Today’s episode brings you interesting insights into the connection between sleep and temperament. We dig into the science and psychology behind why it is harder for some babies to settle into sleep—and the connection to their overall temperament. Join us to learn more about this fascinating topic.

Macall Gordon is a researcher, speaker, and author specializing in the link between temperament and sleep, especially as it relates to sleep training advice. Her master’s degree in applied psychology is from Antioch University, and her B.S. degree in human biology is from Stanford. She is a certified Gentle Sleep Coach and has worked with thousands of parents of alert, sensitive, intense children. Issues with her own two children and feeling that she hadn’t slept for 18 years have influenced her focus on this work. Her book is Why Won't You Sleep?! A Game-Changing Approach for Exhausted Parents of Nonstop, Super Alert, Big Feeling Kids.

Show Highlights:

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  Temperament: When does this form in a baby?

  
  


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  Managing expectations without blaming yourself

  
  


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  Why some babies don’t sleep well

  
  


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  Myths about training newborns

  
  


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  Regulation in relationships just makes sense.

  
  


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  Self-soothing: Are babies capable of soothing themselves? At what age?

  
  


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  Understanding “differential susceptibility”: Mellow babies vs. sensitive babies

  
  


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  Parent blame and unnecessary stress because of sleep issues

  
  


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  Temperament mismatch between parents and children

  
  


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  Macall’s advice to parents who are struggling right now: Start moving/shifting, and realize that kids usually need more sleep than they indicate. 

  
  

Resources:

Connect with Macall Gordon: Website, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Why Won't You Sleep?! book

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.  

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

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