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Gentle Sleep Consultant

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*NEW* If you have coverage for Social Work, your Gentle Sleep Consulting fees may be covered under Social Work under the parent's or child's name (please check your coverage)! See below for more information.

Gentle Sleep Consultant Services in Ottawa

Sleep challenges are common in infancy and early childhood, and they can feel especially diffcult when you are already navigating parenthood. At Rooted Family, our Gentle Sleep Consultant offers compassionate, evidence-based sleep support that respects your child’s development and your family’s values.

We provide gentle sleep consulting services for families in Ottawa, including in-clinic, in-home, and virtual appointments. Our approach focuses on connection, responsiveness, and sustainable changes rather than sleep training methods that involve leaving a child to cry alone.

What Can a Gentle Sleep Consultant Help With?

Our Gentle Sleep Consultant supports families who are:

  • Wondering what is normal for their baby or toddler’s sleep
  • Experiencing frequent night wakings or short naps
  • Struggling with bedtime routines or settling
  • Navigating sleep during developmental changes
  • Looking for sleep support without cry-it-out approaches

Support is always personalized and grounded in your child’s age, temperament, and developmental stage.

What to Expect During Your Sleep Consultation

Appointments are available in clinic, in your home, or virtually. Before your first session, you will complete a Sleep and Wellness Assessment to help your consultant understand your child’s sleep patterns and your family’s routines.

During your consultation, you will receive:

  • Gentle, responsive sleep strategies tailored to your family
  • Clear explanations of what is developmentally typical
  • Practical tools you can implement at your own pace
  • A written summary of recommendations after your session
  • Optional handouts related to sleep, feeding, and self-care

Enhancing Your Experience With Reiki

Some families choose to combine gentle sleep consulting with Reiki to support relaxation and nervous system regulation. Julia, our Gentle Sleep Consultant and Reiki Master, offers this optional combination for families interested in an additional layer of support.

You can learn more on our Reiki page.

Gentle Sleep Consultant FAQs

How can I improve my baby’s sleep without using cry-it-out?

Gentle sleep support focuses on understanding your child’s cues, strengthening connection, and making small, sustainable changes. Rather than leaving a baby or toddler to cry alone, we use responsive strategies that support emotional safety and development.

Why is my baby waking so often at night, and is this normal?

Night wakings are very common, especially in the first year. Babies wake for many reasons including hunger, developmental changes, discomfort, or needing reassurance. Our Gentle Sleep Consultant can help you understand what is typical and when additional support may be helpful.

Will my baby sleep if they are hungry?

For infants, hunger is one of the most common reasons sleep is disrupted. Feeding patterns, growth spurts, and developmental needs all influence sleep. We look at sleep and feeding together to ensure your child’s needs are being met.

How much sleep does my baby or toddler need?

Sleep needs vary by age and individual child. Rather than focusing on strict numbers, our Gentle Sleep Consultant helps you understand realistic sleep ranges and what is developmentally appropriate for your child.

Do you support cry-it-out or extinction sleep training?

No. Our approach is based on gentle, responsive sleep support. We do not promote cry-it-out methods. All strategies are aligned with your family’s values and your child’s emotional well-being.

Can gentle sleep consulting be covered by insurance?

In some cases, yes. If your insurance plan includes Social Work coverage, Gentle Sleep Consulting fees may be eligible for reimbursement, as our Gentle Sleep Consultants work under the supervision of Registered Social Workers. The additional time required for supervisory review is incorporated into the fees. If you have Social Work coverage, your Gentle Sleep Consulting fees may be covered under either the parent's or child's name—please check your policy for details. To receive an insurance-eligible receipt, be sure to book sessions labeled With Insurance Receipt (click here). If you do not have Social Work coverage, Gentle Sleep Consulting is available at a lower rate.

Where do you offer in-home sleep consultations?

In-home sleep consultations are available in West, Central, and East Ottawa, including surrounding communities such as Russell, Embrun, and Limoges.

How do virtual sleep consultations work?

Virtual consultations are held via video call. You will complete the Sleep and Wellness Assessment in advance and discuss your concerns during your session, receiving the same personalized guidance and written summary as in-person appointments.

How long is a gentle sleep consultation?

Each consultation lasts approximately 50 mins. You will receive a written summary with actionable steps following your session.

Book your session here.

Meet Our

Gentle Sleep Consultant

Julia Nichol
JJulia Nichol is a Gentle Sleep Consultant, Reiki Master, and Miscarriage & Infant Loss Support Practitioner. She helps families ease sleep worries with gentle, values-aligned methods, offering support from prenatal education through childhood up to age 10. Julia also provides Reiki for stress relief and nervous system resets, fostering calm and balance. With compassionate care, she supports grieving families through miscarriage and infant loss. Based in Russell, Ontario, she lives in a blended family of six, loves the outdoors, and offers services in English and French.