If you're outside the US and limiting your program search to only local options, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down the biggest myth holding international women back from choosing the RIGHT program: the belief that a certification program needs to be based in your country to work for you. The truth? The location of your program doesn't matter—the quality, international recognition, and support structure does.



In This Episode, You'll Learn:



→ Why limiting yourself to local programs might mean settling for less rigorous training and no business support



→ What actually matters when choosing a certification program (hint: it's not geography)



→ The three elements that make ANY program work for international students—and why most programs miss the mark



→ Real student story: How a Mandarin-speaking student in Australia researched local programs but chose ours instead—and why it was the best decision



→ Why international accreditation gives you MORE credibility than a local program with no global standards



→ How to evaluate whether a program can truly support you across time zones (with real examples from students in China and Australia)



→ The difference between old-model certification programs that force everyone into the same schedule vs. flexible programs designed for real life



Key Takeaways:



✓ You don't need a program based in your country—you need a program with internationally recognized credentials that parents worldwide trust



✓ Less than 50% of our students are US-based—thriving sleep consultants are building businesses in the UK, China, Australia, Canada, Morocco, and beyond



✓ International Recognition + Flexible Structure + Global Support = Location-Independent Sleep Consulting Business



✓ Stop limiting your options based on where a program is located—start evaluating based on quality, standards, and support



✓ The "safe" choice of a local program might actually be limiting your credibility and boxing you into a business that doesn't travel with you



Resources Mentioned:




The Cradle Coach Academy enrollment options: thecradlecoachacademy.com



International Association for Sleep Consulting—the only international body that does thorough review and upholds high educational standards

You can love the idea of becoming a sleep consultant and still freeze when it comes to your first client. In this episode, we're talking about the one thing that transforms passion into unshakable confidence—and it's not what most certification programs are telling you.



What You'll Learn:




Why getting certified quickly and "figuring it out later" actually backfires



The real reason 40-60% of people never finish their certification



How confidence comes from application, not just information



What happens when you learn through expensive mistakes with paying clients



The Client Mastery Method: practicing with real families before you charge




Key Takeaway: You need to work with real families before you charge for it. That's the only way to launch with actual confidence instead of just crossing your fingers and hoping you're ready.



The Problem with "Certify Fast, Launch Immediately":




You can know all the theory and still panic when a parent asks something unexpected



New consultants often wait 6-12 months after certification before feeling confident enough to launch



Most launch with zero testimonials and have to convince people to trust them anyway



Your first clients become practice runs instead of success stories




The Client Mastery Method: Work hands-on with 5 real volunteer families during training (not after) with expert mentorship guiding you every step:




Family 1: Heavy guidance—your mentor walks you through every step



Families 2-3: Less hand-holding but still with feedback and support



Families 4-5: More independence with expert oversight




By your fifth case study, you're not wondering if you can help families—you know you can because you already have.



Why This Works:




You're not learning through trial and error with paying clients



You make mistakes in a safe environment with immediate course correction



You launch with 5 testimonials already in hand



Students report feeling confident 3x faster than the traditional model



Your paying clients get the best version of you, not the "still figuring it out" version




Ready to Build Confidence the Right Way? Check out The Cradle Coach Academy's Rapid Success Sleep Consultant Blueprint training at thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series to see exactly how we help you go from zero sleep experience to confident business owner in just 90 days.

You’ve been told to chase the paycheck, not the passion. That fulfillment is a “nice to have”, not a need.But what if that belief is exactly what’s holding your business (and energy) back?



In this episode, we’re talking about the real secret behind building a business that doesn’t burn you out: doing work that actually lights you up.Because the truth is, fulfillment isn’t just some fluffy add-on — it’s the fuel that powers consistency, income, and long-term growth.



We’ll unpack:




Why loving your work is non-negotiable for long-term success



The lie we’ve been sold about work vs. purpose



How fulfillment leads to consistency (and consistency = income)



The real-life story of Jessica - a grad who found freedom and passion through sleep consulting



The 3-part methodology that turns your passion into a profitable, purpose-driven business




If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be more than this,” this episode is your permission slip to stop settling.



Watch the Rapid Success Blueprint — a free video series that walks you through how to become a certified sleep consultant in the most streamlined, confidence-building way possible.👉 thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series

Ever feel like you're constantly choosing between being a present mom or a professional powerhouse, but never both?



In this powerful episode, Marli Klaus is flipping the outdated script that keeps so many high-achieving moms stuck in burnout mode.



You’ll learn why success doesn’t have to mean sacrifice, and how to build a career that fits your life, not one that demands more than you have to give.



Whether you're curious about sleep consulting or simply craving more clarity, margin, and meaning in your day-to-day, this episode gives you a real path forward.



