That's Not How A Baby Sleeps

Enter our Mother’s Day Giveaway HEREMotherhood isn’t just physically exhausting.It’s the constant thinking, remembering, planning, anticipating & the never turning your brain off.This week on the podcast, we’re talking about the invisible mental load of motherhood — the piece no one really prepares you for, but that impacts everything… including your capacity, your nervous system, and even how you experience your child’s sleep.Because it’s not just about what you’re doing, It’s about everything you’re holding.In this episode, we talk about: • What the mental load actually is (and why it feels so heavy) • Why it’s often carried disproportionately by moms • How it impacts your nervous system and daily capacity • Why “just ask for help” doesn’t actually solve the problem • How this invisible load shows up at bedtime and overnight • & what it can look like to start doing less — without the guiltIf you’ve ever felt overstimulated, touched out, or like your brain just won’t shut off… this episode is for you.Because you’re not just tired, you’re carrying too much.Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

“Not all sleep training is cry it out.”This is something parents hear all the time… but in reality, many families end up there anyway.In this episode, we’re unpacking why methods like timed check-ins (Ferber) or the chair method—often labeled as “gentle”—can actually lead to more tears, not less.If you’ve ever felt like your baby cries harder when you go in to comfort them… you’re not imagining it.We’re talking about: • why babies often become more distressed during timed check-ins • what’s actually happening in their nervous system in those moments • how this can lead parents to feel like full cry it out is the “better” option• why temperament plays such a huge role in how babies respond • and how even “gentle” methods can create mis-attunement when you’re asked to override your instinctsWe also dive into a powerful historical comparison—when parents were once told not to visit their hospitalized children because it “made them cry more”… and what we now understand about separation, connection, and emotional safety.This episode is for the parent who tried the “gentler” way and thought… this feels worse.And for the parent who’s been told their only options are to either follow through with sleep training or just wait it out.Because there is another way, one that supports your child’s sleep and their nervous system—without leaving them to cry alone.Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

Nap transitions are one of the most common questions parents ask about sleep.One day naps seem to be working… and the next it suddenly feels like everything has fallen apart.In this episode, I’m breaking down nap transitions from the newborn stage all the way through the toddler years so you can better understand what’s actually happening with your child’s sleep.I talk about:• How many naps newborns typically take (and why their sleep feels so unpredictable)• When the 3 to 2 nap transition usually happens and signs it might be starting • Why babies sometimes refuse their third nap but then treat bedtime like a nap • What bridge naps are and when they can help during transitions • When the 2 to 1 nap transition typically happens • Different ways to approach moving to one nap depending on your child’s sleep needs and wake window threshold • And when children usually drop naps completelyIf you’re currently navigating nap transitions with your baby or toddler, this episode will help you understand what’s normal and how to approach these changes with a little more confidence (and a lot less stress).Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

Talking to kids about bodies, boundaries, and consent can feel… intimidating.A lot of us didn’t grow up with these conversations and most parents are quietly wondering:“Am I starting too early?” “How much detail is too much?” “What if I say the wrong thing?”This week on the podcast, we sit down with sex education expert Kimberly Wolf for a deeply practical and reassuring conversation about how to talk to kids about bodies, privacy, boundaries, and consent — from toddlerhood through puberty.We cover:💛 What sex education actually looks like for toddlers and preschoolers 💛 Age-appropriate language for 2–4 year olds and 5–7 year olds 💛 How to introduce consent in everyday parenting moments💛 How to respond when your child asks a question you weren’t expectingWe also talk about parental discomfort — because so many of us are trying to parent differently than we were parented. Kimberly shares why silence is often more harmful than saying the “wrong” thing, and why starting early doesn’t take away innocence — it protects it.She also introduces her guide, Tiny Talks to Big Conversations, which helps parents move from small, everyday language shifts to confident, ongoing conversations as their children grow.If you’ve ever felt unsure about when to start, what to say, or whether you’ve “missed the window” — this episode will feel grounding.Because these conversations aren’t one big talk.They’re tiny, connected moments that build safety and trust over time 💛Visit Kimberly’s websiteFollow Kimberly on InstagramGrab her guide Tiny Talks to Big ConversationsAlicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

