Hi! I’m Linda Szmulewitz . I am the owner of Sleep Tight Consultants . I am a licensed clinical social worker, a Certified Gentle Sleep Coach through Kim West, LCSW-C, aka The Sleep Lady ®, a DONA trained postpartum doula and the mother of two children. In January of 2011, I founded The Chicago New Moms Group, an educational and supportive program for first time moms of babies 0-6 months old. The group focuses intensely on the transition to motherhood as it relates to changes in relationships and personal and professional identity as well as topics around navigating the challenges of finding childcare and understanding your child’s development. Sleep is, of course, a widely discussed concern in the group as most new moms are looking for answers to their many child sleep questions. I am also a strong supporter of the relationship between a breastfeeding mom and her baby, especially as it pertains to the way that feeding plays a role in sleeping for children. I was one of the founding members of the Board of Directors of Breastfeed Chicago.
When my first child was born, now more than 15 years ago, I quickly learned that babies are not born inherently knowing how to be great sleepers. It is a learned skill, and it is a skill that your children will be using for their entire lives. After starting to work as a sleep consultant with some of the tired families from working The Chicago New Moms Group, I soon realized that to continue to be truly excellent at helping parents learn these valuable tools, I needed further training and support. I trained as a Certified Gentle Sleep Coach with Kim West, aka The Sleep Lady in February 2012. I have since completed train and certification in Infant Mental Health, the Wonder Weeks Academy for Professionals and Postpartum Support International and 2020 Mom Professional Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training. I work with families from as close by my home in Chicago and as far away as Australia, Chile, the UK and where ever else the Internet allows me to reach.
My philosophy in helping families stems from the social work philosophy of “starting where the client is.” My goal are the family’s goals, whatever those goals may be. It could be sleeping a 4 hour stretch at night, moving from cosleeping to independent sleeping, eliminating night feedings, resolving early rising, improving naps or sleeping all the way through the night independently. My goal is to help improve the functioning of the family through improved sleep. I believe that by empowering parents with the tools necessary to help their children become excellent sleepers, it will help them parent more consciously and happily. The skill of improved sleep is a priceless gift you can give to your child and your entire family.