We’ll cover:



🔄 Why “freedom vs. income” is an outdated belief, and what actually works📱 The 3-step formula for building a flexible, profitable business from scratch📚 Why you’re still stuck in “learning mode” and how to shift into confident action💡 How to market yourself authentically (without feeling like a salesperson)⚡️ The truth about nap-time businesses that actually work✅ And why your desire to make a difference is your biggest advantage



If you're done feeling torn between work and motherhood, and ready for a career that fits your real life, this episode is your new playbook.



👉 Join the Free Live Workshop: thecradlecoachacademy.com/workshop🗓 Thursday, Oct. 16 at 12p CST | Replay available!

Soccer practice chaos. PTO acrobatics. The guilt cocktail of choosing between being a present mom or a professional powerhouse. Sound familiar?



In this episode, we're calling out the false choice that has working moms stuck — and flipping the script.



You don’t need another pep talk. You need a proven, time-smart plan built for the life you’re already living.



Here’s what we cover:




🔄 Why “freedom or income” is a lie — and how to get both



📅 The real reason PTO isn’t working for moms (and how to reclaim your time)



⏱ The 90-day SMART goal system that moves the needle without burning you out



🔍 Real-life biz-building strategies that fit inside your already-packed schedule



✅ Why DIY = stuck mode (and the better way forward)



💼 The simple shift from overwhelmed employee to confident consultant



🧪 Action steps you can take today to stop overthinking and start moving




Whether you're curious about sleep consulting or just desperate for more margin in your day, this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and a proven path forward.



Want the first actionable step?Grab our free 5-part training series:👉 thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series

Want to become a sleep consultant, but you're worried you'll feel stuck re-writing the same sleep plan 14 times and still hovering over send? In this episode, I break down the one thing that separates confident sleep consultants from the ones second guessing every move: specific, personalized feedback.



Not more courses. Not memorizing your training. Feedback.



I’ll show you the 3-step loop we use at The Cradle Coach Academy so you can move from “I hope I can do this” to “this is what I do.”



Ready to see the full breakdown of how we help our students build confidence fast and go from zero sleep experience and zero business background to becoming sleep experts and confident business owners?



Head to www.thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series to sign up for our free bite-sized video series that breaks this all down.

Picture this: You’ve finished your certification. You’ve done the training. You know the material.



But when it comes to helping real families… you still don’t feel ready.



That nervous knot in your stomach isn’t imposter syndrome - it’s what happens when you’ve skipped the practice that actually builds confidence.



In this episode of the Sleep Consultant Blueprint Podcast, I’m breaking down how our students use five volunteer families to bridge the gap between “I hope I can do this” and “This is what I do.”



Here’s what you’ll learn today:




Why knowledge alone doesn’t build confidence (and what does).



How five practice cases prepare you to confidently support paying clients.



The step-by-step volunteer process we use to help students go from overwhelmed to prepared.



How volunteer families often become your first referrals and testimonials—kick-starting your business before it even officially launches.




If you’ve been second-guessing yourself, avoiding clients, or waiting for the “perfect time” to feel ready - this is your permission slip to stop waiting and start practicing.



👉 Grab my Sleep Coach Blueprint Video Series—a short series that shows you exactly how training turns into transformation, and why practice with volunteer cases is the fastest path to confidence.



Because your future clients don’t need a perfect consultant. They need a prepared one. And that can be you - starting now.

Tired of feeling like you need to go viral or post every single day just to build a business?Here’s the truth: parents don’t hire influencers. They hire trusted experts who solve real problems.



In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how our students build profitable sleep consulting businesses in just months—not years—without spending all their time online.



You’ll discover:




Why trust (not likes or followers) is what gets you booked.



How the referral snowball can turn one happy client into a steady stream of business.



The exact process we teach inside The Cradle Coach Academy to help you get results fast—even if you’ve never sold a thing before.



Lindsey’s story of going from hustling in Facebook groups to having most of her clients come from referrals in just 6 months.




If you’ve been stuck thinking you need a massive following to start, this episode will show you the shortcut to building a business based on real results, real clients, and real income.



This episode may be better to watch vs. listen to - you can find it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vXyr_gtdSa4



👉 Want to see how this can work for you? Send me a DM on Instagram @thecradlecoachacademy with the word START, and I’ll send you our free Sleep Coach Startup Playbook so you can take the next step today.

If you’ve been wondering what’s actually inside the sleep portion of our certification — and whether it truly prepares you to serve families — this episode pulls back the curtain.



Inside, I walk you through:




What you’ll learn in the sleep curriculum (newborn through age seven).



How our expert faculty — from pediatric neurologists to NICU nurses — teach you evidence-based strategies you can trust.



