Interesting nonetheless! I think time shushing, stroking, singing and rocking is obviously not going to be wasted. It’s a short time period relatively and moms are always going to wonder if they could have done more or differently to help their kids be their best anyway – so it can’t hurt.

Studies like Rocky Sleep were designed for families for whom the sleep patterns become pathological and affect the family in ways they aren’t able to cope with. Wendy’s told me stories about some of the families she’s helped (anonymously of course!) in her nursing practice and it sounds like there are some families out there whose lives are totally derailed by the inability to get their kid to sleep. I know that Wendy went into this research area partly because she found that sleeplessness and anxiety were some of the most common post-partum issues BC moms were having trouble with. Wendy continues to get calls from women all over the province who feel desperate in their search for ways to help their kids sleep. The fact that you feel so strongly about it and are comfortable with your method seems to indicate that you are happy with how things are going.

Speaking as a researcher – it’s always hard to get people to be the control group. I know it was a pain but I know that Wendy’s research group really appreciates your contribution!