Advertise on podcast: That's Not How A Baby Sleeps

Parenting already comes with a lot of noise — and when you’re raising children in a multicultural home, that noise can feel even louder. In this episode, we sit down with Melina, a childhood development specialist and founder of Pueblo, to talk about what it really looks like to parent across differences — cultural and personal — without losing yourselves or your relationship along the way. Melina shares how her own experience shaped her work and why so much mainstream parenting advice asks parents to leave parts of themselves at the door. We talk about the quiet stand-offs many couples experience behind closed doors, especially around emotionally loaded topics like sleep, routines, and “what good parenting should look like.” This is a grounding, validating conversation for parents who feel caught between instincts, advice, culture, and partnership — and who want to enjoy parenting together again instead of constantly managing it. If you’ve ever felt like you and your partner were parenting from different playbooks, especially around sleep, this episode is for you. 💛 Follow Melina on Instagram Follow Melina on SubStack Book a Consultation with Melina Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

Bed sharing works for a lot of families… until it doesn’t. In this episode, we’re talking about how to transition away from bed sharing gently and responsively, without rushing your child or forcing independence before they’re ready.  We dive into why separation can feel so big for babies and toddlers, how attachment actually develops in the first year of life, and why there is no such thing as a baby or toddler who is “too attached.” We also talk about what changes after 12 months and why that stage often opens up more options for easing into separation. You’ll learn how to: Set up a sleep space your child actually feels safe in Bridge separation using attachment-based strategies Decide what your initial transition goal should be (without doing everything at once) Navigate this change in a way that honors both your child’s needs and your own We also get a cameo appearance from Aleni’s partner Dave to give us a Dad perspective.   This conversation isn’t about perfect plans or rigid consistency. It’s about trust, responsiveness, and making changes in a way that feels supportive for your family. If bed sharing has stopped working but sleep training doesn’t feel right, this episode is for you. 💛 Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

Toddler sleep can feel confusing, emotional, and wildly inconsistent — especially when it seems like everyone else’s toddler is “sleeping through the night.” In this episode, we’re breaking down what normal toddler sleep actually looks like, from night wakings and nap resistance to bedtime struggles and early mornings. We talk about how developmental progressions, temperament, separation awareness, and changing sleep needs all play a role in toddler sleep — and why sleep at this age is rarely linear. This conversation is meant to take pressure off, normalize what you’re seeing, and help you understand your toddler’s sleep without rigid rules or one-size-fits-all advice. If toddler sleep has been feeling harder than you expected, this episode is for you. Mentioned in this episode: Aleni’s Book: Where Love Sleeps  Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

If infant sleep has felt harder than you expected, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing anything wrong. In this episode, we walk through what’s biologically normal for infant sleep during the first year of life. From frequent night wakings and short naps to sleep disruptions during developmental progressions, we explain why so many common struggles are actually expected. This episode is for parents who want clarity without pressure and reassurance without rigid rules. Mentioned in this episode: Free Sidecar Guide S2E8 Hourly Wake Ups Rest Assured Book **New Sleep Assessment Support Option** Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this episode, we’re joined by Anna, a baby wearing educator, for a conversation about baby wearing as more than just a tool — but a biologically normal, relationship-based way of caring for babies and toddlers. We talk about how baby wearing supports regulation, attachment, emotional connection, and sleep, and why humans have always relied on carrying our babies long before cribs and sleep “solutions” existed. Anna breaks down what baby wearing actually is, why it’s not about creating dependence or “bad habits,” and how proximity and responsiveness help babies feel safe enough to regulate — both during the day and at night. We unpack common misconceptions, discuss safety and fit (especially for newborns and preemies), and explore how baby wearing can be a powerful support during big emotions, middle-of-the-night wake-ups, and those seasons where nothing else seems to work. We also dive into the practical side — choosing the right carrier, troubleshooting when baby wearing feels hard, and why it doesn’t have to be perfect to be safe and functional. Whether you’re brand new to baby wearing or looking to reconnect with it in a way that feels sustainable, this episode will leave you feeling more confident, more supported, and more aligned with your instincts. Follow along with Anna on Instagram @buffalobundles Join her private Facebook group Email Anna at [email protected] Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by pelvic floor specialist Dr. Ashley Schaab for a conversation every mom deserves to hear. Pelvic floor health is one of those things we all know matters… but no one actually talks about until we’re already struggling with discomfort, leaking, pain, or feeling like our bodies just aren’t the same postpartum. Ashley walks us through what actually happens to the pelvic floor during pregnancy and birth, how common symptoms are (and which ones aren’t normal), and why healing requires so much more than “just do your kegels.”  She shares practical, gentle steps moms can take to support healing, how to advocate for real care, and why reconnecting with your body is such an important part of postpartum mental health. Whether you’re newly postpartum or years into motherhood, this episode will leave you feeling informed, validated, and empowered — because your body deserves support, not silence. Follow Ashley on Instagram ⁠@a_la_pelvis⁠ ⁠Visit Ashley’s website⁠ and check out her free resources Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into all things Santa, Christmas, and sleep — because the holidays bring magic… and also overstimulation, late nights, sugar, travel, chaos, and so many opinions from relatives who haven’t had a baby in 30 years. We share how each of us navigates Santa in our homes, what we do (and don’t) feel comfortable with, and why we aren’t forcing Santa photos if our kids are terrified. We talk gift budgets, overstimulation, boundaries, and how to protect your child’s emotional well-being when everything around them is loud, bright, and busy. And of course — we get into sleep during the holidays. How we personally handle bedtimes, what we let slide, what we protect, and how we respond to the classic unsolicited advice. This is your reminder that you can keep the magic and keep the connection. You can enjoy the season without sacrificing your child’s sense of safety or your own sanity. Grab a cozy drink, curl up, and join us for a very real, very relatable holiday chat. Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