Why our approach is science-based, not “fluff” or “no-cry” marketing.



The safe sleep guidelines we follow (and train you to follow).



How we ensure you graduate ready by requiring volunteer hours with real families.




This isn’t about memorizing sleep tips. It’s about learning from experts, applying the research, and practicing until you feel like a pro.



Watch our Free Video Series that will walk you through how this all works in detail - from sleep to business and everything in between.



>>>Watch the video series here

Feel like you’re not “business-minded”? That you'll be great at supporting families and coaching, but freeze when it comes to things like marketing, pricing, or finding clients?



You’re not alone, and you’re not bad at business. You’ve just never had someone break it down in a way that actually makes sense for your life.



In this episode, Marli walks you through:




The real reason women get stuck after certification



Why most business advice doesn’t work (especially in this space)



The 5-phase roadmap we teach inside TCCA to help you go from “certified” to “client-booked”



What we’re rebuilding inside our Business Accelerator — and how it’s designed to get you paid




This one’s for the woman who wants to help families, have more freedom, and finally feel confident running her own business — without becoming someone she’s not.



🎯 Want to go deeper?



Grab our Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Pediatric Sleep Consultant — it’s free and breaks down exactly what this path could look like for you (and how to make it happen).👉 https://thecradlecoachacademy.com/ultimate-guide

If you’ve been dreaming about becoming a sleep consultant but keep getting stuck on the thought:



“Why would anyone hire me when I’m brand new?”



…this episode is for you.



That “newbie fear” is completely normal — but it doesn’t have to keep you from starting. In fact, at The Cradle Coach Academy, we’ve built a process that helps you step into your new career already armed with experience, results, and credibility.



Here’s the secret: before you even graduate, you’ll work with five real families as volunteer clients. You’ll get hands-on practice solving real sleep challenges and collect five glowing testimonials you can use to attract paying clients from day one.



In this episode, I’m sharing:




Why self-doubt is actually a sign you understand the importance of this work (and why it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for it)



How our volunteer process works and why it’s a confidence-building game-changer



Real stories from graduates who went from “Who would hire me?” to booked out



How to use your first five testimonials to land your first paying clients faster



The mindset shift that helps you move from hoping you can do this to knowing you can




If you’re stuck wondering whether you can be successful in this work, this episode will help you see exactly how we set our students up for success — before they even launch.



🎥 Ready to learn more about becoming a sleep consultant? Watch our free bite-sized video series that walks you through everything you need to know → [LINK]

Accreditation isn’t just a fancy stamp of approval — it’s a deep, challenging process that ensures your training truly prepares you for the work you’ll do with families.



In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it took for The Cradle Coach Academy to gain approval from the Newborn Care Specialist Association (NCSA) for our NCS program and from the International Association of Professional Sleep Consultants (IAPSC) and the International Association for Complementary Therapists (IAOTH) for our Sleep Consultant certification.



You’ll hear:




Why accreditation is about so much more than checking boxes



The behind-the-scenes work (and three rounds of revisions!) it took to get approved



How accreditation protects you as a student and boosts your career opportunities



The surprising ways our updated NCS curriculum is now influencing industry standards



Why now is the best time to enroll before our NCS program price increases from $349 to $499 on August 25




If you’re considering training as a newborn care specialist or sleep consultant, this episode will give you the insight you need to choose a program that sets you up for long-term success.



Resources & Links:📚 Enroll in our NCSA-approved Newborn Care Specialist Program → https://thecradlecoachacademy.com/newborn-care-specialist💤 Learn more about our accredited Sleep Consultant Certification → https://thecradlecoachacademy.com/

Burnout isn’t a maybe — it’s a when if you don’t build your business with sustainability at the center.



Whether you're a sleep consultant, newborn care specialist, or parent coach, (or aspiring one!) this episode is your roadmap to doing meaningful, impactful work without burning yourself into the ground.



Marli shares real strategies and boundary-setting practices that will help you structure your business around your life (not the other way around). These are the same tools she’s taught to hundreds of postpartum professionals inside The Cradle Coach Academy — and today, she’s walking you through how to implement them, too.



Inside this episode:




Why postpartum professionals are uniquely vulnerable to burnout



How Marli rebuilt her biz after nearly burning out 3 months in



The #1 communication tip that changes everything



Sample schedules from real grads and how they honor their energy



Why undercharging leads to overworking — and what to do instead



The best client boundaries (and red flags to look out for)



How to leverage slower seasons and prevent “constant content mode”



The truth about marketing burnout — and how to avoid it



The exact systems to implement if you’re feeling overwhelmed




Ready to learn more about becoming a sleep consultant? Get instant access to our Exit Plan Blueprint to learn more about what this looks like at www.thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series

What happens when a burned-out educator turns her postpartum struggle into a thriving business? In this episode, Marli chats with Teal Chalek — a Cradle Coach Academy graduate and founder of Roots of Reverie — about her transition from special education to sleep consulting, how she went from zero to six clients in two weeks (without relying on social media), and what it really takes to build a business that supports your life and your family.



