E49: Mastering Sleep: Kim Hawley on Transforming Nighttime Routines for Families

Summary In this episode, Dr. Mya Fields interviews Kim Hawley, a holistic sleep coach, about her work in helping families improve their sleep. Kim explains that holistic sleep coaching involves looking at the whole child and the whole family to improve sleep. She debunks sleep myths, such as the need to teach babies to self-soothe and the idea that holding babies too much will spoil them. Kim also discusses the transition of toddlers to their own room and provides tips for helping them feel close even when sleeping separately. Finally, she emphasizes the importance of minimizing screen time and electronic devices before bedtime for better sleep. In this conversation, Kim discusses the impact of lighting on sleep, the importance of creating a healthy nighttime routine, and how sleep affects productivity and behavior. She also shares her insights on emerging trends in sleep science and sleep coaching. Kim emphasizes the power of trusting instincts and the importance of connection in parenting. She provides resources for further information and support. Takeaways Holistic sleep coaching involves looking at the whole child and the whole family to improve sleep. Sleep myths, such as the need to teach babies to self-soothe and the idea that holding babies too much will spoil them, should be debunked. Transitioning toddlers to their own room requires patience, support, and creating a sense of closeness even when sleeping separately. Minimizing screen time and electronic devices before bedtime is important for better sleep. Lighting, particularly blue light, can disrupt sleep. It is important to create a sleep-friendly environment by reducing exposure to bright lights and blue wavelengths before bedtime. A healthy nighttime routine for children should include activities that promote relaxation and connection, such as reading stories, playing calming games, and incorporating special sleep rituals. Sleep plays a crucial role in productivity and behavior. Adequate sleep allows for cell repair, memory consolidation, and overall development. It is important to prioritize sleep for both children and adults. Trusting parental instincts and prioritizing connection with children are key to effective parenting. Building a strong parent-child bond and creating a safe and secure environment contribute to better sleep and overall well-being. To learn more about sleep hygiene and get assistance, Kim offers resources such as her podcast, website, and one-on-one coaching. Asking for help and seeking support is important in parenting. The best advice is to trust your instincts and ask for help when needed. Connection with loved ones is essential for support and resilience in both challenging and joyful times. Meet Kim: Kim Hawley, MA, MPH, IBCLC is a Holistic Sleep Coach, Lactation Consultant, Peaceful Parenting Educator, mom, and the owner of Intuitive Parenting. She helps tired parents bring together developmental knowledge, sleep science, and their intuition to improve family sleep. Her specialty is holistic, responsive sleep support for babies, toddlers, and nursing families. She is the founder of Responsive Family Sleep, an online sleep support program for parents looking to support sleep without sleep training, and the host of the new podcast, The Responsive Family Sleep Podcast. Kim lives in Capitol Hill, Washington DC with her husband, 2 kids, guide dog, and cat. She loves running, listening to audio books, coffee, chocolate, and wine. IG @intuitive_parenting_dc intuitiveparentingdc.com More HeyHannah Goodness:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to subscribe to our Email List  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram: Heyhannahpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok: Heyhannahpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect on Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HeyHannahpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠www.HeyHannahpodcast.com⁠ ⁠Connect on Youtube ⁠ Discover hope, wisdom, and tools for a well-lived life in each episode: ⁠https://linktr.ee/Heyhannahpod⁠