Settling Problems

Intro

Suzanne,35 years old, single working mum, was starting to dread every bedtime. Lily her 2 year old daughter , had always fallen asleep with a bottle of milk on the sofa and Suzanne carried her up to bed each night. Once asleep she would sleep all night-but recently Lily was having none of it and bedtime was creeping later and later and becoming a real battle ground every night.

The Problem

I needed to regain control over Lily's bedtime and she needed to learn to fall asleep in her own bed.

We were both tired and instead of enjoying our evenings, we spent them arguing. I was also sure this was having an effect on Lily's daytime behaviour. Her bedtime was getting later and it was impossible to wake her in the mornings for nursery.

I was desparate for help,then a friend suggested I try a sleep clinc. I found Millpond on the Internet, and turned to them for help as they are all qualified health professionals, parents themselves and have had so many years of experience.

The Solution

I felt a great weight had lifted from me when Millpond said they could help. At last I wasn't alone.

I had to keep a sleep diary for Lily for a week and complete a questionnaire. My Millpond sleep therapist suggested a fixed bedtime with a winding down bedtime routine, focused around the bathroom and bedroom. We were not to come back to the living room, once Lily was in her pjs.

I was to do a gradual retreat programme, to teach Lily to fall asleep in her own bed by 8.00pm.

This way she would be reasuured that I was nearby and gradually learn to feel confident going to sleep by herself, as I distanced slowly towards the door on my "Sleepy Cushion".

Progress was excellent. Although it took stamina and determination, within 3 weeks I was outside her bedroom door and 2 weeks later I was sitting alone on my sofa by 8.15pm with Lily happily tucked up in her own bed.

We now both enjoy our evenings together and bedtime is something we look forward to. Lily's behaviour in the day has also improved as she's getting more sleep and I'm back in charge.

I can't recommend the Millpond Team highly enough. Thank you we have our lives back.