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Writer's pictureClara O'Rourke

#65: How to Gently Build Healthy Sleep Habits With Your Baby - with Marisa Rodriguez

Updated: Nov 21


Newborn and sleep specialist Marisa Rodriquez shares strategies to promote healthy sleep habits. 


In this episode, we dive into the following:

  • Gentle ways to build healthy sleep patterns with your baby

  • Mindfulness techniques that promote newborn development and sleep

  • Common mistakes that can negatively affect baby’s sleep patterns

  • Tips for how to balance your sleep with newborn sleep


Listen to the episode now:



Parenthood, especially in the early stages, often revolves around one precious—and often elusive—thing: sleep. In this episode of The Mindful Womb podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Marisa Rodriguez, founder of Luxe Baby Custom Newborn Care and a seasoned sleep consultant. Marisa shared her gentle, baby-led approach to establishing healthy sleep habits that respect both the baby’s developmental needs and the unique dynamics of each family.


Marisa recommends to help new parents navigate sleep with mindfulness, patience, and ease.


Start Early, Start Gentle: Healthy Sleep Habits for Newborns

Contrary to common advice, you don’t need to wait until your baby is six months old to begin nurturing healthy sleep habits. According to Marisa, gentle sleep conditioning can begin right from the start. The focus isn’t on rigid schedules or strict methods but on making small adjustments that respect your baby’s natural rhythms.


Instead of waiting for sleep training later, try creating an environment that soothes your newborn by following cues for rest and using calming tools like swaddling, white noise, and dimmed lighting. These adjustments mimic the womb’s familiar comfort, helping your baby transition to sleeping longer stretches naturally.


Ditch the Cry-It-Out Approach for a Mindful, Baby-Led Method

One of Marisa’s most insightful points was around the outdated “cry-it-out” method. Historically, many families were told to let their babies cry to teach self-soothing. Marisa advocates for a more compassionate, baby-led method that respects each baby’s developmental readiness.


Pay attention to cues rather than relying on an “all-or-nothing” sleep approach. With mindful observation, you can identify when your baby is overtired, hungry, or needs comforting, allowing you to meet those needs before sleep troubles escalate.


Respect Your Baby's Sleep as You Would Your Own

In our busy lives, it’s common for visitors or even parents to interrupt a baby’s rest without realizing the impact. Marisa explains that babies, just like adults, need uninterrupted, peaceful sleep. Simple acts like refraining from passing around a sleeping baby or being mindful of noise can make a huge difference.


Just as you’d prefer not to be woken up repeatedly, your baby also benefits from uninterrupted rest. Establish a calm environment and communicate clear boundaries to visitors about respecting sleep times.


Personalized Care for Unique Needs: No One-Size-Fits-All

Each baby is unique, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to sleep. Marisa’s work with families emphasizes customized support, helping parents tune into their baby's rhythms and needs. Through a personalized sleep plan, parents can create routines that suit both the baby’s developmental stage and the family’s lifestyle.


Embrace flexibility and patience. Rather than trying to conform to standard sleep advice, observe your baby closely and feel empowered to adapt sleep routines as you learn what works best for them.


Mindfulness as the Foundation for Restful Sleep

Mindfulness isn’t only for adults; it can also support infant care. Marisa encourages parents to use a calm, grounded approach when responding to their baby’s cues.


Babies are naturally attuned to their parents’ emotional state, so by staying mindful and regulated, you can create a more peaceful environment for your child.


Put away distractions and be fully present during key moments like feeding or comforting your baby. Speaking in a soothing voice and making eye contact helps create a secure attachment and supports emotional regulation.


Prioritize Self-Care to Stay Balanced

Marisa’s tips on self-care resonated strongly throughout our discussion. She highlighted that sleep deprivation and stress are common for new parents, yet essential to address. Something as simple as prioritizing hydration, eating nutrient-rich foods, and finding small moments to rest can help you manage sleep deprivation more effectively.


Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. By keeping yourself nourished and calm, you’re better equipped to show up for your baby and support their development and sleep health.


A Balanced, Supportive Approach to Newborn Sleep

Parenthood, especially with a newborn, doesn’t come with a manual, and the pressures of getting everything "right" can be overwhelming. Marisa’s approach emphasizes trusting your intuition, giving yourself grace, and seeking support when needed.


Building healthy sleep habits is a journey, and, as she says, "Sometimes it’s just a matter of little tweaks that can lead to a big difference."


Resources for Support: For parents looking for further guidance, Marisa offers a 24/7 support hotline and personalized coaching sessions, providing new parents with actionable support, tailored sleep plans, and expert advice.


As you help your newborn establish healthy sleep habits, remember to be patient and trust in your ability to respond to your baby’s unique needs. This journey is about learning and adapting together, not perfection. Embrace small wins, give yourself grace, and know that each day you’re strengthening your bond with your baby and fostering a foundation for peaceful sleep.


For more support, explore Marisa’s resources and listen to our full conversation on The Mindful Womb podcast. Whether you’re a first-time parent or navigating sleep with multiple children, there’s a wealth of gentle, effective tips to help your family find a sleep routine that feels right.


 

Thank You for Listening

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Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support!


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