Ep 5: Ash, Reflux, Colic, 45-Minute Wakes & Sleep Training

Ash is a writer, mum to Archie and the voice behind You Wanted This, a platform dedicated to validating the reality of modern motherhood.

In this episode of Awake at 3am, Ash shares her experience of raising a highly unsettled baby whilst navigating reflux, colic, frequent night waking, 45-minute wake cycles and the relentless sleep deprivation that so many parents are told is simply part of having a baby.

Like countless exhausted mums, Ash found herself trapped in a cycle of broken sleep, constant settling and second-guessing every decision she was making. As the sleep deprivation mounted, so did the pressure, the guilt and the feeling that everyone else seemed to be coping better than she was.

We talk openly about infant reflux, colic, catnapping, short naps, sleep training, baby sleep and the emotional reality of trying different approaches when you're already exhausted. We also explore the complicated emotions that can come with motherhood, including identity shifts, mum guilt, returning to work and the tension between deeply loving your child whilst still finding motherhood incredibly hard.

This is a conversation about maternal mental health, trusting your instincts, surviving sleep deprivation and the relief that comes from realising you're not failing, you're simply human.

In this episode we discuss:

• Infant reflux and baby reflux

• Colic and unsettled babies

• 45-minute wake cycles and short naps

• Frequent night waking

• Sleep deprivation and exhausted mums

• Sleep training and infant sleep

• Baby sleep and catnapping

• Returning to work after maternity leave

• Mum guilt and maternal mental health

• Identity after motherhood

• Trusting your instincts as a parent

• Finding a path that works for your family

If you've ever searched for answers about reflux, colic, baby sleep, infant sleep, sleep deprivation, sleep training, frequent night waking, short naps, catnapping, maternal mental health or mum guilt, this episode is for you.

You can find more from Ash at @youwanted.this

Follow @awakeat3am.podcast and @sophiassleepschool for more honest conversations about motherhood, sleep and survival.