Gentle Sleep Training
The Gentle Sleep Coach® Program is the first and most extensive professional sleep coach training and certification program available.
The program includes over 80 hours of comprehensive training led by a distinguished faculty panel that includes:
Two medical doctors
A psychologist
An attorney
A lactation counselor
Postpartum doulas
A family therapist
Each coach must pass a certification exam and complete case mentorship with Kim West, LCSW-C (also known as “The Sleep Lady”), who has been helping tired parents for over 20 years.
Ongoing clinical mentorship and advanced training are required to maintain certification as a Gentle Sleep Coach®.
Core Training Topics
Basic counseling and child development
Sleep science and behavioral modification techniques for children ages 0–6
Secure attachment theory
Support for breastfeeding mothers
Advanced Specialist Lectures Included:
Training also includes lectures from leading experts in related medical and mental health fields:
Postpartum Depression – Dr. Shoshana Bennett, author and leading specialist in postpartum depression
Medical Conditions and Pediatric Sleep Apnea – Dr. Lewis Kass, Director of Children’s Sleep Center
GERD and Sleep – Dr. Anthony Loizides, Pediatric Gastroenterologist
0–5 Month Specialty Training Summary
(To be used only if 0–5 Month Certified)
The 0–5 Month Specialty Certification builds upon the core Gentle Sleep Coach® Program and focuses specifically on supporting families with newborns and young infants.
This additional training includes in-depth education on:
This additional training includes in-depth education on:
How feeding, attachment, soothing, and temperament influence infant sleep
Key developmental milestones from birth through five months and how to support healthy sleep at each stage
Safe co-sleeping guidelines
How to assess when a baby is developmentally ready for sleep coaching using current research and evidence-based strategies
This specialty certification provides Gentle Sleep Coaches with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to work safely and effectively with families of newborns through five months of age in a healthy, developmentally appropriate manner.