I gave birth to my daughter, Elouise, in October 2022 and from day 1 sleep was not quite what I had expected. I had bought a lovely Snuzpod, fully expecting her to do all naps and overnight sleep in there. However, before we even left the hospital, we found ourselves co-sleeping and contact napping - I had never even heard of the terms ‘co-sleep’ or ‘contact nap’ before! I think the lovely Snuzpod I had purchased was only used twice before she outgrew it.

Sleep was tricky for the first few months as expected, however, for the other parents and babies around me, sleep seemed to be getting better whilst ours only got worse - the night waking was getting more and more frequent and I felt that the whole sleep situation was out of control. I started to blame myself - was it because we were co-sleeping? Was it because I was breastfeeding throughout the night?

By the time Elouise was 6 months old, I felt the pressure to sleep train and I realised once I did some research that this meant leaving your baby in a room to cry. I tried it for all of 10 seconds before I went in and comforted her! It felt so wrong to me and was the opposite of the way I had parented so far - why would I respond to all of her needs during the day and completely ignore them at night?

It was then that I was introduced to Rosie from The Gentle Sleep Mama. Rosie only used gentle, responsive, sleep strategies which aligned with my way of thinking. I contacted Rosie for sleep support and saw really positive changes in sleep but also felt that I was back in control of the situation, I had an understanding of normal infant sleep, and felt empowered regarding the parenting choices I made so far.

I became fascinated with the world of sleep and the fact that there is a gentle alternative to mainstream sleep training which works! This gentle alternative also takes into consideration each individual child’s and family’s needs, and considers other factors that may impact sleep - such as anxiety, allergies, and sensory needs.

I knew the accreditation that Rosie had completed was all evidence-based and I wanted to do my own deep dive into the evidence. I therefore completed the same accreditation and am now a certified Holistic Sleep Coach. I cannot wait to help other families who are in the same position as we once were - to improve sleep with NO crying it out!

Hi, I'm Emma

Level 6 OCN Holistic Sleep Coaching (degree level, evidence-based study)

Fully insured (Westminster Insurance)

DBS checked

Do you guarantee that my little one’s sleep will improve?

I can’t guarantee any particular outcome or result, within a particular timeframe. It will be important for you to work with me and be consistent in applying your bespoke sleep plan as this is when you will see the best results. We will always discuss a few different strategies as each child is unique and what works perfectly for one, may not work for another. One of the key benefits of the program I completed is that we have the ongoing support of the course’s Clinical Director, Dr. Lyndsey Hookway, as well as other graduates. I therefore believe that even in the most challenging of cases, we would be able to lean on this support and make some suggestions that lead to an improvement in sleep.
What qualifications do you have?

I completed the Holistic Sleep Coaching Program which is the most comprehensive, evidence-based sleep coaching program available internationally. I now hold the Level 6 OCN Holistic Sleep Coach accreditation (degree level study). I completed modules as part of the program that cover attachment; family-centred care; sleep biology; sleep pathologies; sleep hygiene; safe sleep; sleep strategies; child temperament; child development; child behaviour; breastfeeding; bottle feeding; feeding problems; nutrition; allergies; anxiety; sensory needs; and special needs.
Why the name ‘Oh Bear’ Sleep?

When I eventually get married, my new surname will be Aubert (pronounced Oh-Bear), so it seemed fitting! My daughter was also called our little Doughbear before she was born which was a combination of our surnames so it reminds me of this very special time and her nickname.
What do you mean by gentle and responsive methods?

We will never use ‘cry-it-out’ or modified versions of this such as ‘controlled crying’, or, ‘graduated extinction’. There may be some tears as your little one adapts to change and communicates how they feel about this, however, with the strategies/ methods recommended, you will be there to respond and comfort your little one every step of the way. I will provide you with with evidence-based, compassionate, developmentally and age appropriate, respectful information that fits with your parenting style and does not compromise attachment or responsive parenting. I will not ask you to do anything you do not feel comfortable with, and there will never be a requirement for you to stop breastfeeding or bed-sharing (when applicable) as long as this is in the best interests of you and your child.
What inspired you to become a sleep consultant?

I was inspired to become a sleep consultant after having a daughter that would not sleep! After working with a gentle sleep consultant myself, I really appreciated the support and was intrigued about the science behind the sleep strategies. Having been there myself trying to look after a baby on half an hour of (broken) sleep and once hallucinating that a midwife was passing me 36 babies to breastfeed (!), I feel as though I have the understanding and empathy to help other families who are currently struggling with sleep.
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Please see my Sleep Packages page or get in touch on emma@ohbearsleep.co.uk for more details.