Breastfeeding advice is everywhere — and yet so many parents still find themselves completely blindsided once baby arrives.In this episode, we sit down with Taylor of June And Lily, a lactation educator and pediatric nurse, for an honest, reality-based conversation about breastfeeding, newborn sleep, and the early postpartum days.We talk about why prenatal breastfeeding education matters far more than most parents realize, the unrealistic expectations many families carry into postpartum, and how those expectations can quietly shape confidence, stress, and mental health.Taylor walks us through what “normal” can actually look like in the first week home with a newborn — from feeding patterns to sleep to the behaviors that often leave parents wondering if something is wrong.We also dive into the intersection of breastfeeding and sleep, why understanding infant sleep biology is essential for new parents, and the importance of harm-reduction conversations around bed sharing — including why education like the Safe Sleep 7 matters even for families who never planned to share sleep.This is a grounding, reassuring episode for pregnant parents, newly postpartum families, and anyone who has ever felt like their newborn experience didn’t match what they were told to expect.If you’re navigating feeding, sleep, or the overwhelming noise of early parenthood — this conversation will help you exhale a little 💛Check out Taylor’s website➡️ www.juneandlily.comESSENTIALS waitlist➡️ https://juneandlily.myflodesk.com/essentialswaitlistFollow Taylor on Instagram➡️ @juneandlilyAlicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

Parenting already comes with a lot of noise — and when you’re raising children in a multicultural home, that noise can feel even louder.In this episode, we sit down with Melina, a childhood development specialist and founder of Pueblo, to talk about what it really looks like to parent across differences — cultural and personal — without losing yourselves or your relationship along the way.Melina shares how her own experience shaped her work and why so much mainstream parenting advice asks parents to leave parts of themselves at the door. We talk about the quiet stand-offs many couples experience behind closed doors, especially around emotionally loaded topics like sleep, routines, and “what good parenting should look like.”This is a grounding, validating conversation for parents who feel caught between instincts, advice, culture, and partnership — and who want to enjoy parenting together again instead of constantly managing it.If you’ve ever felt like you and your partner were parenting from different playbooks, especially around sleep, this episode is for you. 💛Follow Melina on InstagramFollow Melina on SubStackBook a Consultation with MelinaAlicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

Toddler sleep can feel confusing, emotional, and wildly inconsistent — especially when it seems like everyone else’s toddler is “sleeping through the night.”In this episode, we’re breaking down what normal toddler sleep actually looks like, from night wakings and nap resistance to bedtime struggles and early mornings. We talk about how developmental progressions, temperament, separation awareness, and changing sleep needs all play a role in toddler sleep — and why sleep at this age is rarely linear.This conversation is meant to take pressure off, normalize what you’re seeing, and help you understand your toddler’s sleep without rigid rules or one-size-fits-all advice. If toddler sleep has been feeling harder than you expected, this episode is for you.Mentioned in this episode:Aleni’s Book: Where Love Sleeps Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this episode, we’re joined by Anna, a baby wearing educator, for a conversation about baby wearing as more than just a tool — but a biologically normal, relationship-based way of caring for babies and toddlers. We talk about how baby wearing supports regulation, attachment, emotional connection, and sleep, and why humans have always relied on carrying our babies long before cribs and sleep “solutions” existed.Anna breaks down what baby wearing actually is, why it’s not about creating dependence or “bad habits,” and how proximity and responsiveness help babies feel safe enough to regulate — both during the day and at night. We unpack common misconceptions, discuss safety and fit (especially for newborns and preemies), and explore how baby wearing can be a powerful support during big emotions, middle-of-the-night wake-ups, and those seasons where nothing else seems to work.We also dive into the practical side — choosing the right carrier, troubleshooting when baby wearing feels hard, and why it doesn’t have to be perfect to be safe and functional. Whether you’re brand new to baby wearing or looking to reconnect with it in a way that feels sustainable, this episode will leave you feeling more confident, more supported, and more aligned with your instincts. Follow along with Anna on Instagram @buffalobundlesJoin her private Facebook groupEmail Anna at buffalobundlesbabywearing@gmail.comAlicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into all things Santa, Christmas, and sleep — because the holidays bring magic… and also overstimulation, late nights, sugar, travel, chaos, and so many opinions from relatives who haven’t had a baby in 30 years.We share how each of us navigates Santa in our homes, what we do (and don’t) feel comfortable with, and why we aren’t forcing Santa photos if our kids are terrified. We talk gift budgets, overstimulation, boundaries, and how to protect your child’s emotional well-being when everything around them is loud, bright, and busy.And of course — we get into sleep during the holidays. How we personally handle bedtimes, what we let slide, what we protect, and how we respond to the classic unsolicited advice.This is your reminder that you can keep the magic and keep the connection. You can enjoy the season without sacrificing your child’s sense of safety or your own sanity.Grab a cozy drink, curl up, and join us for a very real, very relatable holiday chat.Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most popular — and most frustrating — pieces of baby sleep advice out there: “drowsy but awake.”If you’ve ever tried putting your baby down this way and watched them instantly go from peaceful to panicked… this episode is for you.We break down what this advice was supposed to do, why it only works for a small percentage of easygoing babies, and how it can leave so many parents feeling like they’re somehow failing when it doesn’t magically fix sleep.We’ll talk about: ✨ Why most babies are not wired to fall asleep independently ✨ How temperament, sensory needs, and sleep pressure play a bigger role than any “method”✨ What’s actually happening in your baby’s nervous system during sleep transitions ✨ Why independent sleep isn’t something you teach — it’s something they grow into ✨ Responsive ways to support sleep without forcing separationIf “drowsy but awake” made you question everything… just know it’s not you. It’s the advice.Tune in for a validating, science-backed conversation that will help you understand your baby’s real sleep needs and feel confident supporting them in a way that feels good for both of you. Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

