Modern Nurture
On Modern Nurture, we’ll look to experts in thought provoking interviews, we’ll look to our biology to unpack the instincts and processes we’ve forgotten in the modern era, and we’ll have heart to heart conversations with real moms from every background as we seek to build a community where every mother and mom-to-be can find relatability and support. I am really excited about a segment of this show, called moms on the ground, where we’ll play real stories and clips from audience members.
Modern Nurture
Why Your Baby Wakes Up Screaming 15-40 Minutes After Falling Asleep
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Does your baby fall asleep… then wake up screaming 20–40 minutes later?
This “false start” is one of the most common infant sleep struggles — and it’s often misunderstood.
In this video, I explain why babies wake crying shortly after bedtime, what’s happening in the nervous system during early sleep cycles, and why this usually isn’t reflux or a “bad sleeper.”
You’ll learn:
• Why the first sleep cycle is fragile
• The difference between exhaustion and true sleep readiness
• How overstimulation and high alert states affect baby sleep
• What a state transition failure is
• Why the second attempt at sleep often works
• How to help your baby downshift before bedtime
Baby sleep isn’t just about schedules and wake windows.
It’s about nervous system regulation.
When you understand the biology, sleep struggles start to make more sense — and feel less scary.
If your baby wakes crying soon after falling asleep, this video will help you understand why and what to do next.
Chapters:
0:00 The Problem: State Transition Failure
0:38 Why Exhaustion Doesn't Equal Sleep Readiness
1:15 The 15-40 Minute Wake-Up Explained
1:58 The Solution: Calming Before Sleep