Sleep Shaping Support
Gentle, responsive, and completely baby-friendly. Sleep shaping is all about helping your newborn ease into great habits - without tears, stress, or sacrificing your milk supply.
Sleep Shaping FAQ
Let’s be clear: sleep shaping is not sleep training. It’s a gentle, responsive approach designed for those early weeks when you’re just starting to figure each other out. Think of it as laying a cozy foundation for great sleep habits — without the drama, the tears, or messing with milk supply.
Sleep shaping helps your baby ease into a consistent rhythm and gives you the confidence to know you’re doing things in a way that supports long-term rest for everyone (yes, even you). Plus? It makes any future sleep training so much easier — if you even need it at all.
So, how does it work?
Sleep shaping happens during your regular overnight care — with a twist. In addition to your postpartum doula, our Sleep Coach is in the loop, guiding your team to stay consistent with gentle sleep cues, smart wake windows, and a rhythm that supports your baby’s natural sleep needs.
We’re not following rigid rules here — we’re supporting your baby’s unique patterns, gently nudging them toward great sleep while protecting your milk supply and your peace of mind.
When can we start?
Once your baby has regained their birth weight (usually around 2–3 weeks), they’re ready for slightly longer stretches of sleep — and you’re ready for a little structure. That’s when sleep shaping can begin.
How long does it take?
Because we’re starting early and moving gently, the process unfolds over the course of several months — think of it as a slow, steady glide into great sleep. Our goal? To help you build a predictable routine, avoid the sneaky sleep traps (hello, contact naps that turn into all-night habits), and make rest a regular part of your new normal.
Will I still need to sleep train if I do sleep shaping?
Maybe — but maybe not.
Sleep shaping gives you a major head start. By gently supporting healthy habits early on, we often see babies settle into longer stretches and predictable routines without needing formal sleep training later. If you do choose to sleep train down the road, you’ll be way ahead of the game — and it’ll likely be a much smoother process.
Can I combine Overnight Postpartum Support with Sleep Shaping?
Absolutely! That’s our secret sauce.
With this hybrid approach, you get the best of both worlds: restorative overnight care and intentional sleep support. Our Sleep Coach will check in with you weekly to stay in tune with your baby’s patterns and guide your team. Meanwhile, your overnight doulas will help you get that glorious sleep and keep your baby’s routine on track — no guesswork, no stress.
Darla, Newborn Care Specialist & Sleep Consultant (aka “The Baby Whisperer”) puts a sleeping baby in a Moses basket.
How much support do most families choose?
Every baby (and every parent) is different — but these are some of our most popular combinations of Overnight Postpartum Support ($45/hr) and Sleep Shaping ($55/hr), based on our 10-hour nightly minimum.
Take a look at the options below to get a sense of what might fit your family best — and remember, we’re happy to customize a plan just for you.
💤 The Gentle Glide
4 nights/week for 2 weeks — Postpartum Support
4 nights/week for 4 weeks — Sleep Shaping
The perfect balance of rest and rhythm. Start with recovery-focused care, then transition into gentle sleep support once your baby is ready. This is our most popular option for families wanting full support through the newborn phase and into a sustainable routine.
🌟 The Long Game
2 nights/week for 2 weeks — Postpartum Support
2 nights/week for 6 weeks — Sleep Shaping
Slower and steadier, but just as impactful. This lower-frequency option still includes the same high-touch care and coaching, just paced out for families who want consistency without the full-time overnight schedule.
✨ The Full Circle
3 nights/week for 10 weeks
2 weeks of Postpartum Support
8 weeks of Sleep Shaping
For the family that wants it all — and wants it done right. This extended plan supports you from early recovery through the first major sleep milestones, with a consistent team helping you avoid sleep pitfalls, follow age-appropriate rhythms, and create a peaceful nighttime routine that lasts.