Tell us a bit about yourself and your job!

I'm Ali Kochtanek, a Certified Postpartum Doula and Pediatric Sleep Specialist based out of St. Louis, Missouri. I am passionate about helping families navigate the challenging early stages of parenthood because we all know how completely overwhelming it can be at the beginning. I use a holistic, client-led approach that combines evidence-based practices with personalized support to guide families towards establishing healthy sleep hygiene and fostering a nurturing environment for their babies to grow. It's been a dream to be able to help moms really tune into their babies, follow their intuition with confidence, and guide them through those "not-so-intuitive" moments as well.

We love your Instagram account @surviveandthrivemama - how did you decide to start that?

When I had my first baby, I vividly recall responding with a bland "I'm surviving" when asked how I was doing (and probably way more than once). However, with three children of my own and a career dedicated to postpartum health, I've pieced together what transformed that response into a confident "I'm doing great"! I wanted to share the simple, "I wish someone would have told me that" information that made my experience as a second and third time mother just a bit easier. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the isolation felt by new and seasoned mothers alike highlighted the importance of having someone to talk to and bounce ideas off of. Recognizing this need amidst the overwhelming online information overload, I launched Survive and Thrive Mama. It serves as a digital haven where moms can find practical advice, humor, authenticity, and a touch of self-deprecation while navigating parenthood. In essence, it's an extension of the support offered through my one-on-one sleep consultations and mom group coaching sessions.

What strategies do you recommend for establishing a healthy sleep routine for babies?  How does this work for different parenting styles?

Establishing a healthy sleep routine for babies is vital. As human beings we thrive on consistency and predictability, which provides babies with a sense of security. Whether parents lean towards a more relaxed or structured approach, I find that finding a balance that offers flexibility while maintaining consistency is key. I recommend setting a consistent wake time (for babies older than 4 months), creating a calming bedtime routine performed in a similar manner for each sleep time, creating a safe, soothing sleep environment, and using positive sleep associations to signal to the brain that it's time for rest. Every family is unique, so I encourage parents to embrace what works for them as long as it's safe and effective. If something isn't working any longer or causing frustration, it's time for a change.

What are some common misconceptions about baby/child sleep?

A common misconception about baby and child sleep is the belief that there is a one-size-fits-all solution to infant and toddler sleep. Every child is different and even parent preferences are different, meaning what works wonders for one family may not have the same effect on another. Additionally, societal pressures often lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety as parents strive to meet predetermined sleep milestones within certain timelines. There are babies all over the map in terms of temperament, abilities, and sleep preferences. I really like to provide realistic expectations and tailored guidance to alleviate this pressure and support each family's unique circumstances.

What are your thoughts and opinions on swaddling or sleep bags to assist with sleep at different ages?  Any Copper Pearl products you feel are effective for a solid bedtime routine?