In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Dana Obleman, creator of the Sleep Sense program and founder of the Sleep Sense Certification, where she trains sleep consultants worldwide. Dana has been a pioneer in the field of infant and toddler sleep for more than two decades, helping families find rest through practical, age-appropriate strategies.
Together, they explore how sleep and feeding are deeply intertwined, why parents often struggle to discern hunger cues from fatigue, and how small changes can set families on the path to better rest. Dana shares her own journey into this work—born out of exhaustion and necessity with her first child—and explains the philosophy behind Sleep Sense, which emphasizes teaching babies healthy, independent sleep habits while still respecting their needs.
Dana’s Journey into Sleep Work
Dana shares how:
- Her own struggles with her first baby’s sleep sparked a passion for finding solutions.
- Research and trial led her to see how independent sleep skills transformed not only her child’s rest, but his temperament.
- Spreading this knowledge became a mission to fill a missing piece in parenting support.
The Sleep Sense Philosophy
They discuss:
- Why waking at night is normal—but needing parental rescue every time is not.
- How guiding babies early helps them develop lifelong healthy sleep patterns.
- Why a positive relationship with sleep is essential for both children and families.
Supporting Breastfeeding Families
Dana explains:
- How sleep guidance complements breastfeeding and avoids “cry it out” approaches for newborns.
- Why discerning hunger vs. fatigue is one of the hardest skills for new parents—and how to pause and assess before assuming hunger.
- The importance of bedtime routines and how introducing a bottle at the right time can empower families while protecting breastfeeding.
Sleep Challenges and Solutions
They explore:
- Why common sleep struggles aren’t necessarily “normal”—and how to spot when help is needed.
- Why older babies and toddlers who aren’t sleeping well benefit from structured, age-appropriate approaches.
- The balance between teaching skills and respecting family values around sleep.
Sleep Sense Certification and Education
Dana shares:
- How the Sleep Sense Certification trains consultants with mentorship, practicums, and global community support.
- Why sleep coaching is a natural complement to other perinatal roles like lactation consultants, doulas, and therapists.
- A new education course designed specifically for IBCLCs who want foundational knowledge about newborn sleep without becoming certified coaches.
Guest Info
Dana Obleman
🌐 Website: sleepsense.net
📸 Instagram: @sleepsense
Free resource: 7 Best Sleep Tips for Lactation Consultants http://sleepsense.net/lactation
Connect with Margaret
📧 Email: hello@margaretsalty.com
📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty
📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty
🎙 Hosted by: Margaret Salty
🎧 Guest: Dana Obleman
🎵 Music by: The Magnifiers, My Time Traveling...
