Sleep Chic Week: Interview with SleepShop Founder Melissa Brown

This amazing mommy of four is not only an expert when it comes to putting babies on a sleep schedule, she is also a very close friend of mine from high school. We have been fortunate to live next to each other, watch each other little’s grow, as well as watch each other grow as moms. It feels like just yesterday that she would tease me at our football games by calling me “Prom.” I guess you could always say I had an infinity for getting fancy. 🙂  I love this mom and you will too… especially if she helps your baby sleep through the night. In fact, if this happens you might downright worship her! xx

1. What inspired you to start SleepShop?

I loved helping friends and friends of friends put babies on a schedule because they were always so happy with the results. When my youngest was 3 and there were technically “no babies” in the house I was inspired to start working on a “new baby” and SleepShop just kind of took off! My background is in counseling and I loved being able to work with families and encourage new moms at such a sacred and special time in their lives.

2. Briefly describe SleepShop.

I am a family care counselor and sleep consultant. I help get families on a routine and schedule that works for everyone and alleviate some of the chaos that new babies bring. I help and encourage families to find a program that works with them and offer them guidance and support along the way. And I work with babies of all ages. Sleep just happens to be one of the best benefits of putting a baby on a schedule.

3. What are some tips for getting your baby to sleep through the night?

Consistency and routine. I help teach parents to teach their babies to fall asleep on their own and once they learn that their sleep improves drastically. I also believe full meals help get babies sleeping through the night pretty early on.

4. At what age can a baby get on a sleep routine?

Right away. With all four of my kids I had them on a schedule from day one. But all families are different. That worked for us but think each family needs to find what works for them and begin a routine when they are ready.

5. What is your favorite thing about your job?

Working with families and watching them build their confidence as parents. I think this is such a special and wonderful time of life for growing families and I feel honored that so many invite me into this time in their lives and I get to watch them all grow.

6. Seeing as you had twins a few months ago, are you getting much sleep?

Fortunately I am! If I wasn’t, I think I would need to find a new job.  🙂 Having four kids, 4 and under has been chaotic so I have had to run a tight ship around here. I know what I can handle and I know what I can’t so I have just set realistic expectations for myself and don’t take on too much. I am learning when I just have to say no.  🙂

7. What do you enjoy most about being a mom?

Watching these little babies grow into their own little people. I am amazed at how fiercely I can love them and how absolutely crazy they can drive me at the same time! Having suffered so many miscarriages in my motherhood journey I see every baby as a perfect, wonderful little gift and I feel overwhelmed that God has entrusted me to be their mom.

8. It is easy to feel a little down when you have a new baby (babies) what are your “pick-me-up” tips?

Take time for myself and date night! I don’t let myself feel guilty. I know there is no one on this earth who loves my kids more than I do. But I also know I need time away from them. I need me time, friend time, husband time, alone time, etc. I had many titles before I became a mom and I try hard to invest in those parts of me as well. I find things that make me happy and that I truly ENJOY doing. Like having a glass of wine. I always enjoy that.  🙂

with love,
Melissa

SleepShop
sleepshopoc@gmail.com
949.842.2529