New sleep and settling program available for parents

New mum Sarah Brocklehurst says Wodonga Council’s new Sleep and Settling Program is helpful as she navigates motherhood.

With daughter Raina, six months, not sleeping during the day, Sarah discovered the Sleep and Settling Program. She has teamed up with specialist Maternal Child Health Nurse Natalie Williams as they work together to get Raina to sleep.

Sarah said, although they haven’t been successful yet in getting her to sleep in her cot, the support and advice has been valuable.

“I didn’t have much of an idea and I was struggling to get her to sleep,” Sarah explains.

“Natalie has been supportive. She touches base once a week to see how we are doing. I really want to get her into a good routine as I have to go back to work shortly.

“Not long ago she was in a routine – sleep, feed, play and sleep – but she hit that four-month regression and it kind of all changed. She’s so alert but she shows the tired signs but it’s still hard to get her to sleep during the day.”

Natalie has visited Raina and Sarah twice for in-home visits to see how she is settling and offer advice and techniques.

“I’ve managed to get her back into two day sleeps. She falls asleep on me but at least she is having the naps,” Sarah said.

“I think this program is a good stepping stone and it helps to assist with settling. I wish I had known about it sooner.”

Natalie, who has worked with many parents, said that it's important to remember that all children are different and hit different milestones at different times.

Natalie will be offering a face-to-face information session on Saturday, February 13 at Felltimber Children’s Centre for parents whose children need help with sleep and settling.

The sleep and settling program is a statewide program funded by the Victorian Government. It came about from the "More help for new Victorian mums and dads initiative.

To book in, please contact your Maternal and Child Health nurse.