This week on the podcast, we’re chatting with Ashley — a mom of two and professional organizer who is on a mission to help overwhelmed mothers create more simplicity, ease, and breathing room in their homes.Ashley opens up about her own journey into motherhood, the moment she realized her space and routines needed to work with her instead of against her, and how organizing became a way to find calm in the beautiful chaos of raising little ones.Together, we explore: ✨ How becoming a mom shifted her approach to routines and home life ✨ The emotional and mental load that clutter adds to motherhood ✨ Why organization isn’t about perfection ✨ Small, realistic changes that make a big impact ✨ How simplifying your environment can create more space for connectionIf you’ve ever looked around your home and felt frozen, overstimulated, or unsure where to even begin — this episode is for you. Ashley shares gentle, doable steps, grounded in real-life motherhood (not Pinterest perfection), to help you feel more supported in your space and your routines.This conversation is your reminder: you do not need a perfectly organized home to be a good mom — but creating systems that work for you can bring so much peace into your daily life. 💛Tune in for encouragement, practical tips, and permission to take things one small step at a time.Follow along for tips from Ashley on Instagram @thetidybuffaloAlicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Mariel, one of Aleni’s past clients, who opens up about her journey navigating her son’s sleep — a journey filled with challenges, advocacy, and ultimately, connection.Mariel’s little one struggled with multiple medical issues, including reflux and oral ties, which made sleep incredibly difficult in those early months. Like so many parents, she was told over and over that the solution was to sleep train. But instead of following the noise, Mariel chose to follow her instincts.Through working with Aleni, she focused on uncovering the root causes of her son’s frequent night wakings while continuing to meet his needs in a responsive, connected way — and yes, happily bed sharing the entire time.This conversation is such a powerful reminder that you can support your baby’s sleep without abandoning your intuition. You can be responsive and make progress. And most importantly — you don’t have to choose between sleep and connection. 💛Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

We’re back for Season 3! 🎉 In this episode, Aleni and I sit down for a casual catch-up and share a peek into what’s been going on in our lives lately. From Halloween costumes and birthday celebrations to K-pop demon hunters (yes, really 😅), we cover it all.Aleni also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her beautiful new children’s book Where Love Begins, which explores the stages of attachment our little ones move through. 💛 It’s such an important conversation for parents who want to understand the foundations of connection with their kids.We wrap things up by sharing a glimpse of what’s coming this season on the podcast—and trust us, there’s so much good stuff ahead!Purchase Aleni’s new book: Where Love Begins US LinkCAD LinkAlicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with.Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips.⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠Work with AliciaView 1:1 support options and services herePurchase our comprehensive sleep coursesBook a FREE 20 minute clarity call hereCheck out our free resources here**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only