Episode Details

What does a holistic sleep strategy really look like for babies — and why is supporting the whole family just as important?

In this episode of HCA Talks Health, host Zena Le Roux speaks with Imogen Russell, certified sleep consultant and founder of The Little Sleep Company. With her background as a professional nanny, mental health advocate, and paediatric sleep specialist (currently studying the Level 6 Holistic Sleep Coaching course — the highest accreditation in the field), Imogen shares practical, compassionate insights for parents navigating sleep challenges.

You’ll learn how holistic sleep coaching goes beyond “quick fixes” like sleep training, and instead looks at the bigger picture — from nutrition and allergies, to attachment, separation anxiety, and parental wellbeing.

🎧 In this conversation you’ll discover:

Why babies’ sleep challenges are often linked to wider health and emotional factors

The impact of sleep deprivation on parents’ mental health, relationships, and careers

Gentle, responsive strategies to create emotional safety at bedtime

Alternatives to “cry it out” and how to foster healthy, connected sleep routines

Practical starting points for families feeling stuck and exhausted

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:40 Why Imogen chose a holistic sleep strategy approach
5:20 How poor sleep impacts family wellbeing
9:55 Common reasons behind children’s sleep challenges
15:10 Personality types and their effect on sleep
21:00 Sleep cues and understanding “biologically best sleep”
27:20 Newborn sleep patterns and the “fourth trimester”
31:00 Thoughts on sleep training and cry-it-out
36:15 Gentle alternatives like the Ribbon Technique
46:30 Where parents can start with holistic sleep support
52:00 Words of encouragement for new parents

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