How Babies Sleep: A Science-Based Guide to the First 365 Days and Nights – debunking sleep-related myths and understanding the Science behind Infant Sleep with Helen Ball

In this episode by LLLGB, volunteer breastfeedingcounsellors Sarah Fletcher and Maria Yasnova catch up with one of LLLGB professional advisors – infant sleep researcher Professor Helen Ball. Helen is an Anthropologist and Director of the Infancy & Sleep Centre at Durham University. In her latest book How Babies Sleep she brings together science, anthropological insight and experience to help provide parents with information on what to expect during the first 365 nights with a new baby.The past century and a half has seen rapid change in thenature of adult lives in the West and we’ve needed babies’ sleep to comply. The mismatch we have created has caused our babies’ biology to be framed as ‘baby sleep problems’, and infants are often ‘treated’ using behavioural and clinicalinterventions.The following topics are explored in this insightful andreassuring episode: What we can expect baby sleep to look like during the first yearWhat impact culture has on our understanding of babies’ sleepWhat parents need to be able to support their child’s sleep needs.A holistic model of support offered by LLL is discussed andthe listeners are encouraged to reach out to LLLGB if breastfeeding support and information is needed. LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parentto parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding. The charity was founded by seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.Episode Notes: For breastfeeding support and informationplease visit: www.laleche.org.ukhttps://laleche.org.uk/safe-sleep-the-breastfed-baby/https://laleche.org.uk/breastfeeding-at-night/https://www.basisonline.org.uk/about-us/Helen’s Book:https://www.lllgbbooks.co.uk/store/p263/How-Babies-Sleep.html