How 8-Month-Old Fearne Found Restful Nights – And Her Mum Rediscovered Herself
When Annalie first contacted me, she was running on empty. Her 8-month-old daughter, Fearne, had gone from being a great sleeper in her early months to waking every 2–3 hours at night. Co-sleeping and exclusively breastfeeding, Annalie felt trapped in a cycle that left her utterly exhausted.
She admitted to me when we first spoke that she was going to bed at 6.30pm, the same time as both her kids as it was the only way that she was guaranteed to get any sleep.
Annalie had loved co-sleeping with Fearne and it had really been working for them, until it wasn’t.
The Challenge: Sleepless Nights and Overwhelming Exhaustion
Fearne’s sleep had started to unravel after the 4-month sleep regression, and things only got harder as time went on. Despite Annalie’s efforts to help Fearne settle, nights became a blur of frequent wake-ups, false starts after bedtime, and feeding back to sleep multiple times.
With a 5-year-old son to care for during the day and a husband who worked away from home, Annalie felt stretched to her limit. She was deeply committed to staying in tune with Fearne’s needs and wanted to approach any changes to sleep gently, without compromising her connection with her daughter.
“I felt so trapped and didn’t know how to start the process of getting her into her own cot, in her own room, and reducing night feeds,” Annalie shared. “I was honestly on my knees.”
The Turning Point: A Gentle and Personalised Plan
Annalie decided it was time for help. During our consultation, she expressed her desire for a gentle, responsive approach that prioritised Fearne’s emotional well-being. I created a tailored sleep plan that addressed:
Transitioning Fearne into her own cot and room gradually.
Reducing night feeds in a supportive and gentle way to ensure that any wakes in the future we knew were truly for hunger.
Establishing a consistent daytime routine with appropriate wake windows to improve overall sleep quality.
For three weeks, Annalie had my full support, including daily check-ins through messages and voice notes. We worked together to make small, manageable changes, step by step.
“Harriet was so encouraging and lovely throughout the process,” Annalie said. “She was like my little cheerleader from day one. I loved being able to debrief each morning and get her advice on what wake windows Fearne should have during the day.”
The Results: Restored Sleep in Just Three Weeks
Within a week, Annalie started seeing progress, and by the end of three weeks, Fearne’s sleep had transformed:
Fearne was sleeping in her own room and cot.
She could self-settle at bedtime.
Night wake-ups reduced to just once a night.
Daytime naps became more consistent, following a predictable routine.
“This wasn’t an instant fix, but gradual changes made all the difference,” Annalie reflected. “I never felt like I wasn’t responding to Fearne when she needed me. Staying consistent with the plan brought results I never thought possible.”
Life After Sleep Coaching: Peace and Happiness Restored
Now that Fearne is sleeping soundly, Annalie’s household has found balance and happiness again.
“The whole family is getting so much more sleep, and we’re so much happier as a result,” Annalie shared. “Harriet made the experience so positive, with minimal tears for both Fearne and me. I couldn’t have done this without her.”
Why Sleep Coaching Works
Fearne’s story is proof that a gentle, tailored approach can bring about life-changing results. Every family is unique, and my goal is to create a plan that fits your parenting style while helping your baby develop healthy sleep habits.
If you’re struggling with sleepless nights, know that change is possible. Let’s talk, if you want to work together to create your own sleep success story.
