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The Responsive Family Sleep Podcast
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting sleep information; frustrated by sleep advice that felt wrong; or searched for a truly gentle, responsive alternative to sleep training, then you are in the right place. In each episode I’ll be answering your most pressing baby and toddler sleep questions, dispelling common sleep myths, deepening your understanding of biologically normal sleep, and encouraging you to trust your intuition. And because sleep is rarely just about sleep, you may just find some responsive parenting, lactation, or self-care tips sprinkled in along the way.
I’m your host, Kim Hawley, MA, MPH, IBCLC Holistic Sleep Coach, Lactation Consultant, Peaceful Parenting Educator, and mom. My specialty is truly holistic, developmental, attachment focused sleep support – no hidden sleep training here!
The Responsive Family Sleep Podcast
How To Know Your Postpartum Doula Is Lactation And Normal Sleep Supportive With Alex King
Throughout human history new parents had support with their newborns around the clock from their friends and family. Now, most parents don’t have friends and family who are able to help overnight, and postpartum doulas are an option for nighttime support to help you get more rest.
However, if you are a parent looking for someone who is knowledgeable and comfortable with nurturing biologically normal sleep and lactation then it’s important you hire the right professional. In this episode, I’m joined by Alex King, a postpartum doula who exclusively does overnight support. We talk about what a postpartum doula is and how they are different from night nurses and newborn care specialists. We share some questions parents can ask to get a good sense of the doulas lactation knowledge and comfort with supporting normal sleep and an attachment-based approach to sleep.
We discussed what some red flags and green flags might be to show where a doula is on the same page as them and where they may not be aligned. It’s all about finding the right fit and as a parent, being clear about what you are looking for. Alex shares some of the ways her support helps parents create more of a set nighttime, helping circadian rhythm develop. And she reminds us that you are inviting a person into a very personal time and space so it’s important that you are really comfortable with them. I hope this episode will give you some ideas if you want to hire a postpartum doula for nighttime support whether you are pregnant with your first baby or looking ahead to a second baby or more.
About Alex
Alex King is a certified postpartum doula in Los Angeles California who specializes in working with families overnight. She is passionate about setting up babies, mamas, and families for success in the delicate postpartum period so they can enjoy the magic a new little one brings.
Connect with Alex
Instagram: @doula.alex.king
Connect with Kim
Instagram: instagram.com/intuitive_parenting_dc
Facebook: facebook.com/intuitiveparentingdc
Learn more about working with Kim: https://intuitiveparentingdc.com/