Adoption & Foster Family Sleep Support
Bringing a child into your home through adoption or foster care is a beautiful and life-changing experience, but it also comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to sleep. Bonding, trauma, transitions, and medical or developmental needs can make sleep harder for both your child and your family.
This is personal for me. I’m not just a sleep consultant; I’m also a mom through marriage and adoption. Each of my children came to me in a different way, and every story has shaped how I approach supporting families today.
Our Family’s Journey
When I married my husband, I became a bonus mom to my stepdaughter. She was just three years old at the time, and I learned what it meant to love a child who wasn’t “mine” by birth, while also respecting her deep bond with her dad.
We experienced a failed adoption when we brought home a baby girl at birth. We loved her for a month before she returned to live with her biological father. It was heartbreaking, but also healing to know she is thriving, and we’re grateful to still have contact with both of them.
Just two weeks later, our son was born. He had been exposed to drugs before birth, but thankfully showed no immediate effects. He was an amazing baby, and we worked through newborn sleep shaping and eventually sleep training at 12 weeks. As he grew, we experienced all the toddler bedtime battles many parents know well.
Later, we welcomed two biological siblings, our two-year-old son and six-month-old daughter…at the same time. This season was chaotic and stretching.
Our two-year-old came with significant trauma. He had separation anxiety, struggled with sleep, and didn’t understand English at first. Bonding while trying to help him feel safe enough to sleep was one of the hardest and most important things we’ve done as parents.
Our six-month-old daughter had not truly bonded with anyone yet. She avoided eye contact and had learned to self-soothe on her own far too early. Helping her attach and feel secure was as important as helping her rest.
Later in life we also fostered a teenager for five years just to keep things exciting. :)
Why This Matters for You
Because of our journey, I know firsthand how complex sleep can be when adoption or foster care is part of your story. Sleep isn’t just about schedules, it’s about safety, connection, trust, and healing. I understand the layers of trauma, bonding, and attachment that often come into play, and I bring that compassion and experience into the way I support families.
If you’re an adoptive or foster parent feeling overwhelmed by sleep struggles, you’re not alone. I’ve been where you are, and I would be honored to walk alongside you as you help your child find rest and security.