We’ve been told that “healthy sleep” means 12 hours uninterrupted, in a crib, with no help, by 6 months old. But…who decided that was the goal?

In this episode, we’re breaking down what actual healthy sleep looks like — and why sleep trainers often get it so wrong. From unrealistic expectations to myths about independence, we unpack the pressure parents feel and why it’s totally okay (and developmentally normal) for your baby to need you at night.

We’ll share what healthy sleep really means from a connection-based lens: safety, responsiveness, and rhythms that support the unique needs of your baby — and you.

Whether you’re co-sleeping, contact napping, nursing to sleep, or just feeling unsure if you’re “doing it right” — this episode is for you!

Let’s take the pressure off and redefine what healthy baby sleep really looks like.

Mentioned in this episode: ACOTAR Books

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 Instagram⁠

⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠

⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠

Work with Alicia

• View 1:1 support options and services here

• Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses

• Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here

• Check out our free resources here

  
  

**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this special episode, we’re joined by our giveaway winner, Bailey—a mom to an 8.5-month-old who naps like a dream but is waking frequently at night (sometimes 8+ times 😵‍💫).

Together, we unpack what might be behind those restless nights and offer supportive, non-sleep-training suggestions that align with your baby’s needs and your instincts.

Bailey also brings up common mainstream sleep tips like “wait 7 minutes before responding” and “don’t always pick them up”—and we talk about why these approaches often don’t sit right for a reason.

We cover:

• What’s actually normal when it comes to night wakings

• Why naps and nights don’t always match

• How to gently support longer stretches without leaving your baby to cry

• The truth about waiting and responding overnight

• And why picking up your baby is never the problem ❤️

  
  

This episode is packed with relatable experiences, validation, and practical ideas for moms who want to support their baby’s sleep without compromising connection.

Mentioned in this episode: Sleep Through Connection Course

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 Instagram⁠

⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠

⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠

Work with Alicia

• View 1:1 support options and services here

• Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses

• Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here

• Check out our free resources here

  
  

**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

If you’re in the thick of what everyone calls the “4-month sleep regression” — or bracing yourself for it — this episode is here to support and reassure you.

The truth? It’s not a regression at all. It’s actually a normal, healthy developmental progression, and it’s the only one that directly impacts your baby’s sleep architecture.

In this episode, we break down:

• What’s really happening during the 4-month sleep shift

• Why more night wakings and short naps are common (and normal!)

• How to support your baby without resorting to sleep training

• What role awake windows and sleep environment play

• Why “bad habits” aren’t a thing — and what to focus on instead

  
  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, or second-guessing everything — take a deep breath. You’re not alone. You’re not doing anything wrong. And you can support your baby through this stage without compromising connection or your instincts.

This one’s for every exhausted parent wondering: “Is this normal?”
(Spoiler: yes. Yes, it is.)

CAD link for Aleni’s bedtime book

US link for Aleni’s bedtime book

Free 4 Month Survival Guide

Sleep Through Connection Course

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 Instagram⁠

⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠

⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠

Work with Alicia

• View 1:1 support options and services here

• Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses

• Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here

• Check out our free resources here

  
  

**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this heartfelt episode, We're joined once again by chiropractor and fellow mama, Dr. Sarah Shepherd, to talk about her journey navigating early motherhood with her little one — including the unexpected challenges that came with a tongue tie diagnosis.

She opens up about the emotional toll of those early weeks, how it impacted feeding and sleep, and what ultimately helped her find clarity and support. As both a mother and a practitioner, she shares her unique perspective on how body tension and oral ties can influence a baby’s ability to feed and settle — and how chiropractic care can play a gentle, supportive role.

Whether you're currently in the thick of it or just want to feel seen and supported, this conversation is a validating reminder that you're not alone — and that it's okay to follow your instincts, ask questions, and seek care that aligns with your values.

Follow along with Sarah on IG

If you’re local (Vancouver Island) book an appointment with Sarah here.

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 Instagram⁠

⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠

⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠

Work with Alicia

• View 1:1 support options and services here

• Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses

• Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here

• Check out our free resources here

  
  

**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

This week, we're slowing things down and catching up—just the two of us. It's been a while since we’ve had a chance to chat about real-life motherhood stuff, and in true mom fashion, there's a lot going on.

Aleni shares how she’s preparing for her upcoming 3-night trip away from Nora (and all the feels that come with it), plus details about her new workshop for families transitioning away from bed sharing. We also get honest about screen time—what it looks like in our homes right now and one of our favorite screen-free swaps that actually works.

⁠Sign up for Aleni’s Workshop here⁠

And because we love this community so much, we’ve got a Mother’s Day Giveaway to share! One lucky Mama will join us on the podcast to chat about their child’s sleep struggles, and we’ll offer gentle, supportive guidance—no sleep training required.

Enter our Mother’s Day Giveaway here

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 Instagram⁠

⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠

⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠

Work with Alicia

• View 1:1 support options and services here

• Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses

• Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here

• Check out our free resources here

  
  

**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

If you’ve ever stressed about milk supply, doubted your body, or felt totally overwhelmed by the world of pumping—this episode is for you. 💛

We sat down with Katie, a Mom & Certified IBCLC, to talk everything milk supply and pumping. From what truly regulates milk supply (hint: it’s not how full your boobs feel) to how to build a freezer stash without going into oversupply panic-mode, Katie breaks it all down in a way that feels doable and grounded in what really matters—connection and confidence.

