Liza Kaplan Montanino shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Liza, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A combination of calls and chaos! Every day is different–which I love–so “normal” is typically a mix of things: video calls (supporting existing clients, consults with prospective clients, meetings/networking with other perinatal professionals), teaching or guest speaking within a postpartum support group, or writing sleep plans for families!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I am a double-certified pediatric and special needs sleep consultant, as well as a certified autism and anxiety sleep specialist, and cofounder of the Westchester Mama & Child Wellness Expo. I’m also the sleep expert for New Mom School (Westport), Take a MOMent, Auggie, and The Indy Lab.
In addition to working with families 1:1, I am very fortunate to lead workshops, webinars, trainings, and group seminars on the importance of sleep quality and how to improve sleep struggles, presenting to parents, clinicians, schools, and postpartum support networks nationwide, including Queens College, Postpartum Support International, The Motherhood Center, Westchester Psychological Association, Midwives of New Jersey, and others. I am super passionate about working to disrupt the narrative that equates parenthood with sleep deprivation by educating parents on the important connection between sleep and maternal mental health, and I proudly support neurotypical and special needs families on their journey toward continuous, more restorative sleep so that both children and their parents are better positioned to thrive!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I was very aware of the labels and boxes that society would assign to a person–“smart,” “pretty,” “talented,” “nice,” etc. I was told I was bossy, and I think it gave me permission to be loud and take charge, but it also impacted how I saw others, and the labels I would assign to my peers. It also made me feel limited in what kind of challenges I should take on. Now I believe a person can be many different things; you can be both strong and kind; outspoken and introspective; empathetic and authoritative.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are stronger than you believe, and the first path you choose is just that–one path of many!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The value of teaching independent sleep via sleep training. Sleep training is often misunderstood and misspoken of as traumatizing, neglectful, leaving your baby to cry, unnatural, etc. I wish more people understood that sleep training is the actually the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep, and fall back asleep, on their own, and that there are various approaches to getting there because sleep is a skill that we teach/learn! Just like teaching a child to ride a bike, tie their shoes, zip their coat, it’s only through consistency, time, practice, repetition, and opportunity that we master a skill and go from struggle to confidence.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
When I have no new texts and I’m lying in bed reading. Reading is my regulation and therapy. Fiction, nonfiction, memoir, mystery, everything except high fantasy. Give me all the books!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rockabyebabysleep.com
- Instagram: @liza_rockabyebabysleep
- Facebook: Liza Kaplan Montanino
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