes a world of a difference in the development of the baby AND in the transition into parenthood for families.

When you hire a sleep coach you reap 8 BIG benefits

Read them all here:
https://apresthebump.com/8-unspoken-benefits-of-hiring-a-sleep-consultant/

Why children sleep better after being outside⬇️⬇️⬇️


1. Exposure to Natural Light: Spending time outdoors exposes children to natural sunlight, which helps regulate their circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Exposure to natural light during the day can help synchronize this clock, making it easier for children to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning feeling rested.

2. Physical Activity: Outdoor play often involves physical activity, such as running, jumping, and playing games. Physical activity during the day can help children expend energy and promote better sleep at night. It also contributes to overall physical health, which can indirectly improve sleep quality.

3. Fresh Air and Oxygen: Outdoor environments typically have better air quality and higher oxygen levels compared to indoor spaces. Breathing in fresh air can promote relaxation and improve the quality of sleep.

4. Reduced Screen Time: Spending time outdoors usually means less time spent in front of screens, such as TVs, computers, and mobile devices. Excessive screen time, especially before bedtime, can interfere with sleep by disrupting the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and suppressing the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

5. Connection with Nature: Being in nature has a calming effect on many people, including children. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier for children to relax and fall asleep at night.

Overall, spending time outside offers numerous benefits for children’s physical and mental health, including better sleep. It’s important for parents and caregivers to encourage outdoor play and provide opportunities for children to explore and engage with the natural world.

time for a schedule change?

💭Wondering when your baby will be ready for a change? This blog post is for you! Stephanie, the owner of Apres The Bump , shares signs that your baby may be ready for a schedule change. Check out her help tips here:

https://southwestnova.fit4mom.com/blog/signs-your-baby-needs-a-schedule-change

📣We're so excited to announce the return of our blog. Every month we'll feature a new, helpful blog post made just for YOU!

📨Would you like to write a blog for us or know someone who would? Reach out to us at [email protected]

Your first class is F R E E - virtual or in person! 🤍

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Locations: Lorton - Springfield - Burke - Woodbridge - Kingstowne

I remember being shocked at the price of a sleep consultant when I was a new mom. Yet we had just spent $600 on private hypnobirthing classes 😵‍💫

What I didn’t understand was all of the support I would receive along the way. I was already spending that kind of money on baby gear, mommy and me classes, + other memberships and services.

Funnily enough, the most impactful service I received in motherhood has been sleep consulting.

It changed our lives. It lifted my brain fog, saved my marriage, and gave me the energy to heal and get back to doing the things I loved. Heck, if I wasn’t sleeping well, I can assure you I wouldn’t have the energy to start and build a business.

I would pay infinitely more than I did back then knowing what I know now.

On the flip side as a sleep consultant, I have to price myself to make a living wage. Why would I spend so much time on a business if it didn’t allow me to take care of my family’s needs?

When deciding if sleep consulting is worth the investment to you, think about the cost of not sleeping well. Consider how sustainable not acting would be and what is at stake.

Just my Monday morning thoughts 🙃