Presentation Information

Supporting Families With Sleep While Optimising Attachment and Responsive Feeding

• Speaker: Lyndsey Hookway , BSc, RNC, SCPHN, IBCLC
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 ACM CPD, 1 ACNM CEU, 0.1 Midwifery CEU

Abstract:

Many parents feel confused about how to approach sleep with their infants. There is a lack of consistent, evidence-based information about infant sleep, and in the context of ever-increasing contextual pressures, this can lead many parents to ask for help with sleep. However, sleep information that is respectful to mental health, attachment and breastfeeding can be hard to find, particularly when national guidelines seem to advocate approaches that promote a non-response. Perinatal professionals are uniquely placed in positions of trust with families, and possess advanced skills in listening, counselling and providing information. They are therefore well-placed to provide information to families about sleep proactively, which may reduce parental stress and frustration, and lead to fewer families becoming desperate and turning to solutions that include cessation of breastfeeding, separating parents and infants, and leaving infants to cry.