Happy Little Dreamers Sleep Consulting

Mindful, family-centred sleep care for newborns to kids

Jessica Raymond, Happy Little Dreamers founder

FOUNDER & FSI CERTIFIED CHILD SLEEP CONSULTANT

I have always been interested in pregnancy, birth and babies. My earliest memories include watching my birth video. I am the third and youngest child in my family. I was my mom’s third and final cesarean section. My delivery was recorded for training purposes. I watched that video dozens of times, and found it fascinating.

My professional life took me in many different and varied directions. I have been a snowboard instructor, yoga teacher and magazine editor to name a few. It wasn’t until 2015 when I got turned on to the idea of helping families with sleep.

When I was pregnant with my second child, I felt a calling to do something different, something new. That calling led me to researching midwifery and doula work, but neither felt like the right fit for me and for my family. My sister was the one who steered my attention to child sleep consulting.

Since then I have helped hundreds of families prioritize and reclaim sleep. It is incredibly rewarding work. Families don’t have the support systems they used to when families lived close to one another. A lot of us are going it alone much of the time. People are working more too, leaving one parent home with the kids. Support is more important than ever.

I am a parent, like you. I have two beautiful daughters with my partner Mitch. I too have been up with babies at 2am, 3am and 4 am night after night with a crying baby, debating whether I should nurse her back to sleep or bring her into my bed — choosing to simply survive another night. I’ve been through difficult bedtimes, painfully short naps, purple crying, night terrors, demands for more water and hugs and potty breaks.

I also know what it’s like to have children who sleep great, take restorative naps and wake up on their own in the morning feeling their best. And having children who sleep well means my husband and I get a good night’s sleep too, and can be the best possible parents for our children.

I spend most of my time with Lily and Hannah, and with my husband Mitch. We enjoy being outside — hiking, going to the beach, relaxing in our backyard and lots of reading. For leisure, I mountain bike, crochet, read, bake, and teach and practise yoga.

SHOULDN’T SLEEP GET EASIER AS OUR LITTLES GROW?

Sleep is so important. It’s one of the most important components of living a healthy, happy life. And most of us aren’t getting enough — especially parents with littles. We expect our sleep to be disrupted when our babies are new and within the first year, but shouldn’t it get easier as they grow?

If sleep is a struggle in your family, I can help. I know sleep! I have worked with families here on Vancouver Island, across Canada and internationally, providing education, information, tools, support and so much more to help families help their children sleep better. And when our children sleep better, we sleep better, and everyone is healthier and happier.

My process begins by getting to know your family well. We talk about your goals and expectations, lifestyle, beliefs and values. I never dictate what you should do. Instead, I make recommendations based on the latest in sleep science and what I believe will work best for your child and family. Then, together, we decide on the best approach. And I support you every step of the way.

Mindfulness is at the heart of my approach, as is helping families establish strong narratives so they can use the process of sleep training to build trust. My approach is always family centred, with everyone’s wellness top of mind.

My goal is always to help families learn to trust themselves and leave them with confidence to move forward and make decisions that prioritize sleep on their own.

I believe children are whole people, and they need support and guidance to be healthy and happy individuals. One of the most important skills children need to thrive is the ability to put themselves to sleep independently. I recognize the importance of sleep, not just for babies and children, but for everyone.

I am knowledgeable in all the methods proven to help children learn to sleep. I provide you with a personalized sleep plan and two weeks of customized support. I answer all your questions and respond to all your concerns.

I rely on my training and experience, as well as the training and experience of an extensive support team, to provide you with the best support and best results.

I can help you. I can help you get set up for success so your entire family can reclaim their sleep, and so everyone in your family can start feeling better and living better.