I ummed and ahhed about writing this post, but today I decided to just sit down and write it.
Lately, my social media feed (and yes, I appreciate that’s probably because the algorithm knows I’m interested in sleep!) has been full of news articles and interviews discussing unsafe sleep advice and support from, frankly, some very questionable sleep coaches and consultants.
I think the reason I hesitated to write this is because, whilst qualifications are important, they don’t always tell the full story. What matters most is that parents feel able to seek sleep support without judgement, and that the professional they choose is open and honest about their experience, qualifications and approach. Ultimately, families need to feel confident that the person they’re working with shares their values and parenting philosophy.
So, I thought I’d put my own background out there.
Before I do, though, I want to touch on that first point.
Whilst the conversations around regulation within the sleep industry are incredibly important, I do worry that some of the media coverage may leave parents feeling nervous about reaching out for support. That they should simply struggle on, or that making gentle changes to sleep is somehow harmful or damaging.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
It is absolutely possible to shape and support healthy sleep whilst protecting a child’s wellbeing, development, attachment and emotional needs. It can also be done without cry-it-out approaches and in a way that is responsive, respectful and aligned with your parenting style.
I say that with confidence because it’s something I help families achieve every single day.
So if you’re considering getting support with sleep, do your research, ask questions, and trust your instincts.
Now, let’s talk about my background, because it plays a huge role in how I practise as a sleep consultant.
I qualified as a paediatric nurse (BSc (Hons) RNC) in 2004. Throughout most of my nursing career, I’ve worked both on paediatric wards in hospital settings and within school immunisation services in the community. In fact, both of these are roles I still undertake today.
In 2009, I completed Master’s-level training to become a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Health Visitor). Whilst I don’t currently practise as a health visitor, and this part of my professional registration is inactive, the knowledge and experience gained during that training continue to influence my understanding of child development and family health.
Alongside my professional roles, I’ve also volunteered both within hospitals and in the community, including supporting breastfeeding mothers.
I qualified as a Certified Sleep Consultant in early 2025, but for me, gaining that qualification certainly didn’t mean the learning stopped.
As a paediatric nurse, I’m registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and must revalidate every three years. This means demonstrating ongoing learning, reflective practice and adherence to high professional standards.
It’s what I’ve always done as a nurse, and it’s the same standard I bring to my sleep consultancy work.
I do think it’s important to make a distinction between my nursing role and my role as a sleep consultant. Whilst my nursing background undoubtedly informs my practice and shapes the practitioner I am, when I’m working as a sleep consultant I’m not diagnosing or treating medical conditions in the same way I would as a nurse.
I draw upon my clinical knowledge, but I also recognise the limits of my role and refer families to other healthcare professionals whenever appropriate. As a sleep consultant, I don’t have access to a child’s medical records, nor have I usually assessed them in person.
However, I firmly believe my nursing background helps me to be a thorough, reflective and safe practitioner. Whilst sleep consultants are not currently regulated in the same way healthcare professionals are, I bring the same professional standards, accountability and commitment to evidence-based practice into every family I support.
One of those standards is continuing professional development.
As a nurse, learning never stops, and I apply that same mindset to sleep. I’m currently studying towards a degree-level qualification in holistic sleep, and I’m absolutely loving it.
It’s challenging, fascinating and constantly expanding my understanding of sleep science, child development and family wellbeing. Most importantly, it helps ensure that the support I provide remains up-to-date, evidence-led and centred around the needs of the children and families I work with.
It’s certainly a juggle alongside nursing, family life and supporting clients, but I’m incredibly passionate about sleep. For me, ongoing learning feels exciting because it allows me to continually improve the support I offer and ensure families receive advice that reflects the latest research and best practice.
So there you have it – a whistle-stop tour of my qualifications and professional background.
As I said at the beginning, qualifications alone don’t make someone an expert. Experience, integrity, compassion and a commitment to continual learning matter too.
But for me, being both a paediatric nurse and a trained health visitor provides a depth and breadth of child health knowledge that underpins everything I do. More importantly, it represents a professional standard that places safety, evidence-based practice and the needs of children and families at the heart of every decision.
And that will always be my priority.
