Parents who are literally tired of sleepless nights due to their kids’ lack of shut eye have been offered a helping hand by an inspirational Fife mum.
Mother-of-two Nadia Edwards, from Cairneyhill, has started a sleep consultancy to help other mums and dads get the rest they need after her first client – her own son Reuben – kept the whole family awake at night.
It’s an issue almost every parent faces, but Nadia hopes her new Coorie Doon Baby venture will benefit parents across Fife and beyond who have so far been struggling for a good night’s kip.
“I started up this business after the birth of my second child Reuben,” she explained.
“He had cows milk protein allergy and reflux and from day one sleep was not easy for him no matter what I did – cuddling, baby hammock, feeding, rocking….he was in pain.
“After his allergy and reflux was under control he wasn’t in pain anymore but he would still wake up every hour in the night.
“In fact sleep seemed to be getting worse rather than better!
“My family wasn’t functioning like it should due to sleep deprivation, and I had no quality time with my older daughter Hannah either.
“I remember going to a kids party and Reuben was so badly behaved attacking the other kids at pass the parcel.
“I just couldn’t understand it.
“Well, I know a lot more now than I did then.
“His lack of sleep was badly affecting his behaviour and wee personality.”
Nadia made contact with world-renowned sleep expert Dana Obleman, who talked her through what changes she needed to make to ease the problems.
Her eyes well and truly opened in more ways than one, Nadia could see the benefits of supporting other parents in the same situation and decided to leave her old job behind to change careers.
“Me and my husband decided to take action but after reading a few books and online blogs I felt even more confused: I mean I was being told I was a bad mum for wanting to have sleep or for even thinking of ‘teaching’ my child sleep skills,” she continued.
“I was and am still so grateful I came in contact with Dana.
“She coached me through the changes I need to make to help Reuben develop healthy sleep habits.
“He was a changed boy – happy and content, sleeping 7pm until 6.30am with a morning and afternoon nap of one-and-a-half hours each at nine months.
“I decided to change my career focus after having happily worked for Shelter Scotland for eight year delivering legislative based training to housing professionals across Scotland, and I was privileged to be trained by the same person who helped me – Dana.”
More information about services provided at Coorie Doon Baby are available through the website www.cooriedoonbaby.com or via the Facebook page.