Ep 192. Why Baby Sleep Advice Often Fails Mums (and What the Research Really Says)

If you’ve ever been told your baby is “broken” because they don’t sleep through the night, you’re not alone. So many mums feel pressured by rigid schedules, conflicting advice, and the constant comparison game. But here’s the truth: babies aren’t meant to sleep like adults, and understanding their natural biology can make a world of difference for both you and your little one.

In this episode, Dr Renee White sits down with Professor Helen L. Ball, Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre. Helen has spent decades researching infant sleep and is the founder of the Baby Sleep Information Source (BASIS). Her work bridges the gap between science and parenting, offering evidence-based guidance that supports both parents and health professionals.

Together, Renee and Helen explore the realities of baby sleep, challenge outdated myths, and share practical ways you can feel more confident (and more rested).

You’ll hear about:

• The origins of strict baby sleep schedules – and why they don’t align with infant biology.
• Safe bedsharing and breastfeeding – what the research actually shows.
• Swaddling myths – how it impacts arousal, feeding, and safety.
• Recognising when sleep struggles might signal something else – and when to seek help.
• Practical strategies you can try tonight to harmonise your rest with your baby’s natural rhythms.

Whether you’re a first-time mum trying to navigate newborn nights or a parent feeling burnt out by sleep advice that just doesn’t work for your family, this conversation is here to bring you clarity, reassurance, and some much-needed perspective. You’re not doing it wrong. Your baby isn’t broken. And you are most certainly not alone.

✨ Subscribe, share with a friend, and remember: the more we spread evidence-based knowledge, the more we can support every mum to feel confident and cared for.

Resources and Links:

📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services

🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies

Learn more about Professor Helen L. Ball’s work:

• Website: BASIS – Baby Sleep Information Source
• Website: How Babies Sleep
• Instagram: @basis_babysleepinfosource
• Facebook: Baby Sleep Information Source

If this episode reassured you or shifted how you think about baby sleep, pass it on to another mum who might need it.

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