In this conversation, we talk about what “normal” milk supply actually looks like, how to know if your baby is getting enough, and when and how to start pumping (without losing your mind). Katie also shares her go-to advice for troubleshooting supply dips, pump struggles, and returning to work—plus why common myths like “fussy baby = low supply” need to go. She brings her holistic, baby-and-mama-centered approach to every part of this chat, and we left feeling so much more empowered—and we know you will too.

You deserve support, not pressure. Let this be your permission slip to let go of the guilt and lean into what feels right for you and your baby. 💕

Katie’s website

Follow Katie on Instagram

Follow Katie on Youtube

Follow Katie on Facebook

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 Instagram⁠

⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠

⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠

Work with Alicia

• View 1:1 support options and services here

• Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses

• Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here

• Check out our free resources here

  
  

**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In today’s episode, we are joined by Rebeka—former client, mental health counselor, and mom to a spirited two-year-old—for a truly heartfelt conversation about navigating baby sleep without sleep training.

Rebeka shares her personal journey with her daughter's sleep, what those early sleepless months looked like, and how she made the choice to parent through connection even when things felt incredibly hard. We talk about what surprised her most about doing this work without sleep training, what she’s carried with her into other parts of parenting, and the emotional shifts that happened along the way.

As a counselor who supports individuals in the perinatal period, Rebeka also brings in her professional lens to talk about the mental load so many parents carry—especially when it comes to sleep. She reflects on how her own work impacted her parenting journey, and how her understanding of attachment and co-regulation deepened through lived experience.

If you’re in a tough season right now, or feeling like you're the only one still supporting your child to sleep—this episode is the reminder you need that you're not alone. There is another way, and it doesn’t mean going against your instincts.

Grab a cozy drink, take a deep breath, and come join us in this honest and encouraging chat. ❤️

Resources Shared By Rebeka:

Blog Post written by Rebeka on Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

Virtual Counseling Support

Podcast Episode: Protecting Maternal Sleep

Postpartum support help line

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 Instagram⁠

⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠

⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠

Work with Alicia

• View 1:1 support options and services here

• Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses

• Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here

• Check out our free resources here

  
  

**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

Let’s be real—navigating baby sleep as a couple can feel really complicated when you’re not on the same page. In this episode, we brought on our husbands for a candid conversation about what happens when one parent wants to sleep train… and the other doesn’t. We asked them the hard questions—“Do babies need to learn to self-soothe?” “Isn’t picking them up all the time creating bad habits?”—and let them share their honest thoughts and concerns. We also reflected on our own experiences—what those early disagreements around sleep looked like, and how we worked through them without resentment.

This episode is for any parent who feels stuck between wanting to protect connection and feeling the pressure to just do something to fix sleep. We unpack what’s really behind the desire to sleep train & talk about how to respond when you don’t agree and how to hold your boundaries without taking on all the night duties alone. Because sleep is a family issue—not just “Mom’s job.”

Whether you’re the partner saying “no thanks” to sleep training, or the one feeling unsure of what else to do—this one’s for you. Supporting your baby doesn’t mean doing it all alone, and choosing connection doesn’t mean chaos forever.

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 Instagram⁠

⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠

⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠

Work with Alicia

• View 1:1 support options and services here

• Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses

• Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here

• Check out our free resources here

  
  

**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

If bedtime feels like a never-ending struggle—requests for water, a million stall tactics, and a toddler who suddenly needs one more hug—you’re not alone. Toddler bedtime battles are real, and there are good reasons why they happen.

In this episode, we’re breaking down why toddlers struggle with separation at night, how boundaries shape bedtime, and what role sensory needs and nervous system regulation play in settling to sleep. We’ll also talk about the difference between overtired and under tired toddlers and how to find the right balance for your child.

The good news? There are simple shifts that can make bedtime feel smoother and more connected. We’re sharing actionable tips you can start using tonight to help bedtime feel less like a battle and more like a bonding experience.

If you’re looking for more support, check out Aleni’s Bonded Bedtime Guide for a deep dive into bedtime struggles and solutions.

Let’s make bedtime easier—for both you and your little one. 💛

Mentioned in this episode:

Mini push light buttons

Velcro tape

Lovevery 2YR Helper Kit-Routine Cards

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 Instagram⁠

⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠

⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠

Work with Alicia & Aleni

• View 1:1 support options and services here

• Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses

• Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here

• Check out our free resources here

Does your child insist that only one parent put them to bed? You’re not alone! Bedtime is a vulnerable time, and children often cling to the parent they associate most with comfort and sleep. But this preference isn’t rejection—it’s simply an attachment pattern built through routine. The good news? Attachment is flexible, and with patience, children can build trust and comfort with both caregivers at bedtime.

In this episode, we’ll explore a gentle, connection-based approach to introducing another caregiver into the bedtime routine—without forcing it or causing distress. We’ll discuss why children develop strong bedtime preferences, small steps to ease into shared bedtime responsibilities, and how a predictable routine can help kids feel safe regardless of who is putting them to sleep. We’ll also talk about strengthening connection outside of bedtime to make transitions smoother and why it’s okay if each parent has their own way of settling a child to sleep.

If bedtime has become a one-parent job in your home and you’re looking for a gradual, attachment-focused way to help your child adjust, this episode is for you. Tune in for practical, reassuring guidance to help your child feel safe, secure, and supported as they learn to embrace bedtime with both parents.

Mentioned in this episode:

Match making: Learn more here.

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 Instagram⁠

⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠

⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠

Work with Alicia & Aleni

• View 1:1 support options and services here
• Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses
• Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here
• Check out our free resources here