Conquering Sleep Struggles Together

Parenthood is a joyful journey but often one filled with unexpected challenges—especially when it comes to sleep and postpartum care. For many new moms, the early days can feel overwhelming as we try to balance our needs with those of our little ones. With so much advice out there, it can be tough to know where to turn. That’s where Stephanie Cote, a registered nurse and Certified Mama Coach, steps in, offering evidence-based strategies to help parents navigate the early stages of parenthood with more ease and confidence.

Stephanie brings over 10 years of experience to her work, offering guidance on everything from sleep training to postpartum care. As a mother herself, she’s been there, making her insights even more relatable and impactful for new parents.

From Nurse to Mama Coach: Stephanie’s Journey

Stephanie’s path to becoming a Mama Coach was shaped by both her professional expertise and personal experience. “I’ve always had a natural inclination to care for people, but it wasn’t until I became a mother that I realized how much more I needed to know,” she explains. “Despite my background in obstetrics, I found myself struggling with breastfeeding and sleep issues with my daughter.”

Her own struggles led her to dive deep into research and seek support from sleep consultants, ultimately leading to better sleep for her family. “I wish someone would’ve told me to hire help earlier,” she admits. These experiences, combined with her nursing expertise, inspired her to start her own practice in 2023, helping other families find solutions faster and with less stress.

“My goal is to empower families with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions that work for them,” Stephanie shares. “I want parents to feel supported and confident in their parenting choices.”

Why Sleep Training Matters More Than You Think

One of the most common challenges for new parents is sleep—not just for their babies, but for themselves as well. Stephanie emphasizes that sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a biological necessity. “When you’re sleep-deprived, it affects your mental health and your ability to care for your baby,” she explains. “Sleep deprivation is a significant contributor to postpartum depression, and many parents don’t have the support they need during those tough nights.”

For Stephanie, sleep training is about improving the overall well-being of the whole family—not just getting babies to sleep through the night. “I work with families to understand what’s working and what isn’t, providing them with the education they need based on science and empathy,” she says.

One of her most memorable success stories is of a family with a 4-month-old who would only sleep in her mother’s arms. After a month of gentle sleep training, the baby was not only sleeping in her crib, but also taking three naps a day and waking up just once for a feed. The parents were thrilled, and the mother’s anxiety melted away.

Stephanie emphasizes that sleep training doesn’t have to be a rigid process full of tears. “The biggest misconception about sleep training is that it’s always about letting your baby cry,” she says. “My approach is gentle, and when followed correctly, there are minimal tears.”

Mental Health: The Backbone of Parenting

Stephanie’s personal experience has also shaped her understanding of how vital mental health is during the early days of parenthood. “Parenting doesn’t always look like we imagine it will,” she reflects. “It’s important to accept that things won’t always go as planned. Being adaptable and flexible is key to managing the highs and lows.”

Stephanie is particularly focused on ensuring new parents are feeling supported emotionally. “When I work with families, I always check in to see how they’re doing emotionally,” she says. “If I sense that a parent might be struggling with their mental health, I’ll encourage them to seek help from their healthcare provider. Postpartum depression can be really heavy, and it’s okay to ask for support.”

Her approach blends professional expertise with personal empathy, recognizing that emotional support is as crucial as physical care for both parents and babies.

Infants vs. Toddlers: Tailored Approaches to Sleep Training

When it comes to sleep training, the approach varies depending on the child’s age. “With infants, it’s all about addressing their foundational needs—like feeding. If there’s a feeding issue, it will impact their sleep,” Stephanie explains. “That’s why I always conduct a full feeding assessment for infants before beginning sleep training.”

For toddlers, the focus shifts to consistency and boundaries. “I work with parents to set clear expectations and boundaries around sleep. Teaching toddlers to communicate and understand sleep routines empowers both the parent and the child,” Stephanie says.

The Power of Support

Stephanie’s overarching message is simple yet powerful: you don’t have to do this alone. “Parenting is challenging, but it should also be joyful,” she says. “My job is to help families feel supported, educated, and empowered to make decisions that align with their values.”

Seeking support, whether through professional guidance, fellow parents, or family, can make a world of difference in navigating the early stages of parenthood. “It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to not have all the answers,” Stephanie advises. “No one is meant to parent in isolation.”

Want to Get Started?

If you’re looking for a bit of guidance as you navigate the world of sleep training or postpartum care, Stephanie offers a free Awake Time Guide to help parents better understand sleep patterns and manage their baby’s wake time effectively.