This week on That’s Not How a Baby Sleeps, we’re welcoming back one of our past guests — Blake Alexiss — for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the transition from one child to two, and what sleep looked like the second time around. Blake opens up about the rollercoaster of adding a new baby into the mix, how her second postpartum experience compared to her first, and the sleep myths she released once she realized how much more confident and grounded she felt the second time. We talk about: ✨ The pressure she felt as a first-time mom — and how she let that go with baby #2 ✨ How vastly different temperaments changed her approach to sleep ✨ What she did differently this time, and what she kept the same ✨ Navigating bedtime with two little ones (and the moments where everyone needs you at once) ✨ Why understanding her baby’s unique sleep needs made everything feel calmer and more manageable If you’re expecting baby number two, deep in the transition, or simply want reassurance that sleep doesn’t have to look “perfect” to be supportive — this episode will feel like a warm exhale. Blake’s honesty, intuition, and growth shine through, and her story is such a beautiful reminder that trusting yourself makes all the difference. 💛  Follow along with Blake on Instagram and Tiktok Find out more about Blake’s Doula services.  Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most popular — and most frustrating — pieces of baby sleep advice out there: “drowsy but awake.” If you’ve ever tried putting your baby down this way and watched them instantly go from peaceful to panicked… this episode is for you. We break down what this advice was supposed to do, why it only works for a small percentage of easygoing babies, and how it can leave so many parents feeling like they’re somehow failing when it doesn’t magically fix sleep. We’ll talk about: ✨ Why most babies are not wired to fall asleep independently ✨ How temperament, sensory needs, and sleep pressure play a bigger role than any “method” ✨ What’s actually happening in your baby’s nervous system during sleep transitions ✨ Why independent sleep isn’t something you teach — it’s something they grow into ✨ Responsive ways to support sleep without forcing separation If “drowsy but awake” made you question everything… just know it’s not you. It’s the advice. Tune in for a validating, science-backed conversation that will help you understand your baby’s real sleep needs and feel confident supporting them in a way that feels good for both of you.  Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this episode, we sit down with Kelsey — one of my incredible 6-week clients — to talk about her journey navigating baby sleep without sleep training. Kelsey shares openly about the sleep challenges she faced with her son, the pressure she felt to “fix” sleep by teaching independence, and what it looked like to finally trust her instincts and take a more connected approach. We chat about what led her to reach out for support, how we uncovered her son’s unique sleep needs, and the small but powerful shifts that helped her family find more rest — all without tears, separation, or abandoning what felt right in her heart. If you’ve ever questioned whether gentle, attachment-based sleep support can actually work — this conversation is proof that it can. 💛 Tune in for a grounded, real look at what it means to support your baby’s sleep through connection, not control Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

