About Emma Gawne
Holistic Baby & Toddler Sleep Consultant
My Approach
Using my extensive knowledge of sleep science and what is developmentally appropriate for your baby, I help identify patterns, behaviours and external factors that may be contributing to baby sleep problems. I then work with you to develop a tailored plan, including practical tools and techniques focused on improving sleep routines for your baby, which will benefit the whole family.
Gentle, Holistic Framework
My approach is gentle, child-led, and grounded in an understanding of developmental science. I work holistically, which means I do not consider sleep in isolation. Instead, I look at the full picture: the emotional, psychological, physical, biological, and nutritional factors that shape how your baby sleeps.
Will my baby cry?
I do not use any methods involving controlled crying or rapid return. There are no quick fixes here, only evidence-based, individually considered support. I am here to provide an alternative to the mainstream cry-it-out or controlled crying narrative.
All Babies Are Individual
Very rarely is there a single reason why a baby struggles to sleep. That is why I always work towards a bespoke plan that accounts for your little one’s physical, psychological, emotional, and relational needs, and also fits around the realities of your family’s life.
Integrative Care & Specialist Referrals
When I work with families, I consider the whole child, which sometimes means identifying factors that sit outside the scope of sleep coaching alone.
Where I believe a family would benefit from specialist input, I will say so clearly and refer accordingly. I work closely with a network of trusted specialists including lactation consultants, nutritional therapists, osteopaths and other practitioners, to ensure that you receive joined-up care rather than a single-strand solution.
If, at any point, I feel that your baby’s sleep difficulties are connected to something I am not qualified to address, such as reflux, allergies, or a medical concern, I'll help you get the right support.
Sometimes improving sleep means first addressing an underlying issue you didn't even know was there.
"We were at a real low point with sleep and everything that was suggested really empowered us in our parenting. It’s as if deep down we already knew it but we needed someone else to say it’s ok to try this/do this. Emma went above and beyond for us with the service she provided."
Roseanne, mum to Jacob 11 months
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
I am a firm believer in evidence-based sleep coaching, and I have trained extensively across recognised programmes. Continuing professional development is a commitment I take seriously, I add to my clinical knowledge every year.
I have trained with:
- The Holistic Sleep Coaching Programme
- The MNT (Maternity Nurse Training)
- The IMPI (International Maternity and Parenting Institute)
Professional memberships:
- Member, Association of Birth and Baby Professionals
- Member, IACSC (International Association of Child Sleep Consultants)
IACSC membership requires a demonstrable level of qualification and experience. If you are evaluating sleep consultants, I would encourage you to look for this credential as a baseline standard.
A Bit About Me
Becoming a mother set me on an entirely different trajectory. Sleep did not come easily to my eldest, and in the process of learning all I could to help him, I realised that the science of sleep fascinated me, and that parents could be really helped, if we were only better informed about the physiology behind our babies needs.
I am Experienced
I went on to study comprehensively and have worked with hundreds of families over the years, helping to create the conditions for better sleep. I am a mum to two children myself, and I have first-hand experience of applying gentle, holistic techniques within my own family.
I hold a strong conviction that parents already hold the key to their baby’s needs. What I offer is the knowledge, structure, and confidence to help you use it.
Sleep is never just about the baby. I care just as much about parents getting the rest and recovery they need — because that matters too.
"Emma is so kind, supportive and always looking for what works well for the whole family. The plans she gives are so gentle, gradual, very informative and made me think about the whole sleeping process from a different perspective. ”
Aya Mum to Nadia ( 18 months) – Kingston
What You Can Expect
Can I guarantee it will work? How long until you see improvements?
I want to be straightforward with you about what you can reasonably expect.
My methods are tried, tested, and well-evidenced.
The majority of families I work with see meaningful improvement within ten days to two weeks when they are able to engage consistently. Many see changes sooner. For some, it takes longer.
I am not in a position to guarantee a specific outcome for every family. Sleep is complex, children are individuals, and results vary. What I can promise is this:
- I will not suggest we work together unless I genuinely believe I can help improve your situation.
Before we begin, I will help you identify anything that might affect your plan including reflux, allergies, weight, or illness. - If I encounter something outside my scope, I will tell you honestly and refer you to someone who can help.
- I will never recommend leaving your baby to cry without support.
How to choose a Baby Sleep Consultant
While the sleep consultant industry is not yet regulated in the UK, it is important to do your research and seek out the right consultant for you. I advise you to:
- Check your practitioner has appropriate qualifications - ideally you need a member of the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants - to be a member you must have a certain level of qualifications and experience.
- Be sure they are experienced, is there proof of other families positive experience?
- Check that you connect with your consultant and believe in their process.
- Remember that all children are different, all families are different, and find someone you trust to apply their knowledge as it fits with your family situation.
Please continue to read my blog posts, testimonials and case studies, if you feel that my work resonates with you, do contact me for a free 15 minute call to discuss your needs.