I will readily admit that I am a broken record. I continue to think, dream, and yes stratigize about sleep. Every child has their strengths and let’s just say ‘opportunities for improvement’. Since day 1 with little Rose, sleep is where she has LOTS of room to improve. And I pray to every god I’ve ever heard of that she does. Soon. Please. Have mercy on my soul…
Now that I’m back at work and spending my daytime hours thinking about conference calls, operational efficiencies, and every marketing buzzword you know and hate, I can’t help but to want to apply Business-Self to Mommy-Self. That’s right, just like I ended up planning our wedding in powerpoint and only somewhat jokingly referring to it as a ‘strat-plan’, I am using my day job to provide some hope or at least structure to my full-time job, Mommyhood.
So here it is.
A 3 Phased Sleep Strategy
Phase 1:
- Successfully transition Rose from her bassinet in our room to her own crib in her nursery.
- Phase out one of the night feedings by gradually extending the amount of time she eats at night by 30 minutes each night.
Phase 2:
- Break down the sleep association she has with breast feeding. Feed her when she is wide awake and put her to sleep by rocking her or holding her.
Phase 3:
- Help her learn how to put herself to sleep instead of relying on her parents. This will allow her to go back to sleep when she wakes up during the ‘brief awakenings’ throughout the night. Instead of fully waking up and needing us to help put her back to sleep.
I recently got ‘buy-in’ from my co-executive (husband) so we are pretty much ‘locked and loaded’. Execution of Phase 1 began right before her 5 month birthday and after almost a week, progress has been documented validating the path we’ve pursued. I’m hoping this 3-step approach will help us ‘achieve success’ by the end of her first ‘two quarters’ (i.e. 6 months). Progress updates will be provided to all interested parties.
And please make sure Rose gets the memo…
MumsySus, CEO
This Is Parenthood 
I loved that movie – hilarious.
Your plan sound reasonable and thought out. How are you going to incentivize your client?
Free room and board? 😉
How do you spell child services?
what is your bonus structure if you exceed original KPI’s?
More sleep would be a good bonus and if we reach a certain threshold, perhaps the opportunity to have a 1:1 with my spouse.
Perhaps a team of consultants (local of course) can provide additional strategies to consider!!
I wish a certain professional consultant from the FL area would arrive for an assessment and to provide some hands-on support.
Sounds wonderful, however currently my consulting services require my attendance in Pa, to east coast Fl. And onto N.C for an undisclosed amount of time. At which point I hope to move on to the Boston area! Will keep you updated on how all progresses. Love and best wishes and prayers to Rose and her exhausted parents.
Are you tolerant of any crying whatsoever? This blog was very fun to read. Good luck and go Rose!
I am such a wimp when it comes to her tears. Phase 3 will likely include a lot of them so I think I’ll be ready for that step when she is around 10 or 11. 😦
I am a visual person. Could you please put the 3 phase strategy into powerpoint? I know you do love it so. This is awesome, please keep us updated on the progress.
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