Today's guest is a holistic pediatric sleep coach, Hala Merola where we talk all things sleep for newborns, babies, and toddlers.

Please note, at the beginning of the episode the topic of depression and anxiety is raised. If this impacts you in some way, please speak to someone such as experts from Beyond Blue, COPE or Lifeline.

As you will soon discover, Hala is so passionate about helping parents with their child's sleep issues. Amazingly she also has another job on top of being a mum and wife.

At the start of the conversation, we talk about the challenges Hala has faced in becoming a mum. She shares her experience of post-natal depression, how she was forced (reluctantly) by her husband to seek help as he was witnessing the effect it was having on her and her son, and the impact PND had on their early relationship. Today, she is a big advocate on seeking help and comments on how the stigma of mental health has changed in 6.5 years.

During the discussion we talk about:

• Importance of interviewing sleep consultants prior to working with them to ensure your values align
• Look at sleep holistically, there are many factors that impact sleep
• Discuss age appropriate techniques & routines for sleep and settling
• Managing transition to childcare and change in routine - good news, the child will adapt
• Separation anxiety impacting sleep
• Sleep regressions (including the dreaded 4 month sleep regression)
• Difference between self settling and self soothing
• Managing the transition from cot to bed
• What to dress our children in
• Talk about swaddling and sleep suits
• The fourth trimester
• And so much more

As Hala says "Nothing will ever prepare you for the type of child you will have, every child is unique".

Join the Working Mumma Community, connect with me on Instagram @workingmummacommunity or follow Working Mumma on LinkedIn. If you are on parental leave, be sure to download my free 10 Step Guide to Return to Work.

Connect with Hala on Instagram @sleepsweetconsulting, Facebook or her website.