Episode 181: Sleep, cultural contexts, and Aware Parenting

This little mini episode continues on from the last episode on cultural beliefs in relation to sleep. I talk about how looking at sleep practices all around the world helps us understand biological needs and cultural practices. Babies and children vitally need sleep, so it's adaptive for there to be many ways to support them to be able to go to sleep in whatever climate and culture, but these different ways have consequences in other areas. There are three reasons I find it helpful to look at the wider cultural context with sleep: To see how sleep practices are related to climate, culture, etc. To get free from shame and guilt about what others might think if you choose your own way. To see clearly what you might hvae been told is from a cultural belief rather than what's most helpful for babies and children. I also talk about the three main ways for sleep to happen: With closeness - eg movement, feeding, etc. -> frequent night waking. Without closeness - eg. swaddling, stillness, etc -> baby wakes up but doesn't call out. Aware Parenting: Closeness and natural relaxation through release -> more relaxation and more restful sleep and longer sleep. If you'd like my free PDF to learn more about sleep, secure attachment, emotional release and Aware Parenting, you can sign up for it here: https://marion-rose.myflodesk.com/ssgsvngo66 You can find out more about my work at www.marionrose.net You can also find me here: https://www.instagram.com/theawareparentingpodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/_marion_rose_/ https://www.instagram.com/awareparenting/ www.facebook.com/MarionRosePhD