This week on the podcast, we’re chatting with Ashley — a mom of two and professional organizer who is on a mission to help overwhelmed mothers create more simplicity, ease, and breathing room in their homes. Ashley opens up about her own journey into motherhood, the moment she realized her space and routines needed to work with her instead of against her, and how organizing became a way to find calm in the beautiful chaos of raising little ones. Together, we explore: ✨ How becoming a mom shifted her approach to routines and home life ✨ The emotional and mental load that clutter adds to motherhood ✨ Why organization isn’t about perfection ✨ Small, realistic changes that make a big impact ✨ How simplifying your environment can create more space for connection If you’ve ever looked around your home and felt frozen, overstimulated, or unsure where to even begin — this episode is for you. Ashley shares gentle, doable steps, grounded in real-life motherhood (not Pinterest perfection), to help you feel more supported in your space and your routines. This conversation is your reminder: you do not need a perfectly organized home to be a good mom — but creating systems that work for you can bring so much peace into your daily life. 💛 Tune in for encouragement, practical tips, and permission to take things one small step at a time. Follow along for tips from Ashley on Instagram @thetidybuffalo Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this episode, we’re diving into the viral trend of “f*ck around and find out” parenting — and unpacking what’s really going on behind it. We talk about the extremes of this style compared to gentle and authoritative parenting approaches, and how easy it can be to swing from one end of the spectrum to the other when we’re feeling burnt out, overstimulated, or just plain done. We also share some honest (and funny) real-life examples with our own kids, exploring where natural consequences make sense and where connection still needs to lead the way. This conversation is about finding that middle ground — where boundaries are clear, empathy stays present, and our kids learn through relationship, not fear. If you’ve ever felt torn between being “too gentle” or “too strict,” this one’s for you. 💛 Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Mariel, one of Aleni’s past clients, who opens up about her journey navigating her son’s sleep — a journey filled with challenges, advocacy, and ultimately, connection. Mariel’s little one struggled with multiple medical issues, including reflux and oral ties, which made sleep incredibly difficult in those early months. Like so many parents, she was told over and over that the solution was to sleep train. But instead of following the noise, Mariel chose to follow her instincts. Through working with Aleni, she focused on uncovering the root causes of her son’s frequent night wakings while continuing to meet his needs in a responsive, connected way — and yes, happily bed sharing the entire time. This conversation is such a powerful reminder that you can support your baby’s sleep without abandoning your intuition. You can be responsive and make progress. And most importantly — you don’t have to choose between sleep and connection. 💛 Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most common (and confusing) topics for parents — night weaning. 🌙 We talk about what’s biologically normal when it comes to night feeds, the pressure so many parents feel to wean early, and why needing to eat overnight is often a completely normal part of development. We also share some of our own personal experiences with night weaning and stories from clients we’ve supported—because this process looks so different for every family. If you’ve ever wondered when or how to start night weaning, or worried that your baby “should” be sleeping through by now, this conversation is for you. 💛 Mentioned in this episode: Information on breastmilk & tooth decay. Blog post with The Baby Dietitian  Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only

We’re back for Season 3! 🎉 In this episode, Aleni and I sit down for a casual catch-up and share a peek into what’s been going on in our lives lately. From Halloween costumes and birthday celebrations to K-pop demon hunters (yes, really 😅), we cover it all. Aleni also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her beautiful new children’s book Where Love Begins, which explores the stages of attachment our little ones move through. 💛 It’s such an important conversation for parents who want to understand the foundations of connection with their kids. We wrap things up by sharing a glimpse of what’s coming this season on the podcast—and trust us, there’s so much good stuff ahead! Purchase Aleni’s new book:  Where Love Begins  US Link CAD Link Alicia & Aleni are both Moms and certified infant and toddler sleep specialists who don't use traditional sleep training methods to support the families that they work with. Follow along on social media for more sleep without sleep training tips. ⁠Alicia's Instagram⁠ ⁠Alicia's Tiktok⁠ ⁠Aleni's Instagram⁠ Work with Alicia View 1:1 support options and services here Purchase our comprehensive sleep courses Book a FREE 20 minute clarity call here Check out our free resources here **The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only