Meet
Amanda Bender
Senior Consultant
Hey there! I’m Amanda: sleep enthusiast, lover of the outdoors, and big psychology nerd. Based in Austin, Texas, I offer in-home sleep support for local families and virtual support for those around the globe. After years of working with hundreds of families with children from newborns to 13 years old, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of better sleep, particularly during the early childhood and parenting years.
My background in psychology, education management, and coaching shapes my holistic approach to the sleep support I offer families. I help you understand the sleep science, and you help me understand your family’s sleep goals and values. With a personalized plan in place, we then work hand-in-hand to get you and your little one(s) sleeping better as soon as possible.
As they say, it takes a village. I'd love to be a part of yours!
Amanda
'
s
Sleep Story
Business Journey
Brittney and I go way back to our college freshman dorm days at the University of Colorado where we were randomly assigned to be roommates. As luck would have it, we bonded over our love for peace and quiet and our dislike for rowdy dorm halls. Fast forward many years later and I couldn't be more grateful to be a part of the Sleeper Teachers team.
If there was one thing I wish all parents knew, it is that it is possible to teach healthy sleep habits at any age. Through teaching the skill of sleep, I’m able to support exhausted parents go from barely surviving, to rested and thriving.
But the story wasn't over yet...
IN PERSON CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE IN THESE CITIES
Is sleep training good for babies?
Sleep training can be a beneficial process for many babies and their families, helping to establish healthy sleep patterns and promote better rest for both the baby and the parents. Sleep training involves teaching babies to self-soothe and fall asleep independently, which can reduce nighttime wake-ups and the need for parental intervention. For parents who are sleep-deprived, establishing a consistent bedtime routine can lead to improved well-being for the whole family.
One of the main benefits of sleep training is that it encourages babies to develop healthy sleep habits early in life. This can lead to better emotional and physical development, as sleep is essential for brain growth and overall health. Babies who learn to sleep through the night may experience improved moods, better focus during waking hours, and even stronger immune systems.
There are various methods of sleep training and parents should choose one that aligns with their values and their baby's needs. While some critics believe sleep training can be stressful for babies, most pediatricians agree that when done properly and with sensitivity, sleep training is safe and effective. It's important to remember that every baby is different, and parents should consult their pediatrician to find the best approach for their family.
What is the earliest age you can sleep train a baby?
While formal sleep training usually begins around 4 to 6 months, you can start laying the groundwork for independent sleep with newborns. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine early on can help signal to your baby that it's time to sleep. Simple practices like swaddling, using white noise, and dimming the lights can create a calming environment. Encouraging self-soothing is also key; allowing your baby a few moments to fuss before intervening can help them learn to settle themselves. Additionally, differentiate day and night by keeping the environment bright and engaging during the day while making nighttime quieter and darker. These early habits can set a solid foundation for sleep independence as your baby grows, making the transition to more structured sleep training easier if the time comes. Of course, always consult with your pediatrician for tailored advice based on your baby's specific needs.
What does sleep training do for babies?
Sleep training is the way that a little one learns how to fall asleep on their own. For some, this means no longer needing to be fed to sleep. For others, it means no longer needing a parent to lay with them to fall asleep.
No matter what sleep prop (outside assistance) you are trying to remove, sleep training will help your baby learn to sleep independently.
Once sleep trained, your child will have the skills they need to soothe themselves to sleep for daytime sleep and nighttime sleep.
This new skill allows them to get the quality sleep they need because their sleep is less disrupted by searching for, crying for or waking for their previous sleep props.
Sleep training also helps to increase the quantity of sleep (for both days and nights) because once a child has the skill to fall asleep, they fall asleep more quickly and with less stress than not having the skill. Less time getting to sleep means more time sleeping.
This is great news for the little one and also for their caregivers – reclaiming rest is a win-win for everyone!
Are baby sleep trainers worth it?
Yes! Sleep consultants can be very helpful, especially if you’re struggling with sleep issues like your child waking multiple times at night or if you're trying to establish healthy sleep habits for your child. A sleep consultant provides personalized strategies, a plan, and support, which can be extremely beneficial.
When you hire a Sleeper Teachers baby sleep trainer, you work one-on-one to get a customized sleep plan and daily support for your family. You will have a step-by-step plan to guide you on how to implement the changes to teach your child the skill of independent sleep. When you are up in the middle of the night, you won’t need to search for answers online or second guess your decision because you will have a specific plan that has been made for your family. Your Sleeper Teachers consultant will be there alongside you to troubleshoot, answer your questions, and celebrate your successes!
But don’t take my word for it, here’s a recent review from a parent:
“To say that our work with the Sleeper Teachers (specifically Amanda) was life-changing is not an exaggeration or overstatement.
As first-time parents, we did tons of research and took several classes during pregnancy to be as prepared as possible. However, our newborn son's initial challenges with sleep hit us like a ton of bricks and created a lot of anxiety for us. We tried everything and read every article we could find, and he seemingly would not sleep. It was very frustrating and more importantly we were concerned about his sleep-deprived development and our sleep-deprived sanity.
After a friendly and informative discovery process, we elected to have a personalized plan created for our son along with two weeks of support. Much to our astonishment, he slept for 11+ hours overnight on night two. We couldn't believe it. Amanda provided clarity, consistency, responsiveness, and adaptability as we worked with her.
We are now a couple weeks past the consultative period and have been able to maintain his sleep schedule in an effective manner. We would recommend this program to anyone in need of support with their newborn. It is easy-to-understand and science-based. If we have another child in the future, we will work with Amanda from day one. Worth every penny.”
Michael, Dad of 14 week old