“We’re not going to start any new habits, because it could turn a small bump in the road into a huge sleep problem.”

I heard this quote in a Reel from a very popular baby sleep consultant, the kind whose programs are even being offered by employers and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.

This week on The Midnight Scroll, I’m talking about separation anxiety, “bad habits” and the fear-based messaging that pops up everywhere in the baby sleep world.

The consultant featured in this video uses the term “gentle sleep training” but just to be clear, that’s her marketing language, not mine. Personally, I don’t find these methods gentle at all, and they don’t align with what I believe babies or parents truly need.

The video that sparked this conversation came from a post by Reclamation Postpartum you can check it out here:

It brought the issue back into focus for me, and I knew I had to talk about it.

Because here’s the thing…

Sometimes, your baby just needs you.And starting something new like rocking them again, feeding them on the couch instead of the bed, cuddling a little longer, isn’t you making a mistake.

It’s you responding.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

* Why these “don’t start any new habits” messages can feel so heavy when you’re already in the thick of it

* A personal story about how my 1-year-old’s bedtime needs changed (and what we did instead)

* Why I believe in responsive care, especially during big developmental shifts

* And how “habits” aren’t always the problem, we just need to reframe what we think they mean

Babies grow. Their needs change. And your rhythms will shift too. That’s not a failure. That’s parenting.

Episode 3 is up now listen on Substack, Spotify, or Apple.

Let me know what’s worked for you during these kinds of changes, I’d love to hear.

With love + support,

Jess

Feeding to Sleep

Note: This podcast is not medical advice.