This is for the mom mapping out her next move — and the aspiring or new consultant who needs to hear this: showing up consistently will pay off, even when the progress feels quiet at first.



In this episode, you’ll hear:




Teal’s emotional journey through postpartum and sleep deprivation



Why she chose sleep consulting after leaving her career in education



How local networking events helped her find clients faster than Instagram



Her honest take on social media, introversion, and marketing overwhelm



What she wishes she knew when she started (and what she got right)



How she’s building a sustainable business one aligned decision at a time




Connect with Teal:🌿 roots of reverie website📱 Instagram: @roots.of.reverie



Mentioned in the Episode:🎓 Learn more about The Cradle Coach Academy → www.thecradlecoachacademy.com

In this episode, Marli reveals the true requirements for building a successful sleep consulting business. Spoiler alert: it’s not what you think!



While many women believe they need healthcare or childcare experience to succeed, Marli shares what actually determines success in this field. She breaks down the two critical elements that separate thriving sleep consultants from those who struggle, and explains why your background matters far less than these essential qualities.

In this comprehensive episode, Marli breaks down the five critical factors you need to evaluate before pursuing a career in sleep consulting. She shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to building a thriving sleep consulting business and explains what it really takes to succeed in this field. If you've been wondering whether sleep consulting could be your path to freedom and fulfillment, this episode will help you make that decision.



Next Steps



Our Support+ Mentorship Track Sleep Consultant Certification program is currently open for enrollment and we are accepting applications. Apply now to snag one of the 5 available spots!



https://thecradlecoachacademy.com/apply

In this episode, we sit down with Leslie, a Cradle Coach Academy graduate who successfully transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom for six years to building a thriving sleep consulting business. Leslie shares her unique journey, valuable sales insights from her corporate background, and how she built a successful local business without relying heavily on social media.



Leslie's Background & Journey




Former sales area manager for major breweries on the East Coast



Stay-at-home mom for 6 years before becoming a sleep consultant



Always passionate about supporting families and researching child development



Found Cradle Coach Academy and saw the perfect opportunity to combine business experience with helping families




Connect with Leslie on Instagram @bedtimeblueprints or on her website at https://www.bedtimeblueprints.com/



Chat with Marli or our graduate, Michelle, to talk about whether The Cradle Coach Academy is a good fit for you: https://calendly.com/d/cq5f-5rq-mx2/sleep-consultant-interest-strategy-call



Register for our free 90-Day Blueprint Training: https://thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series

In this episode, Marli discusses why traditional marketing approaches often fall flat for sleep consultants and why focusing on relationship-based marketing leads to more success and less stress. She shares practical strategies for building genuine connections with clients and other professionals in the parenting space to grow a sustainable sleep consulting business.



Listen to last week's episode on building the Know, Like and Trust Factor for Sleep Consultants: www.thecradlecoachacademy.com/podcast-1/49



Learn more about becoming a sleep consultant with a relationship-focused approach at thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series



Schedule a call directly with Marli or with The Cradle Coach Academy Sleep Consultant graduate, Michelle: https://calendly.com/d/cq5f-5rq-mx2/sleep-consultant-interest-strategy-call

In this episode, Marli explores why the "know, like, and trust factor" is amplified tenfold for professionals working with families during vulnerable postpartum and early childhood periods. She breaks down each component and provides practical strategies for building them into your business approach, whether you're already established or just starting out.



Learn more about becoming a sleep consultant with a relationship-focused approach at thecradlecoachacademy.com/video-series



Schedule a call with Marli or TCCA graduate, Michelle, to discuss if The Cradle Coach Academy is right for you: https://calendly.com/d/cq5f-5rq-mx2/sleep-consultant-interest-strategy-call

In this episode, we chat with Christina Carpenter, a Cradle Coach Academy graduate and founder of Everyone Is Sleeping. Christina shares her journey from corporate life to building a thriving sleep consulting business in just one year. As a mom of three (ages 6, 5, and 2.5), she discusses how she found the perfect balance between meaningful work and family flexibility through sleep consulting working just 10 hours a week.



Schedule a call to chat directly with Marli or The Cradle Coach Academy grad, Michelle here: https://calendly.com/d/cq5f-5rq-mx2/sleep-consultant-interest-strategy-call



Connect with Christina on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/everyone_is_sleeping/