The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Early on, I struggled with speaking my truth wholeheartedly and unapologetically in case I offended someone. Then I realised that if people feel offended by what I am sharing, that is not about me. I give information, and I do my best to do it empathetically and ensure it is factual, but there will always be people who it doesn’t resonate with or it may even upset or anger them. I still struggle with worrying about people’s opinions occasionally, but I’ve come a long way! I know I am not necessarily for everyone, and that’s okay, but parents deserve alternatives and that is what I am providing to those who are looking and ready for it.
Early on, I struggled with speaking my truth wholeheartedly and unapologetically in case I offended someone. Then I realised that if people feel offended by what I am sharing, that is not about me.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The biggest pro is my sense of pride in what I have created from the ground up. And, of course, the ability to do things on my timeline and not answer to anyone.
The biggest con is probably the admin! You don’t realise how much goes on behind the scenes of a small business until you’re up to your neck in it.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I would love to focus more on the community aspect and build local community groups both online and in-person. I would also like to expand my digital products to include more workshops and courses on a broader range of topics. Also, more advocacy work. Research doesn’t support mainstream, separation-based approaches to infant sleep. Responsiveness is essential for healthy emotional development and sleep is developmental, not something taught in infancy by leaving a baby to cry alone. Yet, this is still the common advice given. We need reform on a major level to change policy and the way parents are educated about approaching sleep, so everyone’s sleep and mental health are supported – it shouldn’t be one at the expense of the other.
To find out more, head to the Infant Sleep Scientist website and join their supportive community on Instagram.
