If you’ve ever found yourself pacing the hallway with a crying baby at midnight, wondering if you’re the only mom who can’t figure out sleep training… take a deep breath. You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong.

Sleep is one of the most searched topics by new moms, and for good reason. It’s not just about the baby finally sleeping through the night (though that does sound like a dream, doesn’t it?). It’s about your ability to function, to feel like yourself again, and to have the energy to show up for your family—and maybe even that business you’re trying to build during nap time.

In the latest episode of the Self StartHER podcast, I sat down with Natalie Zaun, a pediatric sleep consultant and fellow mom who knows firsthand how hard it is to parent while running on empty. But what makes Natalie’s story so powerful is how she turned her own sleep struggles into a thriving business that now helps families all over the country.

The Problem with How We Talk About Sleep Training

There’s no shortage of advice on sleep training—books, blogs, Facebook groups, that one mom from music class who swears by a specific method. But here’s the problem: so much of that advice assumes all kids are the same.

Spoiler alert: they’re not.

Natalie shared how she tried following the standard methods and quickly realized that what worked for one family didn’t necessarily work for hers. That realization not only changed her approach as a mom, but inspired her to become a certified pediatric sleep consultant—one who leads with empathy, not a checklist.

In our conversation, we talk about:

• Why sleep training should be personalized (because your baby isn’t a robot)
• How to decide when it’s time to make a change
• What you really need to know before you start
• And why it’s never too late to establish better sleep habits (yes, even if your toddler is still waking at 3 a.m.)

From Musical Theater to Mom Life to Business Owner

Before Natalie was helping other families sleep better, she was performing in musical theater. Her pivot into sleep consulting wasn’t something she planned—it grew out of necessity, frustration, and ultimately, passion. Like many Self StartHERs, Natalie didn’t wait until everything was “perfect” to start—she just got honest about what she needed, followed her curiosity, and found a way to build a business while raising her kids.

Sound familiar?

That’s the beauty of this episode. It’s not just about sleep—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and realizing that your own struggle might just be the thing someone else needs support in, too.

What Sleep Deprivation Steals from Moms

Let’s be real. Lack of sleep doesn’t just make you tired—it messes with your mood, your hormones, your ability to think clearly, your relationships, and yes, your business goals. Natalie and I talked about how moms are often told to “power through” or “just enjoy the newborn stage,” but that kind of advice ignores the reality that chronic sleep deprivation is a major barrier to showing up as your best self.

Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a basic need. And getting help to make it happen isn’t selfish. It’s strategic.

A New Way to Look at Sleep Training

If sleep training has ever felt rigid, confusing, or like something you should be doing but dread even thinking about, this episode is going to feel like a big exhale. Natalie’s approach is rooted in compassion, flexibility, and real-life parenting—not perfection.

You don’t need to do it all alone. You don’t need to follow a one-size-fits-all plan. You just need support, some clarity, and permission to try something different.

Key Takeaways from This Episode on Sleep Training:

• Sleep training isn’t about doing it “right”—it’s about doing what’s right for your family
• Every child is different. That means sleep plans should be too
• It’s never too late to build better sleep habits
• Self-care and sleep go hand in hand (for you and your kids!)
• You can build a business and help your family thrive—but not if you’re running on fumes

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Failing—You’re Figuring It Out

Sleep training doesn’t have to mean letting your baby cry alone for hours or giving up your instincts. With the right support and approach, it can be the exact thing that gives everyone in your home a little more rest, peace, and predictability.

If you’re a mom trying to grow something for yourself (a business, a dream, a side hustle) while also figuring out how to get your baby to nap without losing your mind—this conversation is for you.

Because we’re not meant to do any of this alone.

Learn more about Natalie and sleep training:

Visit Natalie’s Website

Follow Natalie on Instagram @nataliezaun

Looking to hire Natalie? Use code: NatalieZ for 10% off full paid package

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