Allow Me to Introduce Myself
My name is Kymberley Calhoun, and I am a registered psychologist specializing in infant brain development and attachment-based sleep support. I recently returned to the office after a year of maternity leave spent with my wonderful baby girl. Becoming a mother has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but I’ll admit that navigating infant sleep has been one of the more challenging aspects of this journey.
This experience has deepened my understanding of infant sleep and strengthened my desire to support other mothers who may be facing similar struggles. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to be caught between wanting to improve your baby’s sleep and fearing that the methods commonly recommended might not align with your values.
Why This Blog?
If you’ve landed here, chances are something about your current approach to sleep isn’t feeling right — or perhaps it’s not improving the quality of sleep in your home the way you hoped. I want to assure you that you’re not alone. Many parents feel uneasy about traditional sleep training methods that involve allowing babies to cry it out, even though they’ve been told these methods are necessary for long-term sleep success.
The truth is, there is another option — one that nurtures secure attachment while helping your baby develop healthy sleep patterns. It’s not always the easiest path, but for many families, it feels more aligned with their values and what they instinctively know about their baby’s emotional needs.
What I’ve Learned About Infant Sleep and Attachment
During my own journey and my professional training in infant brain development, attachment, and parenting, I’ve come to appreciate that while sleep training may be the right choice for some families, it was not the best fit for my baby or me. I found that it added unnecessary stress, and although a certain amount of stress is important for healthy brain development, the kind of stress caused by prolonged crying didn’t feel aligned with the supportive environment I wanted to create.
So, I chose a different path — one that involved staying present with my daughter, soothing her nervous system, and guiding her back to sleep. While this approach has been physically and emotionally demanding, the reward has been knowing that I’m supporting her in a way that prioritizes her attachment needs and long-term brain development.
Gentle Sleep Tips: Supporting Your Baby Without Sleep Training
If you’re looking for ways to improve your baby’s sleep while maintaining a secure attachment, here are a few tips to get you started:
Respond Promptly to Your Baby’s Cues
When your baby signals distress, responding quickly helps regulate their nervous system and strengthens the trust that forms the foundation of secure attachment.
Create a Safe, Consistent Sleep Environment
Babies thrive on predictability. Dim lights, quiet sounds, and a cozy sleep space can signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down.
Practice Responsive Settling
If your baby wakes in the night, offer comfort and reassurance. Holding, rocking, and using gentle touch can help them transition back to sleep without feeling alone or overwhelmed.
Support Daytime Attachment to Improve Nighttime Sleep
Babies who feel connected and secure during the day often sleep better at night. Spend intentional, present time with your little one to fill their emotional cup.
Adjust Your Expectations
Infant sleep is not linear. Developmental leaps, teething, and growth spurts can all impact sleep. Give yourself grace as you navigate these changes.
Why Choose Eckert Centre for Infant Sleep Support?
At Eckert Centre, we take an evidence-based, attachment-focused approach to supporting families. Our team of compassionate professionals is trained to help parents navigate infant sleep without compromising their child’s emotional needs.
Specialized Expertise: Our approach is grounded in the science of infant brain development, attachment theory, and responsive parenting.
Empathy and Understanding: We understand that no two families are alike. Our goal is to empower you with information and support that feels right for your unique situation.
No Judgment, Just Support: Whether you’ve tried traditional sleep training methods or are exploring alternatives for the first time, we’re here to help — without shame or judgment.
How We Can Help
At Eckert Centre, we offer:
- Individual Sleep Consultations
- Personalized, one-on-one support to develop a sleep plan that honors your baby’s attachment needs and fits your family’s goals.
- Parent Coaching Sessions
- Guidance to help you build confidence in responding to your baby’s cues and promoting healthy sleep without sleep training.
- Workshops and Resources
- Future blog posts and workshops covering a range of topics on infant, toddler, and child sleep to deepen your understanding and build your confidence.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re ready to explore a sleep approach that prioritizes attachment and emotional well-being, I would love to support you.
Book a Consultation: Online Booking
Call Us: 403-230-2959
Email Us: info@eckert-psychology.com
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let’s work together to create a plan that supports both you and your baby, fostering secure attachment and better sleep — for everyone.
Caring for Families, One Sleep at a Time
At Eckert Centre, we are committed to sharing the Light of Hope and Courage with every family who walks through our doors. I look forward to being part of your journey toward restful, attachment-based sleep solutions.
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