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.
Work with Alicia
**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.
Work with Alicia
**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.
Work with Alicia
**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.
Work with Alicia
**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.
Work with Alicia
**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.
Work with Alicia
**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.
Work with Alicia
**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
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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
In this episode, we’re joined by two incredible pediatric occupational therapists, Bailey and Claire, for a conversation all about sensory needs, emotional regulation, and how these foundational pieces impact sleep — even if sleep isn’t their primary focus.
We dive into what sensory processing actually is, how to recognize signs of dysregulation in babies and toddlers, and why co-regulation plays such a big role in supporting both daytime and nighttime rhythms.
Bailey and Claire also share practical strategies parents can try at home, how to support children who struggle with transitions (like bedtime), and offer gentle, empowering guidance for when things feel especially hard.
Whether your child is a high-energy sensory seeker or more sensitive to their environment, this episode will help you feel more equipped and more compassionate — toward your little one and yourself.
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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
In this episode, we’re sharing our summer plans — including a few camping trips with the kids — and how we’re navigating sleep along the way. Whether you’re planning a big family vacation, a weekend in a tent, or just feeling a little nervous about sleep routines shifting during the summer, this episode is full of gentle, realistic tips to help.
We talk about how we approach travel sleep (without rigid schedules or stress), what we pack to help our kids feel secure in new environments, and why connection always matters more than perfection.
You'll also hear practical advice for handling jet lag, new sleep spaces, camping naps, and supporting sensitive sleepers while you're away. If summer has you questioning whether your child’s sleep will survive the season, this episode will remind you: it’s okay for sleep to look a little different — you can still have fun, support your little one, and get through it together.
Mentioned in this episode:
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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
Contact naps are one of the most common — and misunderstood — parts of infant sleep. In this episode, we’re breaking down why contact naps are not only normal but also deeply beneficial for your baby’s development, regulation, and sense of safety.
We’ll explore why babies crave closeness during the day (even if they sleep independently at night), what’s really happening biologically during contact sleep, and how to shift away from it gently — without sleep training — when and if you’re ready.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, touched out, or simply wondering if you’re “creating a bad habit,” this episode is here to remind you: contact naps are not a step backward. They’re a sign of a securely attached baby — and there are supportive, connection-based ways to transition when it’s the right time 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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
If you’ve ever rocked your baby to sleep, tiptoed out of the room, and then watched the monitor light up 27 minutes later — we see you. In this episode, we’re unpacking the truth about short naps.
We’ll talk about when they’re completely normal, why they don’t automatically mean your baby is a “bad napper,” and how the popular “crib hour” method actually misses the mark when it comes to supporting healthy, responsive sleep.
You’ll also hear simple, connection-based strategies to gently support longer naps without using any form of sleep training. Whether your baby is taking 20-minute catnaps or you’re just wondering if it’s supposed to feel this hard, this episode will remind you: short naps aren’t a failure — and there is another way.
Mentioned in this episode:
Sleep Through Connection E-course
Free wake window & sleep science guide
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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
We’ve been told that “healthy sleep” means 12 hours uninterrupted, in a crib, with no help, by 6 months old. But…who decided that was the goal?
In this episode, we’re breaking down what actual healthy sleep looks like — and why sleep trainers often get it so wrong. From unrealistic expectations to myths about independence, we unpack the pressure parents feel and why it’s totally okay (and developmentally normal) for your baby to need you at night.
We’ll share what healthy sleep really means from a connection-based lens: safety, responsiveness, and rhythms that support the unique needs of your baby — and you.
Whether you’re co-sleeping, contact napping, nursing to sleep, or just feeling unsure if you’re “doing it right” — this episode is for you!
Let’s take the pressure off and redefine what healthy baby sleep really looks like.
Mentioned in this episode: ACOTAR Books
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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
In this special episode, we’re joined by our giveaway winner, Bailey—a mom to an 8.5-month-old who naps like a dream but is waking frequently at night (sometimes 8+ times 😵💫).
Together, we unpack what might be behind those restless nights and offer supportive, non-sleep-training suggestions that align with your baby’s needs and your instincts.
Bailey also brings up common mainstream sleep tips like “wait 7 minutes before responding” and “don’t always pick them up”—and we talk about why these approaches often don’t sit right for a reason.
We cover:
What’s actually normal when it comes to night wakings
Why naps and nights don’t always match
How to gently support longer stretches without leaving your baby to cry
The truth about waiting and responding overnight
And why picking up your baby is never the problem ❤️
This episode is packed with relatable experiences, validation, and practical ideas for moms who want to support their baby’s sleep without compromising connection.
Mentioned in this episode: Sleep Through Connection Course
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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
If you’re in the thick of what everyone calls the “4-month sleep regression” — or bracing yourself for it — this episode is here to support and reassure you.
The truth? It’s not a regression at all. It’s actually a normal, healthy developmental progression, and it’s the only one that directly impacts your baby’s sleep architecture.
In this episode, we break down:
What’s really happening during the 4-month sleep shift
Why more night wakings and short naps are common (and normal!)
