If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to night wean… or hoped it would finally fix your baby’s night wakings… this episode is for you.
In this Q&A episode of The Postpartum Prep Podcast, I’m joined by Rachael Shepard-Ohta of Hey Sleepy Baby to answer real questions from parents about night weaning, night waking, and how to know what’s actually normal when it comes to baby sleep.
We dive into the nuance that’s often missing from mainstream sleep advice - so you can make intentional, informed choices that support both your baby and your wellbeing.
Inside this episode, we explore:
Whether night weaning is ever necessary (and when it might be)
Why some babies naturally drop night feeds - and others don’t
The truth about night weaning and whether it actually stops night waking
What to consider before weaning (especially under 12 months)
How night feeding connects to attachment, regulation, and daytime separation
What to do if your baby keeps waking after night weaning
How to know if frequent waking is a normal phase, or a potential red flag
Signs that could point to underlying sleep challenges (like discomfort, breathing issues, or developmental changes)
Rachael also shares her perspective as both a mom of three and the voice behind Hey Sleepy Baby, including how different every child, and every night weaning journey, can be.
This conversation is especially helpful if you’re feeling:
Confused by conflicting sleep advice
Pressured to night wean before you’re ready
Exhausted and wondering what your options are
Unsure whether your baby’s sleep is “normal”
You’ll walk away with a more grounded, compassionate understanding of baby sleep - and permission to approach night weaning as a relationship, not a rule.
🎧 Be sure to also listen to Rachael's full episode on how much sleep babies actually need and what’s considered normal.
Episode 35: How Much Sleep Do Babies Really Need?
Hey Sleepy Baby links
Postpartum Prep Podcast
Free Postpartum Prep Checklist
Instagram
Pinterest
Tip Jar
https://motherbabywellbeing.com/
Get 10% off nursing bras, breastfeeding clothes, and more from The Little Milk Bar with code MOTHERBABYWELLBEING