Kicking Off Our Maternal Wellbeing Month: Talking Sleep with Nanny Louenna
At Lune & Wild, we know that when mums are well supported and cared for, they can show up as the best version of themselves—and that benefits the whole family. That’s why this March, in the lead-up to Mother’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on maternal wellbeing.
Throughout the month, we’ll be covering key topics like sleep, movement, confidence, and returning to work, with expert-led Instagram Lives and blog posts full of practical advice and support.
To kick off, we sat down with Nanny Louenna, a highly experienced maternity nurse and childcare expert, to talk about one of the biggest challenges new parents face: sleep.
You can watch the full conversation here or read on for key insights from our chat.
The Biggest Shock of New Parenthood: Sleep Deprivation
For many parents, one of the hardest adjustments to life with a newborn is coping with broken sleep. As Louenna shared, babies are naturally born nocturnal, meaning they often sleep more during the day and wake frequently at night. Helping them adjust to a more structured sleep pattern early on can make a big difference.
Louenna reassured us that sleep regression and setbacks are normal—progress isn’t always linear. Some nights will be better than others, and that’s completely okay.
How Sleep Affects Maternal Wellbeing
We all know how much lack of sleep impacts mood, energy, and decision-making. When we’re well-rested, everything feels easier. But when we’re running on empty, even the smallest things can feel overwhelming.
Louenna emphasised that helping babies sleep better isn’t just for their benefit—it’s for parents too. Sleep deprivation can affect relationships, increase stress, and make parenting feel even harder than it already is. That’s why prioritising sleep support isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Louenna’s Tips for Better Baby Sleep
Louenna shared some key sleep strategies to help little ones settle more easily and sleep for longer stretches.
• Start a Simple Routine Early – Many parents wait until their baby is several months old before introducing a sleep routine, but Louenna suggests starting from birth. Regular feeds, awake periods, and naps help set a natural rhythm.
• Don’t Let Babies Sleep Too Long in the Day – The phrase “never wake a sleeping baby” isn’t always true. If babies sleep for long stretches during the day, they’ll often be wide awake at night. Waking them for feeds during the day helps encourage longer sleep at night.
• A Predictable Bedtime Routine – Bath time, baby massage, a final feed, and a calm, consistent bedtime environment all help babies wind down and associate bedtime with sleep.
• Put Babies Down Awake – Teaching babies to self-settle from an early age means they won’t rely on being rocked or fed to sleep. This helps them connect sleep cycles and sleep longer stretches.
• Fresh Air Helps Sleep – Getting outside for a nap in the pram can be beneficial for both babies and parents, helping regulate their body clock and making bedtime easier.
Is Sleep Training Right for You?
Sleep training is a personal decision, and there are many gentle ways to approach it. Louenna reassured parents that it doesn’t have to be traumatic and that simple, consistent changes can lead to better sleep in as little as 48 hours.
She also reminded us that crying is a baby’s only form of communication—sometimes, they’re not in distress but simply expressing themselves. If parents choose to sleep train, consistency is key.
The Link Between Food & Sleep
A well-fed baby is a well-rested baby. Hunger is one of the most common reasons babies wake up during the night. That’s why ensuring they get enough milk or food during the day is crucial.
For older babies and toddlers, carbohydrates before bed can be helpful—meals like shepherd’s pie, fish pie, and sweet potato-based dishes provide slow-releasing energy that keeps little ones satisfied overnight.
Practical Tips for Sleep-Deprived Parents
If you’re in the thick of sleep deprivation, Louenna shared some small, practical ways to help you feel better:
• Have a Shower Every Day – It might sound simple, but feeling refreshed can make a huge difference.
• Watch a Box Set During Night Feeds – It helps keep you awake and stops you watching the clock.
• Eat Early with Your Older Children – Having dinner together at 5:30pm means less stress later in the evening.
• Stock Up on Freezer Meals – On days when you don’t have the energy to cook, having quick, nourishing meals ready to go can be a lifesaver.
Want More Support?
Louenna’s app, The Louenna App, is full of expert advice from newborn care to toddler sleep strategies. She also offers one-to-one sleep consultations, and in celebration of National Sleep Week, she’s offering 50% off the booking fee this week.
If you’re struggling with sleep, remember: this is just a phase. It won’t last forever, and with small changes, things can improve.
We’d love to hear your experiences—what’s been the biggest sleep challenge for you? Let us know in the comments on the Live.