How to support your baby without resorting to sleep training
What role awake windows and sleep environment play
Why “bad habits” aren’t a thing — and what to focus on instead
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, or second-guessing everything — take a deep breath. You’re not alone. You’re not doing anything wrong. And you can support your baby through this stage without compromising connection or your instincts.
This one’s for every exhausted parent wondering: “Is this normal?”
(Spoiler: yes. Yes, it is.)
CAD link for Aleni’s bedtime book
US link for Aleni’s bedtime book
Sleep Through Connection Course
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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
In this heartfelt episode, We're joined once again by chiropractor and fellow mama, Dr. Sarah Shepherd, to talk about her journey navigating early motherhood with her little one — including the unexpected challenges that came with a tongue tie diagnosis.
She opens up about the emotional toll of those early weeks, how it impacted feeding and sleep, and what ultimately helped her find clarity and support. As both a mother and a practitioner, she shares her unique perspective on how body tension and oral ties can influence a baby’s ability to feed and settle — and how chiropractic care can play a gentle, supportive role.
Whether you're currently in the thick of it or just want to feel seen and supported, this conversation is a validating reminder that you're not alone — and that it's okay to follow your instincts, ask questions, and seek care that aligns with your values.
If you’re local (Vancouver Island) book an appointment with Sarah here.
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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
This week, we're slowing things down and catching up—just the two of us. It's been a while since we’ve had a chance to chat about real-life motherhood stuff, and in true mom fashion, there's a lot going on.
Aleni shares how she’s preparing for her upcoming 3-night trip away from Nora (and all the feels that come with it), plus details about her new workshop for families transitioning away from bed sharing. We also get honest about screen time—what it looks like in our homes right now and one of our favorite screen-free swaps that actually works.
Sign up for Aleni’s Workshop here
And because we love this community so much, we’ve got a Mother’s Day Giveaway to share! One lucky Mama will join us on the podcast to chat about their child’s sleep struggles, and we’ll offer gentle, supportive guidance—no sleep training required.
Enter our Mother’s Day Giveaway here
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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
If you’ve ever stressed about milk supply, doubted your body, or felt totally overwhelmed by the world of pumping—this episode is for you. 💛
We sat down with Katie, a Mom & Certified IBCLC, to talk everything milk supply and pumping. From what truly regulates milk supply (hint: it’s not how full your boobs feel) to how to build a freezer stash without going into oversupply panic-mode, Katie breaks it all down in a way that feels doable and grounded in what really matters—connection and confidence.
In this conversation, we talk about what “normal” milk supply actually looks like, how to know if your baby is getting enough, and when and how to start pumping (without losing your mind). Katie also shares her go-to advice for troubleshooting supply dips, pump struggles, and returning to work—plus why common myths like “fussy baby = low supply” need to go. She brings her holistic, baby-and-mama-centered approach to every part of this chat, and we left feeling so much more empowered—and we know you will too.
You deserve support, not pressure. Let this be your permission slip to let go of the guilt and lean into what feels right for you and your baby. 💕
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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
In today’s episode, we are joined by Rebeka—former client, mental health counselor, and mom to a spirited two-year-old—for a truly heartfelt conversation about navigating baby sleep without sleep training.
Rebeka shares her personal journey with her daughter's sleep, what those early sleepless months looked like, and how she made the choice to parent through connection even when things felt incredibly hard. We talk about what surprised her most about doing this work without sleep training, what she’s carried with her into other parts of parenting, and the emotional shifts that happened along the way.
As a counselor who supports individuals in the perinatal period, Rebeka also brings in her professional lens to talk about the mental load so many parents carry—especially when it comes to sleep. She reflects on how her own work impacted her parenting journey, and how her understanding of attachment and co-regulation deepened through lived experience.
If you’re in a tough season right now, or feeling like you're the only one still supporting your child to sleep—this episode is the reminder you need that you're not alone. There is another way, and it doesn’t mean going against your instincts.
Grab a cozy drink, take a deep breath, and come join us in this honest and encouraging chat. ❤️
Resources Shared By Rebeka:
Blog Post written by Rebeka on Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Podcast Episode: Protecting Maternal Sleep
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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only
Let’s be real—navigating baby sleep as a couple can feel really complicated when you’re not on the same page. In this episode, we brought on our husbands for a candid conversation about what happens when one parent wants to sleep train… and the other doesn’t. We asked them the hard questions—“Do babies need to learn to self-soothe?” “Isn’t picking them up all the time creating bad habits?”—and let them share their honest thoughts and concerns. We also reflected on our own experiences—what those early disagreements around sleep looked like, and how we worked through them without resentment.
This episode is for any parent who feels stuck between wanting to protect connection and feeling the pressure to just do something to fix sleep. We unpack what’s really behind the desire to sleep train & talk about how to respond when you don’t agree and how to hold your boundaries without taking on all the night duties alone. Because sleep is a family issue—not just “Mom’s job.”
Whether you’re the partner saying “no thanks” to sleep training, or the one feeling unsure of what else to do—this one’s for you. Supporting your baby doesn’t mean doing it all alone, and choosing connection doesn’t mean chaos forever.
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.
Work with Alicia
**The information shared is not medical advice & is for entertainment purposes only