Pregnant and already worried about how your baby will sleep? Forget cry-it-out and rigid sleep methods — there’s a gentler, biology-based way to support your baby’s rest. In this episode, Pediatric Sleep Expert Louise Herbert shares what every pregnant mom needs to know before your little one even arrives.Learn how to set up your baby’s environment, support their natural rhythms, and protect your own mental health...yep that matters and we talk about why in this episode!Some Highlights!!1:23 – Louise’s inspiration Her personal journey with her daughter and why she’s dedicated to helping families sleep peacefully.4:35 – Why common sleep methods fail Cry-it-out, intermittent soothing, chair method… what these approaches miss and why sleep isn’t a skill to teach.8:21 – The “sleep puzzle” How to align your baby’s biology so every piece — safety, rhythm, hormones, and environment — fits naturally.10:50 – My personal story Lessons learned trying cry-it-out and intermittent soothing with my own kids.13:41 – The environment matters Light, movement, and even the timing of pumped breastmilk influence your baby’s rest. Learn how circadian rhythm and sensory nourishment impact sleep.18:46 – Connection over perfection “You are your baby’s moon and stars.” Why your presence matters more than “doing it right.”23:28 – The myth of the unicorn sleeper Most babies wake at night — and that’s normal. Synchronicity is the key to restful nights.29:39 – Sleep milestones: newborn to 1 year What’s normal, what’s a red flag, and how to minimize stress during developmental peaks.32:36 – Preparing before birth Safe sleep, room-sharing, and steps you can take now to set your baby up for rest from day one.38:42 – “Your way is a beautiful way” A reminder that you don’t have to match anyone else’s parenting path — trusting yourself is enough.39:49 – Sleep & maternal mental health Why your baby’s well-being is deeply tied to your emotional state, and what really helps reduce your stress...spoiler alert - it's not more sleep 🤯 43:49 – The sensitive window The first three years of life wire your baby’s brain for love, connection, and resilience — shaping their future and yours.47:58 – Louise’s book, Rest Assured A must-read for expecting moms — filled with stories, visualizations, and practical support for early parenthood.It was so refreshing to chat with Louise and feel like she really gets it and to make all the things we go through as moms - the thoughts we have, the stress we experience, the sleepless nights, all just a little bit more normal and not overwhelming. I left our conversation so grateful for her work and that there is constantly evolving, and better information for moms! ✨ Don’t forget to FOLLOW the show so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show title. Let's Connect!Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEmail:
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